5 Strange Looking Cacti in My Collection
What fascinates me about cacti is sometimes their strange-looking shapes. The unique design contributes to maximizing water storage and minimizing water loss through evaporation. Features like ribs, globules, and creases reduce surface area for water loss.
As you know cacti are desert plants with adaptive features that make them survive dry conditions. Their fleshy stems and roots can store water for extended periods. Most of them have spines for protection from animals that eat cacti.
Adding rare and unique cacti can make your garden stand out. They can change how things look traditionally to something out of this world. Here is a list of the most strange-looking cactuses in my collection.
Maihueniopsis clavarioides (Dead man’s fingers cactus)
Maihueniopsis clavarioides, commonly known as the Dead man’s finger cactus is a strange-looking plant with numerous cylindrical stems that arise from the root. Display grey to brownish coloring, the finger-like stems have tiny wooly areoles on almost the entire upper segments.
Dead Man’s Fingers cactus is native to Argentina. It thrives in USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b. This plant prefers full sun and you can grow it outside in the garden or indoors in pots. Watering needs are very low, overwatering can cause root rot.
To plant or repot Puna clavarioides, ensure the soil is well-draining and the pot has drainage holes. This succulent blooms commonly in summer producing funnel-shaped flowers that range from yellow-green to olive green. A one-seeded pear-shaped fruit will then form.
If you wish to expand your collection the easiest way to propagate Maihueniopsis clavarioides is by cuttings. Sever stems from the healthy plant and let them dry and callus. Then, place the plants in dry soil and water after one week. Refrain from overwatering to prevent rotting.

Mammillaria elongata Cristata (Brain Cactus)
Mammillaria elongata Cristata commonly known as the Brain Cactus is a strange-looking plant that resembles the human brain or a clump of worms. This spooky formation is as a result of a mutation on its stems. It’s a visually striking plant perfect for bonsai or Halloween decorations.
Originating from Mexico, this cactus is a rare form of Mammillaria Elongata and that’s why it resembles the Ladyfinger cactus and Gold lace cactus. It often produces lovely blooms in spring and sometimes later in the year. The cactus is green but white hairy spines give it a grayish cast.
Despite its strange looks, Mammillaria Elongata Cristata is a common houseplant. It can also be grown outdoors in warmer climates. You will also agree with me that care and maintenance of the Brain cactus is pretty easy.

Tephrocactus articulatus var papyracanthus (Paper spine cactus)
The paper spine cactus is a bushy plant covered with long white papery spines. Looking like pine cones, this beautiful cactus also has lots of glochids in the areoles of the stems. It occasionally produces bell-shaped flowers with a yellow core in spring or summer.
Tephrocactus articulatus var papyracanthus is native to South America within western Argentina. To plant and grow paper spine cactus, use well-draining soil, water infrequently, and ensure it’s in a spot where it can get full sun, about 10-12 hours daily.
Pachycereus schottii var. Monstrosus (Totem pole cactus)
Also known as the monstrous whisker cactus, the Totem pole cactus is a unique plant displaying a dramatic skin texture. It is native to the desert regions of mainland Mexico, Sonora, and the Baja California peninsula of Mexico where they tend to grow in colonies on rocky hillsides.
The totem pole cactus blooms in late spring with pale pink flowers that open at dusk and close up by mid-morning. It also produces edible egg-shaped fruits. This cactus can be a statement in any garden or landscape.
To successfully plant and grow Totem pole cactus use sandy well-draining soil, water infrequently, and ensure the plant is getting full sun. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. So, it should be moved indoors during winter to avoid frost damage.

Cleistocactus strausii (Silver torch cactus)
The Silver Torch cactus also known as the Wooly Torch or the Snow Pole cactus is a columnar cactus native to mountainous regions of Bolivia, Peru, Uruguay, and Argentina. It is a unique plant best for landscape and container gardens.
What makes the Silver torch cactus look strange is the stems that are lined with ribs that are densely covered in white spines. A mature Cleistocactus strausii blooms in summer, producing long tubular deep red or burgundy flowers that protrude horizontally and radially from the stems.
Like most cacti, the growth and maintenance needs of a Silver torch cactus are just a few. The plant prefers well-draining soil, infrequent watering, full sun, and standard room temperature and humidity. This cactus is hardy in USDA zone 9a to 11b meaning it should be moved indoors during cold winters.

Final thought
Growing and caring for cacti in the garden or as houseplant is very easy as compared to other plants. They are a kind that doesn’t need frequent watering or regular hands-on maintenance. The rule of thumb is to mimic the conditions in their native habitats.

My name is Diane M Lewik, and I am the founder of this website. I am a degree holder in plant biology from the University of California – Berkeley. Over the years, I have cultivated a vast collection of succulents and I have learned a great deal about how to grow and care for these unique plants. Feel free to ask any questions in the comment section below.