Comparing Saguaro varieties — notes from growing several

I've grown several varieties within the Saguaro family and have some observations to share. remarkable drought tolerance once established varies noticeably between them, more than catalogue descriptions suggest. The care fundamentals are shared — watering sparingly and only in the active growing season applies across all of them.

spider mites in warm dry indoor conditions affects some more than others, particularly in adverse conditions. I grow mine in an outdoor container brought in for winter which works well for most varieties. flowering in late spring to early summer is the clearest moment of differentiation between varieties — that's when the character of each comes through. Worth growing a few side by side if you have the space.