Totem pole cactus is a one-of-a-kind cactus that can make a real statement in your yard. Unlike other columnar cactus, it has lumps and knobs, but no thorns! Here’s how to care for this naturally-occurring mutation of a Sonoran Desert native.
Totem pole cactus (Pachycereus schottii f. monstrosus) is a weirdly spectacular columnar cactus — there’s nothing else quite like it!
It has no thorns and instead of growing as a straight column, its waxy green stems have irregular knobs and lumps. It reminds me of partially melted candles.
If it looks like a mutant — it’s because it is! Totem pole is a rare, but naturally occurring mutation of the senita cactus (Pachycereus schottii). Its unusual form makes it a highly desirable landscape plant.
Totem pole cactus is extremely undemanding. It can take intense desert heat and sun, and needs very little water — in its native habitat, it survives on less than five inches of rain per year. It requires no pruning and produces no litter.
Why I Like This Plant
- Unique cactus provides architectural interest
- Unusual form prized by cactus aficionados
- Unarmed! (no thorns, spines, or glochids)
- As maintenance-free as a plant can be
- Easy to propagate new plants
Things to Watch Out For
Don’t plant it near other plants that get regular irrigation. Like most cactus, it can develop root rot with too much water.
It’s borderline cold-tolerant, so it’s not the best choice for the coldest spot in your yard. When the temperature drops below 25℉, the column tips can suffer frost damage unless covered.
These cacti are very easy to propagate, which makes them susceptible to ne’er do wells who think it’s OK to help themselves to a piece. 😠
Unfortunately, this kind of thing happens in my neighborhood. If that’s a problem where you live, too, you might want to plant this where there’s no easy access.
Optimal Growing Conditions
If you’re thinking of adding a totem pole cactus to your garden, you need to find a suitable place that will keep your plant healthy and looking good… while minimizing maintenance for you.
Here are the key factors to keep in mind.
Temperature
Totem pole cactus should be grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 – 10. Cold rather than heat is a limiting factor of where it can be grown.
While totem poles can survive temperatures down to 18℉, when the temperature drops below 25℉, plant tips can experience frost damage. It’s not unusual to see column tips protected with paper bags, styrofoam cups, knit caps, or even Santa Claus hats in the winter here in Tucson.
Sun Exposure
Totem pole cactus prefer full sun and withstand the reflected heat of a hot wall. These plants tolerate some light shade, but generally do not do well in part shade.
Size and Growth Rate
Totem pole is a slow-to-moderate growing cactus. They normally reach a size of 15 feet tall by 10 feet wide, but can grow much larger, so give it plenty of room.
Soil
Totem pole cactus prefers rocky, gravelly, native desert soil, and it must be well-draining.
It can be grown in large containers. If you grow one in a container, be sure it has good drainage and use specifically formulated cactus soil.
Totem Pole Cactus:
The Essentials
| Common Name | Totem pole cactus |
| Scientific Name | Pachycereus schottii f. monstrosus |
| Origin | Baja Peninsula, Mexico |
| Plant Type | Columnar cactus |
| USDA Zones | Zones 9 – 10 |
| Cold Hardiness | To 18℉ |
| Flowers | Sterile, infrequent, inconspicuous |
| Mature Size | 15′ high x 10’ wide |
| Growth Rate | Slow to moderate |
| Sun Tolerance | Full sun, reflected sun |
| Water Needs | Very low |
| Pests & Diseases | Root rot if overwatered |
How to Plant
To plant totem pole or any other columnar cactus, dig a hole the same depth as the root system and 3 to 5 feet wider.
Amending the soil with compost or soil mix is not recommended.
However, good drainage is critical. If you know your soil is slow-draining, amend with coarse sand or small gravel until you have a loose, well-drained mix.
Carefully remove the plant from the container, put it in the hole, and press the soil to remove any air pockets.
Better nurseries will mark the pot so you know which direction your cactus has been facing. Plant it facing the same direction to avoid sunscald. Surprisingly, cactus can get sunburned!
Since totem poles are unarmed, they are much easier to plant than typical columnar cactus.
When to Plant
The best time to plant cactus is in the spring or early summer when warm soil temperatures encourage root development.
How to Care for Totem Pole Cactus
Whether you’ve recently planted a totem pole cactus or have an existing plant in your yard, here’s how to take care of it to keep it healthy and looking its best.
How to Water
You’re probably used to giving plants a good soaking immediately after transplanting, but that isn’t the best practice with cactus.
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum advises not to water succulents for one to two weeks after planting.
Totem pole requires very little water. Too much water can cause this cactus to rot. These plants will literally split open when overwatered.
Water no more than once a month, and once established, you shouldn’t have to water at all, except during extreme drought.
Should You Fertilize?
There is no need to fertilize totem pole cactus, they get all they need from the surrounding desert soil. But if you keep one in a pot, fertilize lightly a few times a year when it’s actively growing.
Pruning and Propagation
Totem pole cactus doesn’t need pruning unless you need to remove a damaged stem.
This plant is a sterile mutation. While it has inconspicuous flowers, they don’t provide viable seeds. In nature, this plant reproduces vegetatively. Stems and pieces naturally break off as the plant becomes top-heavy or suffers damage from frost, wind, or animals. The fallen pieces will root, forming a new plant.
It’s completely normal for this plant to lose stems. They evolved to multiply this way. So don’t be upset if this happens in your garden!
If you have to remove a stem or one breaks off, you can use that to grow a new plant by simply setting your cutting aside for about one week to let a callus form. Then stick the hardened end into cactus soil. After it roots, you can plant it in the ground. That’s all there is to it!
Totem Pole Cactus: A Rare Mutation
You may be curious about totem pole’s lengthy scientific name Pachycereus schottii f. monstrosus.
‘Monstrosus’ is a botanical term referring to naturally-occurring mutant growth formations that resemble a contorted, club-like shape in columnar cactus.
The “f.” means totem pole is a “form” of its parent plant Pachycereus schottii, commonly known as senita or whisker cactus.
Here’s a picture of a senita. As you can see, it looks like a “normal” cactus… because it is!
Totem pole is a mutation of this plant and is rare in nature. While senita grows in Sonora and Baja, Mexico, and in southwest Arizona, totem pole has a very limited range and only grows in one small area on the Baja Peninsula.
Have you grown this plant?
Was it a “hit” or a “miss” in your garden?
Please share your experience in the comments below!
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Author Bio
Deane Alban is the creator of Southwest Gardener. She is a science writer with a bachelor’s degree in botany from the University of South Florida. Gardening is her lifelong passion. She’s been gardening in Tucson for 15 years.
