Plant Min Zone: 8b
Plant Max Zone: 10b
Sunlight: All Day Full Sun, Full Sun
Water / Rainfall: Very Low
Soil Quality: Poor
Bloom Season: Summer, Late Summer
Flower Color: Cream
Berry / Fruit Color: None
Spring Foliage Color: Dark Green, Light Green
Summer Foliage Color: Dark Green, Light Green
Fall Foliage Color: Dark Green, Light Green
Evergreen Foliage: Yes
Winter Interest: Yes
Scented Flowers: No
Drought Tolerance: High
Wet-Feet Tolerance: Low
Humidity Tolerance: Low
Wind Tolerance: High
Poor Soil Tolerance: Rocky Soils, Sandy Soils, Shallow Soils
Height: 1' - 3'
Width: 0.5' - 1'
Growth Rate: Extremely Slow
Service Life: N.A.
Maintenance Need: N.A.
Spreading Potential: N.A.
Yearly Trimming Tips: N.A.
Plant Grouping Size: N.A.
Best Side of House: N.A.
Extreme Planting Locations: N.A.
Ornamental Features: N.A.
Special Landscape Uses: N.A.
Possible Pest Problems: N.A.
Plant Limitations: N.A.
The Saguaro Cactus (Carnegiea gigantea) is probably the most well known iconic cactus out there. Native to the Sonoran Desert in Arizona and Mexico, it's usually grown as a patio or house plant in Kansas. In the wild, established saguaro cacti are hardy to 15 degrees F for short periods of time making them the most cold tolerant columnar tree cactus out there. Growth rates are astonishingly slow: a plant the size od a softball may already be 10-15 years old. A 12" tall specimen may be 20-30 years old. The first arm usually develops around 75 years and plants can live for 200-300 years in hte wild. Grow in full sun with no extra watering except that which comes from rainfall. Repotting may or may not be needed depending on how large you want the plant to grow; plants can continue to grow taller and tolerate extremely root-bound pots but may need wind bracing. If repotting, make sure to use a sharp draining low organic cactus mix with plenty of sand and perlite. Potted plants are hardy to at least 30 degrees F for a short time if kept dry so you are ok if you miss the first light frost. Do not allow the pot with rootball to freeze solid though. Before extreme cold occurs, move to a bright interior window over the winter with no watering and keep above freezing. As a winter house plant, it will look presentable all winter long with just no waterings.(also to prevent soft winter growth) As a permanent house plant, provide bright light and allow the soil to dry between waterings for many years of carefree enjoyment. Plants grown permanently indoors may begin to elongate stretching for light and lose their spine color. It can be hard to reproduce the intense UV sunlight they need so moving outside for the summer is best. Generally if moving outside for the summer, allow 1-2 weeks of part shade or morning sun before placing in full sun. Plants with time to acclimate will thrive in full sun but be careful not to rush it or sunburning will occur. Potted plants are very low maintenance. I have never seen any insect problems on this plant.