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. These small cacti are used in pots for balconies, windows, decks, patios, and greenhouses. The Sclerocactus mesa-verdae needs full sun exposure and a hot, dry climate. If the soil is dry they 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. They do not need fertilizers or pruning. They are plants resistant to pests but sensitive to excess watering. They are 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 |