Sun: full sun
Water: Typical water needs for a succulent
Temperature: Zone 9a from 20° F to 25° F (-6.7 ° C to -3.9° C) to Zone 11b from 45° F to 50° F (7.2° C to 10° C)
Winter Survival: Winter hardy
Propagation: cuttings, seeds
Flower:
Flower Type: Green, white, pink
Toxic: Generally non-toxic to humans and animals
Dormant: winter
Space Requirement: Indoors & Outdoors
Common Problems: Plants may rot if overwatered, pests
Where to buy Lophocereus schottii?
Basc Care for Lophocereus schottii
Watering
Regular watering period should be every 2 weeks
Can you water your succulent more than what its need? The answer is yes and no. In extreme conditions, you can water your plants more often when you notice the soil is completely dry.
Fertilizing
Only feed this succulent during its active growing seasons which means winter. Use the right fertilizer applied in the right amounts. Applying half-strength balanced fertilizer every month or so is recommended for optimal results.
Do not fertilize during winter as the plant is dormant.
Sun & Location Requirements for ""Totem Pole Cactus, Monstrous Whisker Cactus, Totem Cactus""
Lophocereus schottii requires full sun in order to thrive. When choosing a spot for your succulent, make sure it gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. If the leaves start to look pale or weak, this could be an indication that the succulent isn't getting enough light.
As per this succulent profile, it is only able to stay healthy when the environment temperature is above the range of zone 9a from 20° F to 25° F (-6.7 ° C to -3.9° C).
""Totem Pole Cactus, Monstrous Whisker Cactus, Totem Cactus"" is a type of plant that can survive in cold, freeze conditions. It has an ability to store water so it can survive even when temperatures drop below freezing. Its strong stems and leaves are also an advantage as they provide extra insulation against the cold weather. The roots of Lophocereus schottii are deep-rooted and can absorb moisture when the air is dry and cold.
Any succulents in the group will need a medium space to grow. You can place your pot at your table or window. Since this plant needs more space than mini succulents, you should consider do not plant them together with other succulents/plants.
Propagation
One way to propagate Lophocereus schottii is by cutting
Lophocereus schottii can be propagated from seeds. Signs of a good seed is one that is plump, dark in color and slightly sticky. To propagate X from seed, one must prepare a soil mixture of well-draining potting mix, sow the seeds evenly and lightly press them into the surface. Lastly, gently water the soil using a spray bottle and place the container in bright but indirect light.
Toxicity
Lophocereus schottii is generally non-toxic to humans and animals. However, the plant may contain certain toxins which can cause mild skin irritation if it is ingested or comes in contact with skin. Therefore, it is important to keep the plant away from children and pets for safety reasons.
Pests and Diseases
Lophocereus schottii can be affected common pests and diseases like most of the other succulents such as aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects.
If you do spot any of pest signs, you can treat your succulent using below methods.
- Aphids: quarantine, clean infected plants, soapy water.
- Mealybugs: quarantine, clean infected plants, soapy water.
- Scale insects: quarantine, clean infected plants, soapy water.
Besides that, to prevent serious health issues from happening, keep your succulent in a well-ventilated area and check it regularly for any signs of pests or health problems.
