The Totem Pole Cactus cuttings are an excellent way to propagate this unique and sculptural cactus, allowing enthusiasts to cultivate their own spineless, contorted specimens. The Totem Pole Cactus is a striking plant known for its smooth, bumpy surface, giving it an otherworldly look. Due to its fascinating shape and low-maintenance nature, these cuttings are highly sought after by collectors and succulent enthusiasts. They root easily and can grow into impressive specimens with proper care, making them an excellent choice for propagation.
Native to southern Arizona and northwestern Mexico, the Totem Pole Cactus has completely spineless, smooth-skinned stems. When fully mature, the Totem Pole Cactus can grow up to 20 feet tall. However, as cuttings, they start much smaller and take several years to reach significant heights. The slow growth rate makes it an ideal choice for both outdoor landscapes and container gardens where space may be limited.
Though the Totem Pole Cactus is primarily grown for its architectural appeal, it does produce flowers under the right conditions. Mature plants can develop pale pink or light lavender flowers that bloom at night, typically during the warmer months. The blooms are followed by small, fleshy fruits that contain seeds, though flowering is rare in cultivated plants, especially younger specimens or cuttings. According to ASPCA, the Totem Pole Cactus is considered non-toxic to humans and pets.
How do you care about your Totem Pole Cactus
- Light: The Totem Pole Cactus thrives in full sun and should receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If grown indoors, place it near a bright, south-facing window or supplement it with a grow light.
- Soil: A well-drained specialized cactus mix with added sand or perlite works best to prevent root rot.
- Watering: This cactus requires minimal watering. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. During winter dormancy, reduce watering significantly.
- Indoor Temperature: It prefers temperatures between 65-85°F. Protect from frost and avoid placing it near cold drafts.
- Outdoor USDA Zones: It is hardy in USDA zones 9-11. In colder climates, it should be grown in containers and brought indoors during freezing temperatures.
- Fertilizer: A diluted cactus NPK fertilizer can be applied once in spring to encourage healthy growth, but excessive feeding is unnecessary.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Totem Pole Cactus is an excellent choice for those looking for a low-maintenance, visually striking plant. Its sculptural, spineless form makes it stand out in any cactus collection or desert garden. Whether grown in a container or as part of a xeriscape landscape, this cactus is easy to care for and thrives in dry, sunny conditions.
Please visit our main product page to learn more about Totem Pole Cactus Care.
Bloom Season
Flower Color
Growth Rate
Hardiness Zone
Mature Size
Plant Type
Resistance
Sun Exposure
Watering Needs
| Bloom Season | Spring, summer |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Pachycereus schottii |
| Common Name | Totem Pole Cactus, Senita cactus, wisker cactus |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Flower Color | Plae pink |
| Genus | Pachycereus |
| Growth Habit | Columnar, trunkless stem |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Hardiness Zone | 9, 10, 11 |
| Mature Size | 8 ft. tall, 4 ft. wide (indoors) and 15 ft. tall, 15 ft. wide (outdoors) |
| Native Area | Mexico, Arizona |
| Plant Type | Cactus |
| Propagation | By stem cuttings |
| Resistance | Extremely drought-tolerant, deer resistance, heat resistant |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | Cactus potting mix soil |
| Special Features | Lime green stem, Berry fruits |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun (6+ hrs.), Partial shade (3–6 hrs. sun) |
| Toxicity | Safe for humans, friendly to dogs, friendly to cats |
| Watering Needs | Low |
Growers Quick Reference Guide - Key Features
| Bloom Season | Spring, summer |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Pachycereus schottii |
| Common Name | Totem Pole Cactus, Senita cactus, wisker cactus |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Flower Color | Plae pink |
| Genus | Pachycereus |
| Growth Habit | Columnar, trunkless stem |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Hardiness Zone | 9, 10, 11 |
| Mature Size | 8 ft. tall, 4 ft. wide (indoors) and 15 ft. tall, 15 ft. wide (outdoors) |
| Native Area | Mexico, Arizona |
| Plant Type | Cactus |
| Propagation | By stem cuttings |
| Resistance | Extremely drought-tolerant, deer resistance, heat resistant |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | Cactus potting mix soil |
| Special Features | Lime green stem, Berry fruits |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun (6+ hrs.), Partial shade (3–6 hrs. sun) |
| Toxicity | Safe for humans, friendly to dogs, friendly to cats |
| Watering Needs | Low |
- Description
- Key Plant Features
The Totem Pole Cactus cuttings are an excellent way to propagate this unique and sculptural cactus, allowing enthusiasts to cultivate their own spineless, contorted specimens. The Totem Pole Cactus is a striking plant known for its smooth, bumpy surface, giving it an otherworldly look. Due to its fascinating shape and low-maintenance nature, these cuttings are highly sought after by collectors and succulent enthusiasts. They root easily and can grow into impressive specimens with proper care, making them an excellent choice for propagation.
Native to southern Arizona and northwestern Mexico, the Totem Pole Cactus has completely spineless, smooth-skinned stems. When fully mature, the Totem Pole Cactus can grow up to 20 feet tall. However, as cuttings, they start much smaller and take several years to reach significant heights. The slow growth rate makes it an ideal choice for both outdoor landscapes and container gardens where space may be limited.
Though the Totem Pole Cactus is primarily grown for its architectural appeal, it does produce flowers under the right conditions. Mature plants can develop pale pink or light lavender flowers that bloom at night, typically during the warmer months. The blooms are followed by small, fleshy fruits that contain seeds, though flowering is rare in cultivated plants, especially younger specimens or cuttings. According to ASPCA, the Totem Pole Cactus is considered non-toxic to humans and pets.
How do you care about your Totem Pole Cactus
- Light: The Totem Pole Cactus thrives in full sun and should receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If grown indoors, place it near a bright, south-facing window or supplement it with a grow light.
- Soil: A well-drained specialized cactus mix with added sand or perlite works best to prevent root rot.
- Watering: This cactus requires minimal watering. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. During winter dormancy, reduce watering significantly.
- Indoor Temperature: It prefers temperatures between 65-85°F. Protect from frost and avoid placing it near cold drafts.
- Outdoor USDA Zones: It is hardy in USDA zones 9-11. In colder climates, it should be grown in containers and brought indoors during freezing temperatures.
- Fertilizer: A diluted cactus NPK fertilizer can be applied once in spring to encourage healthy growth, but excessive feeding is unnecessary.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Totem Pole Cactus is an excellent choice for those looking for a low-maintenance, visually striking plant. Its sculptural, spineless form makes it stand out in any cactus collection or desert garden. Whether grown in a container or as part of a xeriscape landscape, this cactus is easy to care for and thrives in dry, sunny conditions.
Please visit our main product page to learn more about Totem Pole Cactus Care.
Bloom Season
Flower Color
Growth Rate
Hardiness Zone
Mature Size
Plant Type
Resistance
Sun Exposure
Watering Needs
| Bloom Season | Spring, summer |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Pachycereus schottii |
| Common Name | Totem Pole Cactus, Senita cactus, wisker cactus |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Flower Color | Plae pink |
| Genus | Pachycereus |
| Growth Habit | Columnar, trunkless stem |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Hardiness Zone | 9, 10, 11 |
| Mature Size | 8 ft. tall, 4 ft. wide (indoors) and 15 ft. tall, 15 ft. wide (outdoors) |
| Native Area | Mexico, Arizona |
| Plant Type | Cactus |
| Propagation | By stem cuttings |
| Resistance | Extremely drought-tolerant, deer resistance, heat resistant |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | Cactus potting mix soil |
| Special Features | Lime green stem, Berry fruits |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun (6+ hrs.), Partial shade (3–6 hrs. sun) |
| Toxicity | Safe for humans, friendly to dogs, friendly to cats |
| Watering Needs | Low |
Growers Quick Reference Guide - Key Features
| Bloom Season | Spring, summer |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Pachycereus schottii |
| Common Name | Totem Pole Cactus, Senita cactus, wisker cactus |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Flower Color | Plae pink |
| Genus | Pachycereus |
| Growth Habit | Columnar, trunkless stem |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Hardiness Zone | 9, 10, 11 |
| Mature Size | 8 ft. tall, 4 ft. wide (indoors) and 15 ft. tall, 15 ft. wide (outdoors) |
| Native Area | Mexico, Arizona |
| Plant Type | Cactus |
| Propagation | By stem cuttings |
| Resistance | Extremely drought-tolerant, deer resistance, heat resistant |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | Cactus potting mix soil |
| Special Features | Lime green stem, Berry fruits |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun (6+ hrs.), Partial shade (3–6 hrs. sun) |
| Toxicity | Safe for humans, friendly to dogs, friendly to cats |
| Watering Needs | Low |
