a compact GROWER’S GUIDE to the SAGUARO CACTUS

The saguaro cactus is a loyal companion, especially when times are lean – or if you simply lack the slightest semblance of botanical empathy (that’s a “green thumb” to you common folk). The saguaro, or “sagu”, as it’s known to aficionados, is nothing if not dependable. It’ll always be right there where you left it – steadfast, serene, and unassuming. In the summertime, all the saguaro needs is plenty of sunshine and a sip of water now and then. Once winter blows in, it doesn’t even need that, but temperatures below five degrees Celsius do get a little too chilly for this denizen of the desert. That’s understandable enough. Meanwhile, garden-variety cactus substrate is more than sufficient for this prickly minimalist. The saguaro generally doesn’t cotton to fancy fertilisers and things. In the hotter months, you can try to sneak some cactus compost past it like you would a pill to a cat in a can of tuna, but don’t expect it to shoot up or burst into flower in return. In fact, saguaro cacti don’t blossom until they’ve already reached a height of eight imposing metres. Unfortunately, it takes them about 30 years to grow just one metre, so you might have to just tell your grandkids about the nice bouquet they’ll be able to put together someday. The saguaro is nonetheless a magnificent species of flora whose geometric aspect and rustic charm warm the heart of any cactus buff like the Arizona sun.