Sclerocactus Unguispinus
Contents
Description
Sclerocactus Unguispinus, also known as the fishhook cactus, is a small, slow-growing cactus that is native to the southwestern United States. It typically grows to a height of 2-6 inches and a width of 2-5 inches. This cactus has a solitary stem that is cylindrical and greenish-grey in color. The stem is covered in tubercles that are spaced about 1.5 cm apart. Each tubercle has 3-10 spines that are yellowish-brown in color and can grow up to 2 cm long. The spines are hooked at the tips, giving the cactus its common name.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Sclerocactus |
| Species | Unguispinus |
Appearance
The Sclerocactus Unguispinus has a unique appearance with its hooked spines. The stem of the cactus is greenish-grey and cylindrical with a solitary growth habit. It grows to a height of 2-6 inches and a width of 2-5 inches. The tubercles are spaced about 1.5 cm apart and are covered in yellowish-brown spines that can grow up to 2 cm long. The spines are hooked at the tips, giving the cactus its common name. The cactus also produces pink or yellowish-green flowers that bloom in the spring or early summer.
Care Guide
Sclerocactus Unguispinus is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for caring for this cactus:
Water: This cactus prefers well-draining soil and does not require frequent watering. Water the plant only when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
Fertilization: Sclerocactus Unguispinus does not require regular fertilization. You can fertilize the plant once a year in the spring using a cactus fertilizer.
Soil: This cactus prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Use a cactus mix or a well-draining soil mix with sand or perlite added for better drainage.
Sunlight: Sclerocactus Unguispinus prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate high temperatures but should be protected from extreme heat or cold.
Hardiness Zones: This cactus is hardy in USDA zones 8-10. It can tolerate temperatures down to 20°F (-6°C) but should be protected from frost.
Common Pests & Diseases
Sclerocactus Unguispinus is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, here are some issues to watch out for:
Root rot: Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can kill the plant.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs can infest the plant and cause damage. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them.
Spider mites: Spider mites can cause damage to the plant’s leaves. Use a pesticide specifically designed for spider mites to control the infestation.
Habitat
Sclerocactus Unguispinus is native to the southwestern United States, particularly Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. It grows in desert and rocky areas, usually at elevations between 3,000 and 5,000 feet. This cactus can tolerate high temperatures and drought. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Sclerocactus Unguispinus?
A: Water the plant only when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
Q: What is the best soil mix for this cactus?
A: This cactus prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Use a cactus mix or a well-draining soil mix with sand or perlite added for better drainage.
Q: What are the best hardiness zones for this cactus?
A: This cactus is hardy in USDA zones 8-10. It can tolerate temperatures down to 20°F (-6°C) but should be protected from frost.
Q: What is the best way to control mealybugs on this cactus?
A: Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove mealybugs from the plant.
Related Plants
- Sclerocactus Blainei
- Sclerocactus Closterium
- Sclerocactus Glaucus
- Sclerocactus Mariposensis
References
- Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. (n.d.). Fishhook Cactus. Retrieved from https://www.desertmuseum.org/kids/oz/long-fact-sheets/Fishhook%20Cactus.php
- Cactus Art Nursery. (n.d.). Sclerocactus unguispinus. Retrieved from https://cactus-art.biz/schede/SCLEROCACTUS/Sclerocactus_unguispinus/Sclerocactus_unguispinus/Sclerocactus_unguispinus.htm
- Garden.org. (n.d.). Sclerocactus unguispinus. Retrieved from https://garden.org/plants/view/114539/Fishhook-Cactus-Sclerocactus-unguispinus/
