Toothpick Cactus

Plant Type: Cacti
Plant Height: 6-10 feet
Spread: 2-4 feet
Flower Color: white or cream
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Toothpick Cactus (Stetsonia coryne) – A Striking Architectural Cactus for Your Phoenix Desert Garden

The Toothpick Cactus, scientifically known as Stetsonia coryne, is a bold, columnar cactus native to the arid regions of Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay. With its long, thin, needle-like spines, this cactus creates an eye-catching and dramatic feature in desert landscapes across the Phoenix Valley.

Towering Heights and Sharp Spines

The Toothpick Cactus typically grows 6 to 10 feet tall, with the potential to reach even greater heights under ideal conditions. It features a single, upright cylindrical stem, which is dark green and ribbed. The ribs are lined with areoles that produce its distinctive long, toothpick-like spines. These white or yellowish spines, often several inches long, make the Toothpick Cactus both visually striking and an architectural highlight in xeriscaping or rock gardens.

Night-Blooming Flowers and Fleshy Fruits

A beautiful feature of Stetsonia coryne is its large, showy flowers. These blooms are typically white or cream and open at night, attracting night-flying insects and bats for pollination. After flowering, the cactus produces small, fleshy fruits, adding another layer of interest to this already fascinating plant.

Perfect for Phoenix Xeriscaping and Desert Landscaping

The Toothpick Cactus thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, making it well-suited for the hot, arid conditions of the Phoenix Valley. As a drought-tolerant species, it requires minimal watering, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardening. Although this cactus is relatively cold-hardy for a desert plant, it’s best to provide protection from freezing temperatures during cold spells.

Ideal for Architectural Garden Designs

In landscaping, the Toothpick Cactus is highly valued for its vertical growth and sharp spines, which add a bold, structural element to any garden. It works well in rock gardens, desert-themed landscapes, or as a focal point in cactus gardens. However, due to its sharp spines, it’s essential to plant it in areas where it won't pose a risk to passersby or pets.

Why Add the Toothpick Cactus to Your Phoenix Garden?

• Architectural form that adds vertical height and texture to any landscape.
• Drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun, making it perfect for Phoenix’s desert climate.
• Unique toothpick-like spines that create a bold visual statement.
• Night-blooming flowers attract pollinators and add nocturnal beauty.
• Low-maintenance and well-suited for xeriscaping and rock gardens.

Care and Maintenance for the Toothpick Cactus

Plant the Toothpick Cactus in a location with full sun exposure and well-draining soil to ensure it thrives. Water sparingly, especially in cooler months, and protect from extreme cold if temperatures drop below freezing. With minimal care, this cactus will provide architectural interest and a unique desert aesthetic to your landscape.

Elevate Your Garden with the Toothpick Cactus

The Toothpick Cactus is an excellent choice for those looking to add a striking vertical element to their garden or xeriscape design in the Phoenix Valley. Its sharp spines, tall stature, and low-maintenance care make it a standout plant for both novice gardeners and cactus enthusiasts.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Toothpick Cactus

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or rocky soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 2-3 feet apart for optimal growth and to avoid overcrowding
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Toothpick Cactus is a self-supporting cactus with unique, thin, spiny stems that does not require staking

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 7-10 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1-1.5 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Toothpick Cactus is considered established after 4-6 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 14-21 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 10-14 days. Provide 2-3 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 6-8 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 18-24 inches away from the base of the cactus for deep watering of the root zone
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering frequency to every 10-14 days. In winter, reduce to every 6-8 weeks