Saguaro Cactus Cost

The Saguaro Cactus is a large species of cactus that grows predominantly in the US state of Arizona. It is also common in the Whipple Mountain area of California. Any form of damage or destruction to the Saguaro cactus is prohibited in Arizona. The Saguaro National Park was created to help protect the Saguaro cactus.

How Much Does a Saguaro Cactus Cost?

The cost of a Saguaro cactus depends on some factors such as the place you buy it from and the size of the plant. Depending on its size, the costs can start at around $35 and go up to $2,600. Plan on spending anywhere between $85 and $160 per foot for larger Saguaro cacti, while the price for cacti smaller than 24 inches would be anywhere between $5 and $9 per inch.

For example, you can purchase a Saguaro cactus that is larger than eight feet from Destination Forever Ranch and Gardens for around $110 per foot and a six-inches plant for almost $25.

You might also like our articles on the cost of a cactus, a palm tree, or an aloe vera plant.

According to the experts, the more arms a Saguaro cactus has, the more expensive it would be. The cost of a single spare would start at $55 and go up to $185 per foot.

For instance, a 16-foot Saguaro with only one arm would cost anywhere between $1,250 and $1,800, while for a 24-foot Saguaro with one arm you will have to pay anywhere between $2,200 and $2,700.

In case you want to grow your own plants, expect to pay anywhere between $5 and $9 for a packet of 20 seeds of Saguaro cactus.

You can find artificial-looking Saguaro cacti on the market, which cost anywhere between $360 and $600.

Saguaro cactus details

Saguaros are propagated by seeds. There is no chance that the plant will grow from its cuttings. Saguaros cacti have a long lifespan. They can live up to 150 years or more.

The first arm grows when it is between 75 and 100 years old. However, some Saguaro cacti never grow arms. They remain as a single straight stem and are called spears.

The growth rate of the Saguaro cactus depends on the amount of rainfall. A Saguaros cactus in wetlands tends to grow faster than in dry areas.

The main stem of the plant usually grows up to over 12 meters in height. On average, the plants are usually 3 meters wide. The tallest Saguaro has grown to about 28 meters. The stem and arms of the plants are usually evergreen. The stems have spines that average two meters in height.

What are the extra costs?

As these cacti must be planted properly, you will need to hire a contractor to do this job. Depending on the complexity of the job and the size of the cactus, you will have to pay anywhere between $110 and $600 for this procedure.

In order to grow properly, a smaller cactus will need fertilizers.

Important things to consider

Saguaro is affected by temperatures below -41 degrees Fahrenheit. The cactus will perish if exposed to temperatures below freezing for more than 29 hours. This is actually one of the reasons why the number of such cacti decreases in the wild.

Saguaro cacti grow in light, stony soils with a coarse texture. In its natural habitat, the soil has a 1-3-meter-deep layer of calcium carbonate. In addition, the cactus grows at altitudes of 500-1,525 meters. It can be transplanted to other areas as long as the conditions in its natural environment are respected.

The flowers appear annually at the end of the branches, so a large number of branches will increase the chances of multiplication.

It is susceptible to a few diseases. A healthy cactus is usually strong enough to withstand tunnels dug by larvae, woodpeckers, or other wounds. Some necrosis can occur after mechanically caused wounds (broken branches, frost, or lightning), wounds that can be populated by insects and other bacteria.

Saguaro is protected by Arizona plant law. The illegal collection is a problem that authorities try to keep under control in Saguaro National Park. However, extremes in the natural environment, related to temperature and drought, are a greater threat to the species.

How can I save money?

The cost of the Saguaro cactus will vary based on the company you buy from. Try to look for more sellers in your area as well as for multiple price offers.