The Slowest Growing Flowering Plant

Habitat

• Saguaro cactus are, as the name describes, a type of cactus. The saguaro is found naturally in only one place in the entire world, the Sonoran Desert. This vast wasteland of sand, Gila monsters and coyotes stretches between Arizona, California and Mexico with the highest concentration in Southern Arizona.

Growth

• Saguaros sprout up naturally under the shade of other dessert trees, such as mesquites, where their tender stalk can survive and grow with limited water. On average a saguaro cactus grows a total of 1 inch every year. In fact, it takes the saguaro 75 years before it will grow its first arm.

Reproduction

• Saguaros reproduce as slowly as they grow. A saguaro will not produce its first flower until it is 30 years old. Remarkably, once it does produce the flower, it is very short lived, lasting only a few days. During that time, it attracts desert bats and white winged doves to spread the pollen. Once the flower is pollinated, the cactus produces bright red, luscious fruit.

Care

• If this easy going plant sounds ideal for your yard, there are a few things to keep in mind. Saguaros will only grow in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11 because the plant is so cold-sensitive. Saguaros thrive in sandy soil but can manage if there is also some clay content. Finally, saguaro only require water once each month, and, if it rains at all during the month, do not water the saguaro or you could kill your plant.