Light: Full sun; tolerates light shade. Acclimate nursery-grown plants gradually to intense Phoenix sun.
Water: Low water once established. Water deeply, then let soil dry thoroughly; occasional irrigation during prolonged summer heat improves appearance. Water newly planted specimens more regularly while roots establish. Reduce watering substantially in winter.
Soil: Very well-drained sandy, gravelly, or rocky soil. Tolerates alkaline desert soils; avoid poorly drained clay or persistent moisture around the crown.
Mature size: Approximately 3–5 feet tall and 4–6 feet wide, excluding flower stalks, which can reach 10–15 feet.
Bloom: Mature plants bloom intermittently in late spring to summer, not necessarily every year. Unlike many agaves, the plant does not die after flowering.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen.
Growth rate: Slow.