Saguaro Cactus – Carnegiea gigantea

Saguaro Cactus – Carnegiea gigantea 

Common Name: Saguaro | Giant Cactus | Desert Monarch

Description:
The Saguaro Cactus (Carnegiea gigantea) is one of the most iconic cacti in the world, known for its towering, columnar shape and upward-reaching arms. Native to the Sonoran Desert, this slow-growing giant symbolizes the rugged beauty of the American Southwest. While it can reach heights of over 12 meters (40 feet) in the wild, younger and container-grown specimens make striking additions to cactus gardens, desert landscapes, and architectural settings.

Key Features:

• Plant Type: Columnar cactus

• Height: 30–100 cm in pots; up to 12+ meters in habitat

• Foliage: Tall, ribbed green stem with spines

• Spines: Sharp, golden to grayish; arranged along ridges

• Light: Full sun essential

• Water Needs: Very low; extremely drought-tolerant

• Growth Rate: Very slow (1–2 cm/year when young)