Light: Full sun to light shade; afternoon shade helps prevent sunburn in Phoenix, especially near heat-reflecting walls or paving.
Water: Low water once established. Water deeply, then let soil dry completely; occasional supplemental summer irrigation benefits plants in Phoenix. Water sparingly in winter and avoid wetting the crown.
Soil: Excellent drainage is essential; use gravelly or sandy soil. In heavy clay, plant on a raised mound; use a fast-draining cactus mix in containers.
Mature size: Typically 1.5–2 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide per rosette; offset colonies become wider. Flower stalks can reach 10–20 feet.
Bloom: Blooms once at maturity, often after 10–25 years or longer. The flowering rosette dies afterward, but offsets may survive.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen.
Growth rate: Slow.