Light: Full sun to light shade; in Phoenix, provide afternoon shade from intense summer sun, especially for young or newly planted specimens. Acclimate gradually to direct sun.
Water: Low water needs. Water deeply but infrequently during warm weather, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Keep nearly dry in winter; avoid watering before freezes.
Soil: Very well-drained, gritty or gravelly soil. Use a mineral-rich cactus mix in containers; plant on a raised mound where native soil drains poorly.
Mature size: Typically 2–3 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide; very old specimens may grow larger.
Bloom: Small yellow flowers appear around the crown of mature plants in late spring or summer. Flowering often takes 15–20 years or longer, depending on growing conditions.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen succulent cactus.
Growth rate: Slow.