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Hard cactus (Sclerocactus)
Hard cactus are ovoid to elongate cylindric, have rigid stems with tubercles that are generally coalesced into ribs, and are covered with spines that come out of the areoles. Most species have at least one hooked spine at each areole. It comprises about 15 species. These plants are found in higher elevation deserts such as on the Colorado Plateau, or in the Mohave Desert or the Great Basin. 
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Succulent
Key Facts About Hard cactus
Feedback
Attributes of Hard cactus
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Ideal Temperature
20 - 41 ℃
Scientific Classification of Hard cactus
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Dicotyledons
Order
Pinks, cacti, and allies
Family
Cactuses
Genus
Hard cactus
Distribution of Hard cactus
Feedback
Distribution Map of Hard cactus
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Hard cactus
Feedback
Hard cactus encompasses a group of slow-growing cacti, requiring careful attention to light, water, temperature, and soil conditions. They appreciate full sun to partial shade, limited water, and well-draining soil, with temperatures above freezing. Common challenges are mealybugs, root rot, and frost damage. Special considerations include less water during winter dormancy, more during summer growth, and shielding from reflecting, bright sun to avoid sunburn. Each species may have slight variations in care.
Exploring the Hard cactus Plants
Feedback
7 most common species：
Small flower fishhook cactus
The spines of the small flower fishhook cactus (Sclerocactus parviflorus) can be intimidating, but the flowers make up for it with their beauty. Deserts of the American Southwest erupt every spring from drab hues of brown to brilliant pinks and purples when in bloom. Legend states that the spines were at one time used for fishing.
Chihuahuan fishhook cactus
Chihuahuan fishhook cactus (Sclerocactus uncinatus) is identifiable by a thick skin and dark flowers that hover above vicious spines. They fruit with pods that are incredibly tough. Once they finally release their seeds, they can take up to three years to successfully germinate! Although these plants thrive in heat, they must experience cold temperatures to bloom.
Tobusch fishhook cactus
The tobusch fishhook cactus (Sclerocactus scheeri) is different from other Fishhook cacti because it has a flatter, longer spine and is much frailer than other varieties of Sclerocactus. It is incredibly rare and is only found in certain counties of Nevada and possibly Utah. Enjoys growing solitary, in dry, desert conditions.
Redspined fishhook cactus
Redspined fishhook cactus is a spiny, drought-tolerant cactus native to the deserts of southwestern United States. Its stout, cylindrical body grows solitary or in clusters, topped with large magenta flowers that bloom in spring. The plant's numerous spines, ranging from white to dark red, form a dense covering that reflects sunlight and provides shade, aiding in moisture retention.
White fishhook cactus
White fishhook cactus boasts a sturdy, cylindrical shape, designed to endure its native arid landscapes. This compact cactus, with its ribbed body and sparse, interlacing spines, blends seamlessly into rocky terrains. In spring, white fishhook cactus surprises with vibrant flowers, a stark contrast to its subdued, thorny façade—evoking resilience and rugged beauty.
Sclerocactus unguispinus
Sclerocactus unguispinus is a resilient cactus native to arid landscapes, adapting to thrive with limited water. This spiny succulent forms a stout, spherical shape, punctuated by prominent, hook-like spines that defend it from grazing animals. The plant boasts vibrant pink to purple flowers, which add a splash of color against its green to blue-green body, typically blooming under the intense desert sun.
Pygmy barrel cactus
Pygmy barrel cactus is a small, globular cactus with dense spines, often gray or tan, forming a formidable protective mesh. Its flowers, usually vibrant pink to magenta, contrast sharply against the harsh desert backdrop it calls home. Adapted to arid environments, pygmy barrel cactus can store water and withstand drought, demonstrating resilience amidst rocky soils and extreme temperatures.
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Hard cactus
Sclerocactus
Hard cactus are ovoid to elongate cylindric, have rigid stems with tubercles that are generally coalesced into ribs, and are covered with spines that come out of the areoles. Most species have at least one hooked spine at each areole. It comprises about 15 species. These plants are found in higher elevation deserts such as on the Colorado Plateau, or in the Mohave Desert or the Great Basin.
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Succulent
Key Facts About Hard cactus
Feedback
Attributes of Hard cactus
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Ideal Temperature
20 - 41 ℃
Scientific Classification of Hard cactus
Phylum
Vascular plants Class
Dicotyledons Order
Pinks, cacti, and allies Family
Cactuses Genus
Hard cactus Distribution of Hard cactus
Feedback
Distribution Map of Hard cactus
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Hard cactus
Feedback
Hard cactus encompasses a group of slow-growing cacti, requiring careful attention to light, water, temperature, and soil conditions. They appreciate full sun to partial shade, limited water, and well-draining soil, with temperatures above freezing. Common challenges are mealybugs, root rot, and frost damage. Special considerations include less water during winter dormancy, more during summer growth, and shielding from reflecting, bright sun to avoid sunburn. Each species may have slight variations in care.
Exploring the Hard cactus Plants
Feedback
7 most common species：
Small flower fishhook cactus
The spines of the small flower fishhook cactus (Sclerocactus parviflorus) can be intimidating, but the flowers make up for it with their beauty. Deserts of the American Southwest erupt every spring from drab hues of brown to brilliant pinks and purples when in bloom. Legend states that the spines were at one time used for fishing.
Chihuahuan fishhook cactus
Chihuahuan fishhook cactus (Sclerocactus uncinatus) is identifiable by a thick skin and dark flowers that hover above vicious spines. They fruit with pods that are incredibly tough. Once they finally release their seeds, they can take up to three years to successfully germinate! Although these plants thrive in heat, they must experience cold temperatures to bloom.
Tobusch fishhook cactus
The tobusch fishhook cactus (Sclerocactus scheeri) is different from other Fishhook cacti because it has a flatter, longer spine and is much frailer than other varieties of Sclerocactus. It is incredibly rare and is only found in certain counties of Nevada and possibly Utah. Enjoys growing solitary, in dry, desert conditions.
Redspined fishhook cactus
Redspined fishhook cactus is a spiny, drought-tolerant cactus native to the deserts of southwestern United States. Its stout, cylindrical body grows solitary or in clusters, topped with large magenta flowers that bloom in spring. The plant's numerous spines, ranging from white to dark red, form a dense covering that reflects sunlight and provides shade, aiding in moisture retention.
Show More Species
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
