trefle.io · Taken May 1, 2020 by gio gio (cc-by-sa)
Cactaceae
Sage-of-the-desert
Carnegiea gigantea
Also known as Pilocereus giganteus, Carnegiea gigantea f. cristata, Cereus giganteus, Carnegiea gigantea f. aberrans
Flowering Plants · Native Plants · Cactus · Saguaro · Desert · Xeriscape · Succulent · Arizona · Columnar Cactus · Drought Tolerant · Southwest · Native
The Saguaro cactus is an iconic giant of the Sonoran Desert that requires full sun, excellent drainage, and very infrequent watering — making it ideal for arid and xeriscape landscapes. It grows extremely slowly, so purchased specimens represent years of cultivation; handle with care and plant in well-draining sandy or gravelly soil. This species is protected by law in its native Arizona and cannot be removed from the wild without a permit.
Growing conditions
The details behind the basics
- Daily light
- 10 hours
- Watering
- Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings · Every 14-21 days in growing season; once a month or less in winter
- Maintenance
- Low
- Soil
- loam
- Soil pH
- 7–9
- Temperature
- 0°F to 90°F
- Cycle
- Perennial
- Propagation
- Seed, Cutting
Hardiness
USDA 5a-9b
Form & growth
Mature size and habit
- Mature height
- 2 ft – 5 ft
- Spread
- 3 ft
- Spacing
- 240 in apart
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Root depth
- Medium
- Flowers
- Yes
- Foliage
- Fine
Ecology & origin
Where it belongs and what it brings
- Native to
- Arizona, California, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest
- Attracts
- Bees, Birds
Sources: trefle, usda
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