Light: Morning sun with light afternoon shade in Phoenix; gradually acclimate to stronger sun and protect from intense reflected heat.
Water: Low water; water deeply when soil has dried completely, then allow it to dry again. Water very sparingly during cool winter weather.
Soil: Very well-drained, gritty cactus soil; use raised beds or containers with drainage holes where native soil drains poorly.
Mature size: Typically 3–6 feet tall and 2–4 feet wide over time; often smaller in containers, with size varying by growing conditions and growth form.
Bloom: Rarely flowers in its monstrose form; mature plants may bloom in late spring or summer.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen succulent stems; small leaves may drop with age, drought, or cold.
Growth rate: Slow to moderate; generally slower than the normal species.