Saguaro Cactus Facts: How Fast Do They Grow?

How fast does a Saguaro Cactus grow? When will it get its first arm, if any? If you search the internet, you'll find conflicting answers to these and many other saguaro questions. In this video, ‪@PetesNature‬ gathers some real world data using photos of cacti that he observed over a 12 period, then compares it to growth rate and age data found on the internet, producing a useful chart you can use to estimate saguaro ages and heights on your own.
Do you know of more, or better data regarding Saguaro growth rates? Do you think Pete is wrong in his analysis? Please let Pete know by leaving a comment below, thanks!
This is the 1st video in a Saguaro Cactus series Pete has planned, so like and subscribe so that the next videos will show up in your feed.

[@Hardworkandrealestateprofits]

Man you did one heck of a job on this video. Thank you, I look forward to seeing your future research👍

[@azmountains4113]

Love to see the scientific method applied, recognizing the variables

[@PetesNature]

Thanks @azmountains4113, I'm with you on applied scientific methods, the best tools we have to understand our complex world.

[@emmahardesty4330]

Good data, thank you. My 10-yr-old nursery saguaro, approx 9", planted in 2020, lowest portion of my yard (central Tucson), is now (5/24) about 17.5" planted with a mesquite bean nearby that's now a 5 ft tall tree. Both doing great. Like Ironwood trees, it doesn't seem to be true that most desert plants grow "too slow."

[@user-bm4fy2nk2h]

Good video. The only exception I see is 30-year-old saguaro near your house is not growing a normal arm. The original growing tip of the plant died, and it is putting out a new stem. This can happen at any age. Other information looks great with the range of growth rate based on natural water availability. Good job.

[@PetesNature]

Thanks @user-bm4fy2nk2h, I really appreciate your feedback. I don't want to become yet another source of bad info. I've been wondering about how and why the top died on that one -- and now it's good to know that is the likely explanation for "early arms."

[@sandiahead]

Nice video. For myself, this video got me thinking about growth fluctuations with weather fluctuations, i.e. this summer, unusually wet monsoons or cold winters. Pretty cool you've got those pics documenting its life.
I just read an interesting piece about people having problems with cacti that were relocated, they don't like to be put in a different position to the sun apparently.

[@PetesNature]

Thanks @sandiahead, I appreciate your thoughts. I agree fluctuations in weather patterns affect their growth rates. The amazing thing about Saguaros -- they play the looooong game. They seem to take full advantage of the 'good' years, yet are able to survive long periods of 'bad' years. This is an especially bad summer, but we had good rainfall last winter, so we'll see. Lots of reports of falling, dying specimens this year, but my anecdotal observations so far are that those struggling the worst are in maintained yards, close to homes, often overwatered, and many of them likely transplanted; which as you mention, is another issue. I'll research further and try to cover all this in the future ... stay tuned.

[@danielantoniozd26]

Quick answer: very slow
(If you grow from seed you’ll probably be dead before it actually looks iconic)

[@averybondeson3322]

very interesting and informative video, thanks man!

[@PetesNature]

Thanks Avery, I appreciate your comment.

[@user-xd9bs8fj9x]

I have a picture of a saguaro about 2-3 feet tall from around 1994-5, and today the cactus is 20+ feet tall with two arms 6+ feet tall, it really matters about how much water they get

[@PetesNature]

I agree, water seems to be the most important factor for growth rates. On the other hand, too much water, especially in a landscaped setting (vs. natural conditions), can be very detrimental.

[@GreenCanvasInteriorscape]

Fun fact
They are the only cactus that will not propagate from cuttings.
I have a 50-year collection of cactus and succulent society of America journals and in the '50s they measured some of the Giants that have since passed from wind / age / drought / time, nicely done

[@PetesNature]

Thanks for your comment, that's the same I've heard from others who've tried - they do not grow from cuttings. Those 50's journals sound like a great resource, and fun to look back at that time frame.

[@Jblast252]

A lot of people think Saburo cactuses are about the same size as a person but when you actually see a real one you quickly realize you nowhere near the size of a cactus

[@coltenh581]

Thanks for this; I thoroughly enjoyed the information.
I also noticed that info on these magnificent plants was often conflicting and quite sparse.

[@PetesNature]

Thanks Colten!

[@SimonB35]

Along the pinnacle peak trail they had a graphic sign on this topic. I’ll see if I can find my photo and send it to you

[@PetesNature]

Thanks @SimonB35, I received it. I've also received some good info from a few experts out there and will do an update to this video in the future.

[@cjlarson4553]

60 years before the first arm starts to grow!
The ones that are about 120 years old look like how you want them to look.
They grow unbearably slow

[@PetesNature]

It's like watching grass grow, but even slower :-)

[@joelarson3528]

I have a cactus that my wife planted from a seed 22 years ago.. it is about 10’ tall now and has always been in a pot..we aren’t sure what kind it is but it grows nearly a foot a year now for the last few years..what could it be??

[@PetesNature]

22 years in a pot and still growing, that's great. Not sure what kind it might be without seeing it, but I don't recall ever seeing a larger saguaro like that in a pot, since their roots typically spread far and wide.

[@mmp495]

Great research and findings. I love cacti for their resilience and endurance in our deadly heat. Thank you for this. 🏜️🌵

[@PetesNature]

Thanks, appreciate your comment, I hope to find some time soon to do another.