Alphabetical Plant Listing

Pachycereus schottii f. monstrosus (Totem Pole Cactus)

Totem Cactus, Totem Pole Cactus, Totem Pole, Monstrous Whisker Cactus, Lophocereus schottii f. monstrosus


Exceptionally sculptural, Pachycereus schottii f. monstrosus (Totem Pole Cactus) is a slow-growing columnar cactus forming numerous tall, columnar stems which branch at the base in a candelabra-like arrangement. Up to 5 in. wide (12 cm), each smooth, waxy lime-green stem features irregularly shaped ribs with small bumps along the stems, and few (if any) spines or bristles. In spring, pale pink flowers, unpleasantly fragrant, open at dusk and close up by mid morning. They are followed by edible, egg-shaped, strawberry-red fruits. Adding long-lasting beauty to the landscape, Totem Pole Cactus tolerates extreme sun and heat, but not extended periods of frost. Perfect for cactus gardens, decorative containers, Totem Pole Cactus looks stunning when planted against a tall colored wall.

  • Grows up to 10-12 ft. tall (300-360 cm).
  • Easily grown in rich, porous, sandy soil in full sun. Let the soil dry out before watering again. Totem Cactus will tolerate severe drought if it has a large colony of stems.
  • Great for desert gardens, rock gardens, succulent gardens or Mediterranean gardens.
  • Deer resistant.
  • Propagate by seed or stem cuttings.
  • Virtually pest and disease free. Susceptible to fungal diseases if over-watered.
  • Native to the desert regions of mainland Mexico and the Baja California peninsula of Mexico. Small populations also occur in the extreme south of Arizona.

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Requirements

Hardiness 9 – 10
Plant Type Cactus - Succulents
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 10' – 12' (3m – 3.6m)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, Southwest, Arizona
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden

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c) Gerhard Bock, SucculentsandMore.com

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 9 – 10
Plant Type Cactus - Succulents
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 10' – 12' (3m – 3.6m)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, Southwest, Arizona
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden

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