Origin and Habitat: Garden origin (Nursery produced cultivar)

• Pachycereus schottii f. cristatus
• Lophocereus schottii f. cristatus

• Pachycereus schottii (Engelm.) D.R.Hunt
• Cereus schottii Engelm.
• Lophocereus schottii (Engelm.) Britton & Rose
• Pachycereus schottii var. australis (K.Brandegee) P.V.Heath
• Cereus schottii var. australis K.Brandegee
• Lophocereus australis (K.Brandegee) Britton & Rose
• Lophocereus schottii var. australis (K.Brandegee) Borg
• Pilocereus schottii var. australis (K.Brandegee) K.Schum.
• Pachycereus schottii f. mieckleyanus (Weing.) P.V.Heath
• Cereus mieckleyanus Weing.
• Lemaireocereus mieckleyanus (Weing.) Borg
• Lophocereus mieckleyanus (Weing.) Backeb.
• Lophocereus schottii f. mieckleyanus (Weing.) G.E.Linds.
• Pachycereus schottii f. sargentianus (Orcutt) P.V.Heath
• Cereus sargentianus Orcutt
• Lophocereus sargentianus (Orcutt) Britton & Rose
• Lophocereus schottii var. sargentianus (Orcutt) Borg
• Pilocereus sargentianus (Orcutt) K.Schum.
• Pachycereus schottii var. tenuis (G.E.Linds.) P.V.Heath
• Lophocereus schottii var. tenuis G.E.Linds.

• Pachycereus schottii f. cristatus
• Lophocereus schottii f. cristatus

• Pachycereus schottii f. monstrosus (H.E.Gates) P.V.Heath
• Lophocereus schottii f. monstrosus H.E.Gates

• Pachycereus schottii f. spiralis (A.M.Carter) P.V.Heath
• Lophocereus schottii f. spiralis A.M.Carter

• Pachycereus schottii cv. Big Penis Cactus
• Lophocereus schottii cv. Big Penis Cactus

Description: The standard Lophocereus schotttii (Pachycereus) is a large, tree-like columnar cactus that grows to a height of 3-10 m tall that develops a sturdy trunk and with time can produce numerous arm-like branches. The beautiful crested form is very rare in collection and highly priced for its sculptural shape. Older crested plant grown outdoor in the ground (in mild areas) can reach an imposing size (up to 3 m tall and in diameter, or more ).
Remarks: There are indeed other crested clones of Lophocereus schotti that have a tendency to fan out, some will form stable crests while others just cluster over one another.

Cultivation and Propagation: This species presents no problems in cultivation and will do well in a sunny spot in a cactus house. These plants will tolerate sun and heat, but not extended periods of frost. The crested form is more frost sensitive and should not be kept at less than 0° C. Grow them in rich, porous, sandy soil, and let their soil dry out between watering. If potted, repot in the spring, if their roots become cramped. Generally, they should be repotted every other year in order to provide fresh soil. However, this doesn't necessarily mean they'll need larger containers. Fill about a quarter of the pot with broken crocks, gravel, etc. to promote good drainage. After repotting, do not water for a week or more. The crested plants enjoy a warm sunny environment and for more speedy growth a light position on a higher shelf with light feeding and rainwater given to the bottom of the plant will ensure success, especially with rooted detached branches, which do well in these conditions.
Propagation: The crests are frequently grafted onto a Myrtillocactus geometrizansSN|8050]]SN|8050]] trunk, but are easily grown on their own roots. Any normal shoots should be removed to promote the growth of the crest. It can be increased by cuttings, which will take root in a minimum temperature of 20° C. Cuttings of healthy shoots can be taken in the spring and summer, Cut the stem with a sharp, sterile knife, leave the cutting in a warm, dry place for a week or weeks (depending on how thick the cutting is) until a callus forms over the wound. Once the callus forms, the cutting may be inserted in a container filled with firmed cactus potting mix topped with a surface layer of coarse grit. They should be placed in the coarse grit only; this prevents the cut end from becoming too wet and allows the roots to penetrate the rich compost underneath. The cuttings should root in 2 to 6 weeks.