Care of the cactus Sclerocactus glaucus or Colorado hookless 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 glaucus, Sclerocactus mesa-verdae, Sclerocactus wetlandicus, Sclerocactus papyracanthus. Common name: Colorado hookless cactus. Scientific synonyms: Echinocactus glaucus, Ferocactus glaucus, Pediocactus glaucus. This species is native to Colorado (USA). They are bluish-gray cacti with a globose solitary body that reach 12 cm (4.72") in height. They have 14-18 tuberculate ribs whose woolly areoles have 2-6 radial spines and 1-3 central spines. The pink flowers appear at the apex of the plant and are 5 cm in diameter. They are used in pots for balconies, windows, terraces, patios and greenhouses. Sclerocactus glaucus needs full sun exposure and a hot, dry climate. In winter the temperature should not be less than 3 ºC (37.4 ºF). The soil can be a commercial substrate for cacti or a mixture, in the same proportions, of heather soil, blond peat, black peat and siliceous sand. Water very moderately; once every 15-20 days in spring, every 8-10 days in summer and every 30 days in fall. In winter do not water. Fertilize in early spring with mineral fertilizer for cacti. They do not need pruning. The biggest enemy of these plants is excess humidity. They are easily propagated from seeds sown in spring in the nursery. |
Images of the cactus Sclerocactus glaucus or Colorado hookless cactus |
 Sclerocactus glaucus  Sclerocactus glaucus |