How long does it take a cactus to mature?

Answer 1

That depend upon the species. Some, such as the opuntias (prickly pear, cholla) can go from seed to a sizable plant in just a few short years. Others, such as the saguaro and barrel cacti, can take many decades to grow to a respectable size.

Answer 2

Maturity is reached when the plant reaches its expected size, and is capable of flowering, fruiting, and seeding. How long it takes to reach maturity depends upon the particular cactus, and upon the presence or absence of environmental stresses. In terms of the cactus, maturity isn't reached at the same point by all cactus plants. For example, the old man cactus [Oreocereus pseudofossulatus] takes 10-15 years to mature.

Answer 3

It depends upon the type of cactus. For example, the giant saguaro cactus [Carnegiea gigantea] and the old man cactus [Cephalocereus senilis] live long lives. The saguaro may live 150+ years, and the old man 200. So such signs of maturity as branching arms, flowers, fruits, and seeds don't show up until the saguaro is 40+ years old. For the old man, the road to maturity is a bit shorter. Its yellow, white or pink Trumpet flowers may appear when the cactus is at least 20 years old.

Answer 4

very long way