Nolina microcarpa
Light: Full sun to partial shade in cool climates. In Phoenix, provide morning sun, afternoon shade, and protection from reflected heat; even sheltered plants may struggle.
Water: Water moderately during establishment, keeping soil lightly moist but never saturated. Established plants tolerate seasonal dryness in their native climate, but not reliably Phoenix’s extreme heat and drought.
Soil: Well-drained, rocky or sandy soil, preferably acidic to neutral. Phoenix’s alkaline soils are often unsuitable; use an amended, freely draining container mix for experimental cultivation.
Mature size: Foliage typically 1–3 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide; flowering stalks reach approximately 4–6 feet.
Bloom: Late spring through summer in suitable climates. Mature rosettes flower irregularly, often with several years between flowering; flowering in Phoenix is unreliable.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen.
Growth rate: Slow; plants can take several years to establish and reach flowering maturity.