How to Care for a Frozen Totem Pole Succulent

The totem pole cactus has one of the most unique appearances of the succulent species. It gets its name from its virtually spineless knobby flesh that looks like faces or animals on a totem pole. Like most succulents, totem pole cacti are easy to care for. But they are terribly susceptible to frost damage. Once temperatures fall below 25 degrees Fahrenheit for more than a few hours, you're likely to find some frost damage on your plants.

Isopropyl alcohol
Rag
Knife

Instructions

- 1
  Wait until early spring, around March 15, to assess the extent of the damage. Pruning too soon can be dangerous. If temperatures fall below 25 degrees Fahrenheit again, the newly-pruned cactus tissue will be even more sensitive to damage. If you leave it in place, however, it will protect the cactus from further damage. The growing spring tissue will respond better to pruning cuts.
- 2
  Wipe down the blade of a sharp kitchen knife with an alcohol-moistened rag.
- 3
  Inspect all of your totem pole cacti's stems for damage. Frost-damaged cactus tissue turns from green to purple or black. Cut away only the black cactus tissue. Black tissue is dead tissue. If left in place, it will slowly rot and take the healthy cactus tissue with it. Don't leave even thin margins of black cactus tissue behind.
- 4
  Keep an eye on all purple cactus tissue, but do not prune it. It is damaged but not necessarily dead. It may bounce back to a healthy green. If it turns black, however, prune it promptly.

The Flowering Temperature for a Zygote Cactus

The Reasons for the Death of a Cactus

Growing Cactus