Light: Morning sun with afternoon shade in Phoenix; protect from intense reflected heat. Bright filtered light also works, though foliage may develop less red coloration.
Water: High water needs during hot weather. Water deeply and frequently enough to keep the root zone consistently moist but not waterlogged; containers may need daily watering in extreme heat. Reduce watering substantially during cool weather.
Soil: Rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil amended with compost. Mulch to conserve moisture, keeping mulch away from the pseudostem.
Mature size: Typically 10–15 feet tall and 8–10 feet wide in favorable landscape conditions; potentially taller in frost-free sites. Usually smaller in containers.
Bloom: Rarely flowers in cultivation; mature plants may bloom after several years under favorable conditions. The plant dies after flowering.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen when warm and frost-free; foliage is damaged or killed by frost. In Phoenix, winter appearance and survival depend on protection and microclimate.
Growth rate: Fast during warm weather with adequate irrigation and regular feeding; slows markedly in winter.