Height, rather than age, determines when a saguaro begins to grow arms. More arms means more blossoms and fruit, which helps the cactus propogate. ( Photo by Stina Sieg/KJZZ)
Simply so, how old is a cactus when it grows its first arm?
Because saguaros grow so slowly, it might take 50 to 75 years for them to grow their first arms. Arms are important to them because they store extra water. After 100 years, they usually have several arms. After 200 years they have many arms.
Considering this, why is it illegal to cut down a saguaro cactus?
The reason this law stands is because the saguaro cactus, prevalent in Arizona, takes an incredibly long time to grow. These plants have a lifespan that is estimated to be from 150 years to 200 years if they aren’t cut down and if they have the right conditions.
How long does a cactus live?
In the wild cacti can live for hundreds of years. Indoors they may survive for 10 years or more. The trouble with old ones is that every single knock, scratch or blemish they get stays with them, so they tend to look less appealing as they get older.
