Care of the cactus Copiapoa taltalensis or Copiapoa montana |
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The genus Copiapoa, family Cactaceae, comprises 25 species of cactus native to northern Chile. Some species are: Copiapoa taltalensis, Copiapoa marginata, Copiapoa malletiana, Copiapoa krainziana, Copiapoa humilis, Copiapoa grandiflora, Copiapoa echinoides, Copiapoa cinerea, Copiapoa calderana, Copiapoa haseltoniana, Copiapoa coquimbana. Scientific synonyms: Copiapoa montana, Copiapoa desertorum, Copiapoa rarissima, Copiapoa olivana. They are small, spherical, greyish-green cacti (bronze if they receive a lot of sun) that become columnar with age and can produce shoots. They reach 20 cm (7.87") in height and 10 cm (3.93") in diameter. They have 10-17 ribs with conical tubercles and round areoles. They have 4-9 black radial spines 2 cm (0.78") long and 0-3 longer central spines. The scented flowers are yellow and measure up to 5 cm in diameter. Due to its small size, Copiapoa montana is usually used in pots for windows, patios and terraces. Copiapoa taltalensis needs full sun exposure and a warm, dry climate. The safe winter temperature is 5 ºC (41 ºF). The soil can be a commercial preparation for cacti with 20% coarse sand or a mixture of 70% coarse silica sand and 30% leaf mulch. Copiapoa taltalensis is very resistant to drought, so it should only be watered when the soil is completely dry. From mid-autumn, watering should be suspended until early spring. A light fertilisation with mineral cactus fertiliser in spring will suffice. Copiapoa montana does not need pruning. Copiapoa taltalensis is a plant sensitive to excess moisture and frost. Copiapoa olivana is propagated from seeds sown in spring; young plants grow quickly and can flower early. |
Images of the cactus Copiapoa taltalensis or Copiapoa montana |
 Copiapoa taltalensis  Copiapoa taltalensis |