Light: Full sun; light afternoon shade can reduce scorching in Phoenix locations with intense reflected heat.
Water: Very low water once established. Water deeply but infrequently during extended hot, dry periods, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Little to no supplemental water in winter.
Soil: Very well-drained sandy, gravelly, or rocky soil. Tolerates alkaline soil; avoid poorly drained clay or amend the planting site with a raised mound.
Mature size: Typically 6–10 feet tall and 6–10 feet wide; older plants may grow larger in favorable conditions.
Bloom: Late spring to early summer; established plants can flower annually.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen succulent; flattened green stems remain year-round.
Growth rate: Moderate during warm weather; slower under very dry conditions.