Totem Pole Cactus Blackening: Overwatering Indoors

Likely Cause

Lophocereus schottii f. monstrosus (Totem Pole) from arid Baja. Black tips in Massachusetts winter = overwatering during low light.

Immediate Fix

1. Stop watering completely until spring.
2. Move to brightest possible window (south).
3. If mushy: cut above rot, callus, re-root.

Photo Needed for Certainty

Email to gregandkat@msn.com for confirmation. But 90% of indoor winter blackening is water + low light.

Long-Term Indoor Care

• Water Nov–Mar: only if shriveling.
• Apr–Oct: water when dry.
• Grow light 14 hrs/day in winter helps.

This species wants intense sun and almost zero winter water.