Saguaro.

De un vistazo

Nivel de cuidados

Media

Tipo de planta

Succulent

Luz

Full sun

Luz en interior

Sol directo

Riego

Cada 14 a 30 días

Tamaño adulto

40 to 60 feet

Ritmo de crecimiento

Lento

Rusticidad

USDA 9 a 11

Floración

Late spring to early summer

Cuidados

Provide as much direct sunlight as possible to mimic their natural desert habitat. Ensure the soil drains extremely well to prevent root rot, which is the most common cause of failure. Watch for soft spots on the stem, as these indicate the plant is holding too much moisture.

Riego

Water deeply during the summer growing season, but let the soil dry out completely between waterings.

Abonado

Apply a low nitrogen cactus fertilizer sparingly during the active growing months.

Poda

Pruning is rarely needed, but you can remove dead or damaged tissue with a sterilized blade.

Trasplante

Repot only when the plant becomes top heavy or clearly outgrows its container.

Suelo

Sandy, rocky, well draining cactus mix

pH del suelo

6.0 to 7.5

Temperatura

-7 a 45°C

Humedad

10 a 40%

Seguridad

Personas

The plant is not toxic, but its sharp spines pose a significant physical injury risk.

Niños

Keep children away from the plant to prevent severe injury from the long, sharp spines.

Alérgenos por contacto

The sharp spines can cause skin punctures and irritation.

Alérgenos en el aire

The pollen may cause mild allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Comestibilidad

The fruit is edible, but harvesting from wild plants is strictly prohibited and illegal.

Cómo identificarla

• Tall, columnar, ribbed green stem
• Sharp spines along vertical ribs
• Large, white, nocturnal blooming flowers
• Develops characteristic arm branches with age

Altura

3 a 12m

Anchura

1 a 3m

Hojas

green, evergreen

Flores

white, 7 a 12cm

Frutos

red, Summer

Problemas frecuentes

• Bacterial necrosis — A bacterial infection that causes soft, mushy rot in the stem tissue.

Cómo cultivarla

Propagación

seed

Cuándo plantar

spring, summer

Plant young saguaros near nurse plants to protect them from extreme sun and frost during their early years.

Buenas compañeras

• Encelia farinosa — It provides light shade for young saguaros in the wild.
• Parkinsonia microphylla — This tree acts as a nurse plant for young cacti.

Especies parecidas

• Stenocereus thurberi — It shares a similar desert habitat but has a different branching habit.

Ciencia

Familia

Cactaceae

Género

Carnegiea

Orden

Caryophyllales

Clase

Magnoliopsida

Distribución natural

Sonoran Desert in Arizona and Mexico.

Conservación

The saguaro is protected by law in its native habitat, and wild collection is strictly prohibited.

It survives by storing vast amounts of water in its pleated stem to endure long periods of drought.

Valor para la fauna

nectar source, nesting site

Polinizadores

abejas, mariposas, polillas, colibríes

Usos

ornamental, wildlife habitat

Taxonomía cotejada con GBIF.

Lo que más preguntan

Can I grow a saguaro in a pot?

Yes, they grow slowly in containers but require excellent drainage and intense light.

How often should I water it?

Water sparingly during the growing season and keep it completely dry in winter.

De dónde viene el nombre

The genus honors Andrew Carnegie, while the species name refers to its massive size.

Bueno saberlo

• Saguaro cacti can live for over 150 years.
• They do not grow their first arm until they are 75 to 100 years old.
• A mature saguaro can weigh several tons after absorbing heavy rainfall.
• The white flower is the state wildflower of Arizona.