Care of the cactus Sclerocactus mesa-verdae or Mesa Verde Cactus |
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The genus Sclerocactus, family Cactaceae, includes 14 species of cacti native to New Mexico and Colorado (USA). Some species are: Sclerocactus mesa-verdae, Sclerocactus glaucus, Sclerocactus wetlandicus, Sclerocactus papyracanthus. Common name: Mesa Verde Cactus, Mesa Verde Fishhook Cactus. Scientific synonyms: Echinocactus mesa-verdae, Ferocactus mesa-verdae, Coloradoa mesae-verdae. This species is native to Colorado and New Mexico (USA). They are greyish-green cacti with a flattened globular body that reach 10 cm (3.93") in diameter. With age they can produce suckers. They have 12-17 spirally arranged tuberculate ribs and 8-10 yellowish radial spines and one or no grayish central spines. The flowers are 3 cm (1.18") in diameter and are yellow or cream in color. The fruits are light green. This small cactus is used in pots for balconies, windows, decks, patios, and greenhouses. Sclerocactus mesa-verdae needs full sun exposure and a hot, dry climate. If the soil is dry it can withstand occasional frosts. The soil can be a mixture of loamy garden soil, siliceous sand, and volcanic picon. A commercial cactus substrate with 20% coarse sand can also be used. Water very moderately at the rate of once every 15-20 days in spring, every 8-10 days in summer and every 30 days in autumn. In winter do not water. Mesa Verde Cactus do not need fertilizers or pruning. Sclerocactus mesa-verdae is a plant resistant to pests but sensitive to excess watering. Mesa Verde Fishhook Cactus is propagated from seeds sown in spring or by division of shoots but they are slow processes. |
Images of the cactus Sclerocactus mesa-verdae or Mesa Verde Cactus |
 Sclerocactus mesa-verdae |