Senita
Pachycereus schottii
A whiskered columnar cactus with an exclusive pollination partnership with the tiny senita moth.
Frost sensitive, hardy to about 28°F, USDA 9-11; a warm-desert Sonoran and Baja native.
AMWUA Notes
Native, very drought tolerant columnar cactus needing minimal irrigation.
Care Guide
Established plants need little to no supplemental water; water a young plant monthly its first summer, then rely on rainfall. Rots if overwatered.
Remove damaged or frost-bitten stems; cuttings root to form new plants.
Not necessary.
Trouble-free; cold, wet soil causing rot is the main concern.
Protect young plants from frost below 28°F; whiskered stem tips produce night flowers pollinated by the senita moth.
Soil, Feeding & Propagation
Fast-draining decomposed granite; lean, low organic matter
Needs sharp, fast-draining soil.
None — thrives in lean desert soil without fertilizer.
Stem cuttings (callus first) or seed
8-10 ft
Shallow, non-invasive roots; keep the multi-stemmed clump off walkways
Placement Tips
- •Site as a multi-stemmed specimen with room for a 10 ft spread.
- •Keep off walkways.
- •Plant in fast-draining soil on a warm exposure.
- •Protect from cold-air drainage in low spots.
Features
Best Uses
Ecological Value
Attracts
Companion Plants
Quick Stats
Design Styles
Include in Your Project
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Use this care guide to maintain your Senita. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.
Senita — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does Senita need in Phoenix?
Senita is a very low-water cactus once established. Established plants need little to no supplemental water; water a young plant monthly its first summer, then rely on rainfall. Rots if overwatered. Native, very drought tolerant columnar cactus needing minimal irrigation.
How big does Senita get?
Expect roughly 10 ft tall and 10 ft wide at maturity, with a slow growth rate. Allow about 8-10 ft of spacing when planting. Shallow, non-invasive roots; keep the multi-stemmed clump off walkways.
Can you plant Senita near a pool?
Not ideally. Senita is not rated pool-friendly, so it is better placed away from the pool deck and skimmer. Litter is rated low.
Can Senita handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
Senita is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants full sun. Frost sensitive, hardy to about 28°F, USDA 9-11; a warm-desert Sonoran and Baja native. Protect young plants from frost below 28°F; whiskered stem tips produce night flowers pollinated by the senita moth.
Does Senita have thorns?
Yes — Senita has medium thorns. Site it back from walkways, seating and pool decks where people brush past.
Is Senita safe around pets?
Senita is listed as pet-friendly in this guide. If your dog is a determined chewer, check any new plant with your vet before planting.
When does Senita bloom in Arizona?
Senita blooms in late spring-summer, with pink flowers. The bloom draws senita moth.
How much maintenance does Senita need?
Senita is low-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated low. Remove damaged or frost-bitten stems; cuttings root to form new plants.
What kind of soil does Senita need?
Fast-draining decomposed granite; lean, low organic matter. It needs no supplemental feeding. Not necessary.
Is Senita native to Arizona?
Yes. Senita is native to Arizona and to the Southwestern Arizona, Baja California, and Sonora Mexico, so it is adapted to local rainfall, soil and heat.