Consulta Plantas

Care of the cactus Copiapoa calderana or Copiapoa lembckei

The genus Copiapoa, family Cactaceae, comprises 25 species of cactus native to northern Chile. Some species are: Copiapoa calderana, Copiapoa grandiflora, Copiapoa cinerea, Copiapoa malletiana, Copiapoa haseltoniana, Copiapoa humilis, Copiapoa coquimbana, Copiapoa taltalensis, Copiapoa echinoides, Copiapoa krainziana, Copiapoa marginata.

This species is native to Chile. Scientific synonyms: Copiapoa atacamensis, Copiapoa lembckei.

They are solitary cacti (sometimes producing suckers) with a light green globose or cylindrical body that reach 10 cm (3.93") in diameter. They have 10 to 17 rounded ribs with gray areolas that turn white. They have 4-7 radial spines and 1-2 central brown spines that turn grayish. They produce scented yellow flowers at the apex of the cactus.

These slow-growing plants are used in rockery, in cold greenhouses and on balconies, terraces, and in well-ventilated and well-lit interiors.

Copiapoa calderana needs full sun exposure and temperatures above 4 ºC (39.2 ºF). It does not resist frost.

The soil can be a commercial cactus substrate with 20% coarse siliceous sand. The transplant is done in early spring.

Water moderately, waiting for the substrate to dry completely; they are sensitive to excess moisture. In winter the waterings are suspended.

Fertilize every 3 weeks in summer with mineral fertilizer for cacti rich in potassium.

Copiapoa atacamensis does not need pruning.

Copiapoa calderana is a plant sensitive to excess humidity; it can be attacked by mites and mealybugs if ventilation is not adequate.

Copiapoa lembckei propagates by seeds sown in a nursery without direct sun; it does not always produce suckers.

Images of the cactus Copiapoa calderana or Copiapoa lembckei