Consolea rubescens
Light: Full sun to light shade; in Phoenix, provide afternoon shade and gradually acclimate plants to direct sun.
Water: Low water once established; water deeply, then let soil dry completely. Container plants need more frequent checks during summer. Keep nearly dry during cool winter weather.
Soil: Very well-drained, gritty or gravelly soil. Use cactus mix amended with pumice for containers; avoid poorly drained clay.
Mature size: Typically 10–20 feet tall and 4–8 feet wide in favorable frost-free conditions; usually smaller in Phoenix containers.
Bloom: Small flowers typically appear in spring or summer on established plants; flowering may be sparse in containers.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen succulent; flattened green stems provide the foliage effect.
Growth rate: Moderate; faster with warmth and appropriate summer watering.