Light: Full sun to light shade; in Phoenix, provide afternoon shade for young plants and gradually acclimate nursery-grown specimens to direct sun.
Water: Low water; let soil dry completely between deep waterings. Water occasionally during hot, dry weather and keep nearly dry in winter. Containers need more frequent checks.
Soil: Excellent drainage is essential; use gritty cactus mix in containers or plant in well-drained soil on a raised mound. Avoid moisture-retentive soil and standing water.
Mature size: Typically 2–3 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide; very old specimens may grow taller.
Bloom: Small yellow flowers appear around the crown in late spring or summer on mature plants, often after 15–20 years or longer.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen succulent cactus with persistent green stems rather than foliage.
Growth rate: Slow.