Totem Pole Cactus SpiralĀ Form – Cuttings.
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Spineless and quite unique, the technical full name of Totem Pole Cactus Spiral Form is Pachycereus schottii monstrose forma Spiralis (aka Totem Pole Cactus-Spiral Form). just Totem Pole Cactus-Spiral Form for short. Regular Pachycereus schottii is aĀ hard-to-find cactus that is native to the desert regions of mainland Mexico and the Baja California peninsula of Mexico. Small populations of this plant also occur in the most southern part of Arizona. The Totem Pole Cactus-Spiral Form is likely a nursery-produced cultivar.
Forms of Totem Pole Cactus That we Know About
Here are the three forms of the Totem pole Cactus we know about. (There could be others!).
- Skinny Form (Forma Mieckleyanus), skinny and tall.
- Fat Form (Forma Obesa), fat and club shaped.
- Spiral Form (Forma Spiralis), spiral growth.
An undemanding ornamental pole-shaped cactus that resembles a melting candle and has irregularly-shaped green stems with ribs with sparse areoles. Individual stems branch mostly at the base and occasionally branch higher along the stems. Growth is generally the vertical “Pole” shape. Young stems have a waxy bloom on their surface whereasĀ older growth sometimes develops an interesting silvery sheen. Mature stems can reach 6 inches in diameter. Also, this form has thinner stems and is somewhat faster growing than the Obesa form.
Flowers are small and quickly dry and fall off. We have never seen any fruit. It likes rich porous soil and can survive drought once a large colony of stems is established. This form differs from the regular monstrose form by having fewer tubercles and growing into a spiral shape. The Totem take temperatures slightly below freezing, but the growing tips should be protected.
Totem Pole Cactus Spiral Form makes a very interesting specimen cactus which works well in containers or larger planters that accent it.
Cultivation
Take cuttings of healthy shoots of Totem Pole Cactus-Spiral Form in spring and summer. Be extra careful to keep cuttings warm and dry ifĀ taken at other times of year. Cut with a clean sharp knife or saw.Ā Leave the totem pole cactus-skinny form cutting in a warm dry place until a callus forms over the wound. Once callused, the cutting should be potted up with cactus potting mix topped with a surface layer of coarse grit in which to place the cut end. This prevents theĀ cutting end from becoming too wet and allows the roots to penetrate the rich compost underneath in about 12 – 18 months.
Horticultural Data
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Names andĀ Synonyms: Pachycereus schottii var. monstrose, LophocereusĀ schottii var. monstrosus, Cereus schottii var.Ā monstrosus, Pilocereus schottii var. monstrosus,Ā Lophocereus schottii f. monstrose (there are moreĀ synonyms)
CommonĀ Names: Totem Pole Cactus
Family: Cactaceae
Origin: Nursery produced cultivar. Lophocereus schottiiĀ native to the desert regions of mainland MexicoĀ and the Baja California peninsula of Mexico withĀ small populations also occurring in the mostĀ southern part of Arizona.
Size Label: Unrooted Cuttings
Height: 10-12′
Width: 4-6′
ColdĀ Tolerance: 20 to 25Ā°F, -6.7 to -3.9Ā°C
HeatĀ Tolerance: Extreme heat tolerance
LightĀ Requirement: Full sun
WaterĀ needs: Very drought tolerant.
Maintenance: None
Uses: An interesting specimen cactus which works wellĀ in containers or larger planters that accent it. It canĀ also be planted in cactus and rock gardens inĀ warmer areas.
Propagation: Take cuttings of healthy shoots in spring andĀ summer by cutting the stem with a sterile knife justĀ above a bud or shoot. Leave the cutting in a warmĀ dry place until a callus forms over the wound.Ā Once callused, the cutting should be potted upĀ with cactus potting mix topped with a surface layerĀ of coarse grit in which to place the cut end. ThisĀ prevents the cut end from becoming too wet andĀ allows the roots to penetrate the rich compostĀ underneath in about 2 to 3 weeks.
Problems: Requires excellent drainage to prevent rot.
ResearchĀ Links:
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/59906/
http://www.cactus-art.biz/schede/LOPHOCEREUS/Lophocereus_schotii/Lophocereus_schotti_mostruosa_mieckleyanus/lophocereus_mieckleyanus_mostrousus.htm
http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Cactaceae/Pachycereus_schottii.html
Shipping & Availability
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There is a minimum purchase of any 4 plants for online orders. All plants shippedĀ bare root. Other sizes may be available for pick up from our growing grounds inĀ Fallbrook, CA. For more information, give us a call at 760-990-4762.
Click here forĀ complete Price List.
