Toothpick Cactus

Stetsonia coryne

Light
Water
Low water; water deeply but infrequently during warm weather, allowing soil to dry thoroughly between waterings. Keep nearly dry during winter.
Toxicity
Description
A tree-like South American cactus with ribbed, blue-green stems and exceptionally long, rigid spines resembling toothpicks.
Bloom Time
Deciduous / Evergreen
Special Features
Growth Rate
Flower Color
Foliage Color
Garden Style
Toxicity
Not chemically toxic; spines cause mechanical injury
Care Instructions

Light: Full sun; gradually acclimate nursery-grown plants to Phoenix sun. Young plants may benefit from light afternoon shade during extreme summer heat.

Water: Low water; water deeply but infrequently during warm weather, allowing soil to dry thoroughly between waterings. Keep nearly dry during winter.

Soil: Very well-drained, gritty or gravelly soil. Plant on a raised mound if native soil drains poorly.

Mature size: Typically 15–25 feet tall and 10–15 feet wide over many decades; potentially larger under favorable conditions.

Bloom: Large, night-opening flowers in late spring and summer on mature plants; young specimens may take many years to bloom.

Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen; green stems provide year-round color, with no persistent leaves.

Growth rate: Slow, especially when young; established plants may grow moderately with appropriate summer watering.