Introducing the Neobuxbaumia polylopha, known as the golden saguaro, which is a vibrant member of the Neobuxbaumia genus. It has several other common names such as cone cactus, golden-spined saguaro, and wax cactus.
Native to Mexico, the golden saguaro gets its common name from the distinct golden-yellow spines that cover its surface. These spines give the cactus a radiant and shimmering appearance, resembling the color of gold. The golden saguaro's unique spines make it a visually striking and sought-after cactus among collectors and enthusiasts.
The main difference between the real saguaro cactus (Carnegiea gigantea) and the golden saguaro cactus is the color - the real saguaro is green, while the golden saguaro has a golden or yellow hue due to a genetic mutation. The growth rate of Neobuxbaumia polylopha cactus is fast.
The golden saguaro has a columnar growth habit, with a tall and upright stem that can grow up to 42 feet tall and 14 inches wide.
The stem is covered in ribs, and the golden-yellow spines emerge from the areoles along these ribs.
The spines are long and sharp, providing protection against predators and helping to reduce water loss through transpiration.
Its size and stature make it a striking focal point in any desert landscape.
The flowers of Neobuxbaumia polylopha bloom at night in the summer months. The flowers are typically vivid pink, dark red, or magenta and have a tubular shape. They bloom from the areoles near the top of the stem and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The flowers add a touch of elegance to the golden saguaro's already stunning appearance.
When it comes to Neobuxbaumia polylopha care, it prefers a location with full sun exposure, but it can also tolerate partial shade. If you're growing the golden saguaro indoors, place it near a window that receives plenty of sunlight throughout the day. The golden saguaro thrives indoors with average room temperatures between 65°F and 85°F.
Golden saguaros thrive in well-draining soil, mimicking their native arid conditions. To prevent root rot, avoid overwatering. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Water once every two to three weeks during the growing season and reduce to once a month or less in the dormant season.
Avoid exposing the cactus to extreme temperature fluctuations or cold drafts, as it can cause damage to the plant. It is best suited outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11, where temperatures rarely drop below 20°F. If you live in a colder climate, it's recommended to grow the golden saguaro as an indoor plant or provide winter protection if kept outdoors.
The golden saguaro can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. If propagating from seeds, sow them in well-draining soil and keep them lightly moist until germination occurs. For stem cuttings, allow the cut end to callus for a few days before planting it in a well-draining cactus mix. Keep the soil lightly moist until roots develop.
The golden saguaro is easy to care for, so you'll spend less time maintaining your garden and more time taking in its beauty. Order your very own Neobuxbaumia polylopha for sale today!
Bloom Season
Flower Color
Growth Rate
Hardiness Zone
Mature Size
Plant Type
Sun Exposure
Toxicity
Watering Needs
| Bloom Season | Summer |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Neobuxbaumia polylopha |
| Common Name | Golden Saguaro, Cone Cactus |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Flower Color | Scarlet (dark red) |
| Genus | Neobuxbaumia |
| Growth Habit | Columnar |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Hardiness Zone | 9, 10, 11 |
| Mature Size | 42 ft. tall, 14 in. wide |
| Native Area | Mexico (Arizona) |
| Plant Type | Flowering cactus |
| Propagation | By cuttings, divisions, seeds |
| Resistance | Drought tolerant, pest resistance, deer resistance, heat tolerant |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | specialized cactus potting mix |
| Special Features | Branched cactus plant |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun, partial shade |
| Toxicity | Safe for humans, friendly to dogs, friendly to cats |
| Watering Needs | Low |
- Description
- Key Plant Features
Introducing the Neobuxbaumia polylopha, known as the golden saguaro, which is a vibrant member of the Neobuxbaumia genus. It has several other common names such as cone cactus, golden-spined saguaro, and wax cactus.
Native to Mexico, the golden saguaro gets its common name from the distinct golden-yellow spines that cover its surface. These spines give the cactus a radiant and shimmering appearance, resembling the color of gold. The golden saguaro's unique spines make it a visually striking and sought-after cactus among collectors and enthusiasts.
The main difference between the real saguaro cactus (Carnegiea gigantea) and the golden saguaro cactus is the color - the real saguaro is green, while the golden saguaro has a golden or yellow hue due to a genetic mutation. The growth rate of Neobuxbaumia polylopha cactus is fast.
The golden saguaro has a columnar growth habit, with a tall and upright stem that can grow up to 42 feet tall and 14 inches wide.
The stem is covered in ribs, and the golden-yellow spines emerge from the areoles along these ribs.
The spines are long and sharp, providing protection against predators and helping to reduce water loss through transpiration.
Its size and stature make it a striking focal point in any desert landscape.
The flowers of Neobuxbaumia polylopha bloom at night in the summer months. The flowers are typically vivid pink, dark red, or magenta and have a tubular shape. They bloom from the areoles near the top of the stem and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The flowers add a touch of elegance to the golden saguaro's already stunning appearance.
When it comes to Neobuxbaumia polylopha care, it prefers a location with full sun exposure, but it can also tolerate partial shade. If you're growing the golden saguaro indoors, place it near a window that receives plenty of sunlight throughout the day. The golden saguaro thrives indoors with average room temperatures between 65°F and 85°F.
Golden saguaros thrive in well-draining soil, mimicking their native arid conditions. To prevent root rot, avoid overwatering. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Water once every two to three weeks during the growing season and reduce to once a month or less in the dormant season.
Avoid exposing the cactus to extreme temperature fluctuations or cold drafts, as it can cause damage to the plant. It is best suited outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11, where temperatures rarely drop below 20°F. If you live in a colder climate, it's recommended to grow the golden saguaro as an indoor plant or provide winter protection if kept outdoors.
The golden saguaro can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. If propagating from seeds, sow them in well-draining soil and keep them lightly moist until germination occurs. For stem cuttings, allow the cut end to callus for a few days before planting it in a well-draining cactus mix. Keep the soil lightly moist until roots develop.
The golden saguaro is easy to care for, so you'll spend less time maintaining your garden and more time taking in its beauty. Order your very own Neobuxbaumia polylopha for sale today!
Bloom Season
Flower Color
Growth Rate
Hardiness Zone
Mature Size
Plant Type
Sun Exposure
Toxicity
Watering Needs
| Bloom Season | Summer |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Neobuxbaumia polylopha |
| Common Name | Golden Saguaro, Cone Cactus |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Flower Color | Scarlet (dark red) |
| Genus | Neobuxbaumia |
| Growth Habit | Columnar |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Hardiness Zone | 9, 10, 11 |
| Mature Size | 42 ft. tall, 14 in. wide |
| Native Area | Mexico (Arizona) |
| Plant Type | Flowering cactus |
| Propagation | By cuttings, divisions, seeds |
| Resistance | Drought tolerant, pest resistance, deer resistance, heat tolerant |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | specialized cactus potting mix |
| Special Features | Branched cactus plant |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun, partial shade |
| Toxicity | Safe for humans, friendly to dogs, friendly to cats |
| Watering Needs | Low |
