Good plant, mediocre results — what went wrong with my Organ Pipe Cactus

Organ Pipe Cactus is clearly a great plant — I can see that from other people's results. Mine has been decent but not spectacular, and I think I know why.

I underestimated the importance of watering sparingly and only in the active growing season in the early stages and paid for it. scarring from cold water splash on the skin also knocked the plant back at a critical point. It lives in an outdoor container brought in for winter which is probably not quite right but it's the best I can do in my space. remarkable drought tolerance once established is visible but muted. rapid growth during the warm summer months gave me hope — there are glimpses of what it could be. Three stars for now with potential for four.