Light: Full sun to light shade once acclimated. In Phoenix, afternoon shade helps prevent scorching, especially on young plants and variegated forms.
Water: Low water once established; water deeply, then let soil dry completely. Reduce watering sharply during cool weather. Containers need more frequent checks during Phoenix summers.
Soil: Very well-drained, gritty or sandy soil. Use raised planting areas where drainage is poor and cactus/succulent mix in containers.
Mature size: Typically 15–30 feet tall and 6–12 feet wide in favorable, frost-protected locations; smaller in containers.
Bloom: Small, inconspicuous flowers may appear in spring or summer on mature plants; flowering can be infrequent in cultivation.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen succulent stems; small leaves near growing tips are short-lived and shed with drought or cool weather.
Growth rate: Moderate with warmth and appropriate watering; slower under drought stress or in containers.