Totem Pole Cactus Cutting, Lophocereus shottii Obesa | Unrooted – CactusWarehouse
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Totem Pole Cactus Cutting Lophocereus shottii Obesa

  • Hand-picked cactus icon Hand-picked, packed, and shipped on Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays
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$67.96
Size Options

This listing is for an unrooted cutting. Prefer a plant with an established root system? Shop the bare root version

What is the difference between a cutting and a rooted plant?

Plant facts

SunlightFull sun to partial shade
WaterLow water. Only when soil is fully dry
USDA zones9, 10, 11, hardy to about 20F
Care levelEasy Care
Mature size10-15 ft tall outdoors, up to 8 ft indoors
Time to mature20+ years, grows 3-6 inches per year
PetsNon-toxic to pets
LivesIndoors or outdoors
Ships asUnrooted cutting, no pot or soil
What to expect in the box

Your cutting is hand-picked from a healthy mother plant, wrapped in protective kraft paper, and shipped on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. It arrives without a pot or soil.

The base will look dry or calloused. That is exactly what you want: a cutting needs a sealed, dry base before it can root. Minor scars or pitting on the skin are normal for hardgrown cacti and are not damage.

Cacti can look slightly dull after a few days in a dark box. Color returns within a week or two of bright light. If your area drops below 40F, we recommend adding a heat pack to your order, as one is not automatically included.

How to root your cutting

1. Let it callous. Keep the cutting upright in a dry, shaded spot for 2 to 3 weeks so the base fully hardens. Do not water it during this time.

2. Plant it. Set the calloused end 1 to 2 inches deep in dry, well-draining cactus soil. A terracotta pot with a drainage hole works best.

3. Wait, then water lightly. Hold off on water for about a week after planting, then water sparingly until roots take hold. Start it in bright, indirect light and move to full sun over a few weeks.

The Lophocereus shotti Obesa, commonly known as the Totem Pole Cactus. This columnar cactus is known for its smooth, bumpy surface and no visible spines. The Totem Pole is a night blooming cactus with beautiful green coloring. Over time, this cactus can form upright arms. A perfect choice for both beginner and experienced cactus enthusiasts.

Please note: This listing is for an unrooted cutting, a fresh segment taken from a mature plant. Cuttings need a few weeks to callous before planting, then they root readily in dry cactus soil. Some cuttings may have minor scars, which are totally normal and not a sign of damage. Every cutting is hand-picked and guaranteed to arrive healthy.

Cold Weather Warning

If your area drops below 40°F during the colder months, we highly recommend adding a heat pack to your order, as we don’t automatically include one. This helps keep your plants safe in transit. 🌡️❄️

👉 [Buy Heat Packs Here]

Product Details

Cactus Features

Growth Habit: Trunkless, upright stems that can reach up to 8 ft. tall indoors and as much as 15 ft. outdoors over time
Bloom Season: Spring to summer, with occasional pale pink, night-blooming flowers
Dormancy: Winter
Propagation: Grows easily from stem cuttings
Sun Exposure: Thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade
Soil Needs: Prefers a well-draining cactus mix with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.5)
Hardiness Zones: Best suited for Zones 9–11; protect from hard freezes
Native To: Mexico and southern Arizona

Cactus Care

After Arrival

Carefully unpack your cactus as soon as it arrives.

If it’s a cutting, don’t be alarmed if the base looks dry that’s completely normal. Cuttings are fresh segments taken from mature plants that don’t yet have roots. They need time to callous over, so let them rest in a dry, shaded spot for a few weeks before planting in cactus soil. Avoid watering during this period, as moisture too soon can lead to rot.

If you received a rooted plant, it already has a developed root system and can be potted right away. Once planted, wait about a week before giving it a light watering to help it settle into its new environment.

Sunlight Introduction
Start with a few days in bright, indirect light, especially if your plant was shipped in a box or grew in a greenhouse. Then, gradually transition to full sun to avoid sunburn.

Light
Outdoors, this cactus thrives in full sun. Indoors, place it near a bright window with at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight.

Watering
Use the “soak and dry” method: water deeply, then wait until the soil is completely dry before watering again. If in doubt, hold off, overwatering is the most common mistake.

Soil & Pots
Use a well-draining cactus mix with sand or perlite. Terracotta pots are best, and always make sure your pot has a drainage hole.

Growth & Repotting
This is a slow grower, typically adding just a few inches a year. Repot every 2–3 years or when it becomes root-bound. Choose a pot only slightly larger, and wait a week before watering after repotting.

FAQ

How often do I water it?
Only when the soil is fully dry. In warmer months, about every 1–2 weeks; in cooler months, closer to once a month.

Can it stay indoors all year?
Yes, as long as it gets plenty of sunlight. A bright, south-facing window is ideal.

Will it flower?
It can! Older, mature plants occasionally bloom with pale pink, night-opening flowers, though this is rare indoors.

Do I need to fertilize?
You can use a cactus fertilizer at half strength during spring or summer.

USDA Zone

9, 10, 11

FAQ

The Totem Pole Cactus is a very slow grower, typically adding just a few inches of height per year. Indoors it can eventually reach up to 8 feet tall, and outdoors it can reach as much as 15 feet over many years.

Sizes listed are measured from the base to the tip of the stem. Repot every 2 to 3 years, choosing a pot only slightly larger than the current one.

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Shipping & Guarantee

At Cactus Warehouse, we take pride in shipping the healthiest, hand-selected cacti straight from our nursery in Fallbrook, CA. All our cacti are hardgrown and carefully checked to ensure you get the best.

  • Schedule: Orders ship on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.
  • Delivery Time: Most orders arrive within 3–5 business days once shipped.
  • Rates: Free shipping on orders $99+ (Continental US). Orders under $99 ship for a flat $9.95.
  • Carriers: We ship via UPS and USPS with full tracking

  • Safe Packaging: Each cactus is wrapped in protective kraft paper to reduce movement. During cold weather, you have the option to add heat packs to keep your plants safe.
  • Care Instructions: Every package includes simple, step-by-step care instructions so you know exactly what to do after arrival.
  • 30-Day Happiness Guarantee: If your cactus doesn’t arrive healthy and happy, we’ll make it right. Email us at info@cactuswarehouse.com and we’ll take care of you.

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Hi, we're Lisa and Takashi! We started Cactus Warehouse because we care about creating a great experience for people like you.

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