Light: Full sun; acclimate nursery-grown plants gradually to intense afternoon sun.
Water: Very low water once established; rainfall often suffices. Water deeply during prolonged hot, dry periods, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Keep nearly dry in winter.
Soil: Excellent drainage is essential; sandy, gravelly, or rocky soil preferred. Tolerates alkaline desert soils; avoid wet clay or low spots.
Mature size: Typically 3–8 feet tall and 3–6 feet wide; occasionally reaches 10 feet tall.
Bloom: Spring to early summer, typically April–June in Phoenix.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen succulent stems; tiny, temporary leaves drop soon after new growth develops.
Growth rate: Slow to moderate, depending on moisture and growing conditions.