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. Uinta Basin Hookless Cactus is used in pots for balconies, patios, windows, terraces and greenhouses. Sclerocactus wetlandicus needs full sun exposure and a dry climate. It resists 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. Sclerocactus wetlandicus is a plant very sensitive to excess humidity. Uinta Basin Hookless Cactus is 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 |