Light: Full sun to partial shade; afternoon shade is beneficial in Phoenix, especially near heat-reflecting walls or pavement.
Water: Low water once established. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry thoroughly between waterings; reduce watering substantially in winter and avoid wetting the crown.
Soil: Excellent drainage is essential; sandy, gravelly, or rocky soil preferred. Plant on a raised mound in heavy soil; use a gritty cactus mix in containers.
Mature size: Typically 1.5–3 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide per rosette, depending on variety; offsetting clumps spread wider. Flower stalks reach approximately 10–20 feet.
Bloom: Each rosette blooms once at maturity, often after 15–30 years or longer, then dies; offsets usually survive.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen.
Growth rate: Slow.