How Long Does a Cactus Take to Grow?

Cactus or cacti in its plural form are commonly covered with bristles and spines that protect them from herbivores. The stems of a cactus are fleshy and either flat or cylindrical in shape. Instead of leaves, their green stems are the ones capable of photosynthesis. The roots of the cactus also serve as a stabilizer, keeping the soil beneath intact.

This weirdly shaped plant is adept in living in harsh, dry conditions, where water is not usually accessible to plant life.

The cactus plays an important role in desert ecosystems. Therefore, protecting and analyzing the growth of this plant is key to protecting arid habitats. This plant provides shelter and a food source for an array of wildlife. Yes, some wildlife is clever enough to use cacti in ways that benefit themselves!

Factors Affecting Cactus Growth

Cacti naturally thrive in dry conditions. Here are some factors to take into account when looking into a cactus care and growth:

• High Temperature – This plant naturally grows in deserts where winds are dry and temperatures are at extreme highs. Replicating its natural habitat by making sure watering and sunlight are at an optimum condition will help the cactus thrive.
• Sunlight – Cacti thrive in places with good exposure to sunlight. This varies from species to species as some cacti turn yellow in color when exposed too much to direct sunlight.
• Access to Water – Though cacti store water, underwatering will still cause it to shrivel whilst overwatering will stunt the plant’s growth.

Cactus Growth Rate

Cacti generally grow slowly and take two to three years to grow even a few centimeters. Let’s look at some species of cactus and how they differ in growth annually: 

Golden Barrel Cactus – This species of cactus grows one to two centimeters annually.

Saguaro Cactus – The Saguaro grows around two to three centimeters a year and can reach heights of seventy five feet tall.

Rose Cactus – The rose cactus grows at an exceptional rate of two to three feet and tops off at an average of five to seven feet.

Whether it be a person’s indoor succulents or a cactus growing in the desert, the growth rate of the plant can be determined by how optimal their environments are and by the species they fall under.