Totem Pole Cactus

Totem Pole Cactus Care

Pachycereus Schottii

Other names: Senita Cactus

What is the plant

The Senita Cactus is a member of the family Cactaceae, which consists of succulent, spiny plants of dry areas including herbs, shrubs, a few small trees, epiphytes, and vines. Cactus family plants may be herbaceous or woody, with enlarged, cylindrical or flattened stems, often jointed, and with many clustered spines and hairs spreading from a center. There are about 1800 species in tropical and warm temperate America, especially dry regions.

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Humidity

High

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

-16°C - -6°C

Hardiness zone

9 - 11

Difficulty

Medium

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Water deeply, but infrequently, and allow the soil to completely dry out before adding moisture. Fertilize monthly with a good cacti food. The plant can be brought outdoors in summer but must come back in before any cold temperatures threaten
Pruning
Cut a 3- to 12-inch piece from the top of a totem pole cactus stem, or remove a branch in either spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing. Make an angled cut on the main stem, so water doesn't collect on the stump of the mother plant. Make a flat cut to remove a branch.
Fertilizer
Fertilize monthly with a good cacti food.

Disease diagnosis

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Soil
Freely draining soil
Temperature
Totem pole cacti thrive in warm temperatures and low humidity. They will thrive in temperatures above 70 ºF. In climates where the weather is consistently warm, they can be grown outdoors year-round. In cooler regions, place them in a sunny spot indoors when nighttime temperatures fall below 50 ºF.
Container
Unglazed containers are best for houseplants, as they allow evaporation of excess water.

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Additional
Although rare, the Totem Pole Cactus produces a red fruit with red pulp that is edible and non-toxic. The Pachycereus Schottii Monstrosus, also called 'Totem Pole Cactus', is a slow-growing columnar cactus that reaches up to 12ft (3.7m) tall when fully grown (even taller heights are possible). A short trunk at the base presents branched, tall stems that are smooth-skinned and light to medium green in color.
Popularity
76 people already have this plant 11 people have added this plant to their wishlists