Consulta Plantas

Care of the cactus Copiapoa gigantea or Copiapoa haseltoniana

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

Scientific synonyms: Copiapoa haseltoniana, Copiapoa eremophila, Copiapoa tenebrosa. This species is native to the Atacama Desert (Chile).

Copiapoa gigantea is a greyish-green or grey cactus with a globose body (cylindrical with age) that can form large groups of 2 metres (6.56 feet) wide and 1.5 metres (4.92 feet) high; growth is very slow. It has 20-37 ribs and large orange areoles with 9 radial spines and 1 central spine. The flowers, not scented, measure 5 cm in diameter and are lemon yellow.

Copiapoa haseltoniana is used in rockeries, on dry slopes, in cactus and succulent gardens and in pots for patios and terraces when they are young.

Copiapoa gigantea prefers light shade exposure, avoiding direct sun during the central hours of the day. The safe winter temperature is 5 ºC (41 ºF).

The soil can be a commercial substrate for cacti with 25% coarse sand; it is very important that the soil drains very well.

Water moderately, waiting for the substrate to dry completely. It is advisable not to wet the apex of the plant. Do not water in winter.

Fertilize once in mid-spring with mineral fertilizer for cacti.

Copiapoa haseltoniana does not need pruning.

This plant is quite resistant to the usual pests and diseases but sensitive to excess humidity especially in winter.

Copiapoa gigantea is propagated from seeds sown in a sandy and humid seedbed in spring and by separating shoots.

Images of the cactus Copiapoa gigantea or Copiapoa haseltoniana