Light: Full sun; acclimate nursery-grown plants gradually to Phoenix sun. Light afternoon shade is tolerated.
Water: Very low water once established. During prolonged summer drought, water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Keep mostly dry in winter.
Soil: Excellent drainage is essential; sandy, gravelly, or rocky soil preferred. Use a raised mound or cactus mix where drainage is poor.
Mature size: Typically 3–6 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide; very old specimens can reach about 10 feet tall.
Bloom: Mature plants bloom in late summer into early fall, commonly July–September in Phoenix.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen succulent; persistent green stem with no conspicuous leaves.
Growth rate: Slow.