Chamaecereus saltensis is generally found growing as an individual plant, developing clusters with a robust taproot.

The light green shoots, varying from spherical to short cylindrical, can attain a diameter of up to 9 cm (3.5 in).

The areoles, situated closely along the ribs, contain one to four robust central spines, typically curved, measuring 1 to 1.2 cm (0.39 to 0.47 in) in length.

The red, funnel-shaped flowers, darker towards the center, blossom on the sides of the shoots and unfurl during daylight hours.

[2] Chamaecereus saltensis is found in the Argentina provinces of Salta and Tucumán, at elevations ranging from 1200 to 2400 meters growing in shrublands on clay soils.