Pachycereus schottii f. monstrosus (Totem Pole Cactus)

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, this desert plant 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.