Light: Full sun; well suited to intense Phoenix sunlight. Gradually acclimate nursery-grown plants to direct sun.
Water: Very low water. Water newly planted specimens sparingly after roots settle; established plants usually need little supplemental water. Let soil dry completely between waterings and keep mostly dry in winter.
Soil: Excellent drainage is essential; sandy, gravelly, or rocky soil preferred. Use raised mounds where native soil drains poorly.
Mature size: Usually 3–6 feet tall and 3–5 feet wide; occasionally reaches about 8 feet tall.
Bloom: Flowers in spring, typically March–May in the Phoenix area; timing varies with weather.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen succulent stems; tiny, temporary leaves drop quickly.
Growth rate: Slow to moderate, depending on moisture and growing conditions.