Totem Pole Cactus

Pachycereus schottii is a columnar cactus native to the Sonoran Desert region. The University of Arizona Campus Arboretum lists “totem pole cactus” as a common name under P. schottii and marks monstrosus as a form and botanical synonym; it describes that form—not every plant identified only to species—as slow-growing, with waxy columns and irregular knobby swellings. [UA Campus Arboretum](https://apps.cals.arizona.edu/arboretum/taxon.aspx?id=74) ## Form and siting The arboretum distinguishes the monstrosus form from the straight species by its unusual stem growth and reduced areoles, and says it rarely flowers. For the form, it recommends full sun and notes that even partial shade can be unsuitable. ## Maintenance Use a porous, sandy or gravelly cactus mix with excellent drainage. Water depends on plant size and whether it is grown alone or in a group: the arboretum notes more frequent summer irrigation for solitary specimens and less for large aggregations. Protect plants during colder weather; the arboretum cites mature monstrosus plants tolerating temperatures down to about 20°F. [UA Campus Arboretum](https://apps.cals.arizona.edu/arboretum/taxon.aspx?id=74)