Care of the cactus Sclerocactus wetlandicus or Uinta Basin Hookless Cactus |
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The genus Sclerocactus, family Cactaceae, comprises 14 species of cacti native to New Mexico, Utah and Colorado (USA). Some species are: Sclerocactus wetlandicus, Sclerocactus glaucus, Sclerocactus mesa-verdae, Sclerocactus papyracanthus. Common name: Uinta Basin Hookless Cactus. Scientific synonyms: Pediocactus wetlandicus. This species is native to Utah (USA). They are bluish-green cacti with a globose, cylindrical or flattened solitary body that reach 15 cm (5.9") in height. They have 12-14 tuberculate ribs whose white areoles have 6-10 radial spines and 3-5 central spines. The scented flowers are fragrant purple or pink and are funnel-shaped. They bloom in spring. They are used in pots for balconies, patios, windows, terraces and greenhouses. Sclerocactus wetlandicus needs full sun exposure and a dry climate. They resist occasional frosts if the substrate is dry. The soil can be a commercial cactus substrate with 20% coarse siliceous sand. The waterings always very moderate: once every 15-20 days in spring, every 8-10 days in summer and every 30 days in autumn. In winter do not water. Fertilize once in early spring with mineral cactus fertilizer. Pruning is not necessary. They are plants very sensitive to excess humidity. They are propagated from seeds sown in the spring in a sandy seedbed but it is a difficult process. |
Images of the cactus Sclerocactus wetlandicus or Uinta Basin Hookless Cactus |
 Sclerocactus wetlandicus |