There are genetic factors at play which will limit the lifespan of species to a broad range. Even things like excessive direct sunlight can cause scorching of the cactus, leading to permanent blemishes on the surface of the plant.Īs highlighted previously, there does appear to be significant variation in lifespan between different species of cactus. This can degrade the cosmetic appearance of cactuses kept as houseplants, unless they are really well cared for.

Even tiny Escobaria robbinsorum live an average of 17 yearsĪlthough cacti are fairly long lived plants, they will start to show their age with time, as any damage or blemishes that they pick up over time will stay with the plant for life.

Neobuxbaumia macrocephala can live for approximately 200 years.

Cephalocereus columnatrajani may live for as much as 145 years.

The recorded lifespan of a number of cacti are highlighted below. Researchers have done demographic studies of a number of other cacti to try to determine how long they live.

However, they have been known to live for up to 130 years.īy comparison, Prickly Pear cacti (Opuntia) are thought to have an average lifespan of about 20 to 30 years. The Barrel cactus doesn’t live quite as long, with a lifespan of between 50 to 100 years. Such longevity isn’t a trait of all species of cactus.

This amazing cactus, which lived in Saguaro National Park eventually died of a bacterial infection, which older cacti are vulnerable to, particularly if they have been weakened by injury. There was even one which lived in Arizona until the mid 90s which was thought to be about 300 years old. This impressive and iconic cactus can grow to heights of 60 to 70 feet and lives for 150 to 200 years. The longest living cactus is thought to be the Saguaro cactus, which is native to the desert of Arizona and Mexico. However, with good care many indoor cactuses can live for many decades. Cacti growing outdoors in ideal conditions tend to live longer than those cultivated as houseplants.

It turns out they are all fairly long lived plants, but there is quite a variation in their lifespan.Ĭactus lifespan typically ranges from 10 to 200 years, depending on the species. There are loads of different species of cactus, over 1500 in fact. It got me thinking, just how long do cacti live? I can’t say I’ve kept every cactus I’ve owned thriving and happy to this day, but it’s usually been my less than stellar care that has been the problem, rather than the limit of the lifespan of my cactus. I’ve been growing cacti since I was a child, but I’ve never seen one die of old age.

Life of a cactus