Totem Pole Cactus

The Totem Pole Cactus, scientifically known as Lophocereus schottii forma monstrosus (a monstrose form of Lophocereus schottii), is a highly distinctive and unique columnar cactus cherished for its unusual, knobby, and spineless growth habit. This fascinating long-lived perennial is believed to have originated as a spontaneous mutation of the Senita Cactus (Lophocereus schottii) in the Sonoran Desert, particularly in Baja California, Mexico, and southwestern Arizona. It thrives in hot, arid conditions and well-drained, often rocky or sandy soils, preferring intense sun. As a slow-growing but exceptionally resilient plant, the Totem Pole Cactus can live for many decades, potentially 50 years or more, forming striking, sculptural specimens.

Its most defining characteristic is its thick, cylindrical, and highly irregular stems that are typically deep green to bluish-green. Unlike most cacti, its stems are almost entirely spineless, but instead, they are covered in distinctive, raised, knobby protuberances or “crests” that develop randomly along its surface. This unique, bumpy texture gives it the appearance of a carved totem pole, hence its common name. The stems grow upright, usually reaching heights of 10-15 feet in cultivation, though they can grow taller in ideal conditions. They typically branch from the base, forming multiple columns that create a dense, architectural cluster. While primarily grown for its unique form and texture, mature Totem Pole Cacti may occasionally produce small, inconspicuous, greenish-white to pinkish flowers that bloom at night near the growing tips, typically in summer. These flowers are rarely seen and are often overshadowed by the plant’s remarkable stem structure. The Totem Pole Cactus is an excellent choice for modern landscapes, xeriscapes, large containers, and as a dramatic focal point in desert gardens, particularly well-suited to the warm, dry climate of Phoenix, Arizona, where its unusual appearance and low maintenance requirements make it a highly valued specimen.