Plants in genus copiapoa
Copiapoa humilis
Copiapoa humilis is a small cactus native to Northern Chile, characterized by its hemispherical shape and grass-green to red-brown stems. It blooms from spring to fall with yellow, bell-shaped flowers and prefers gritty, well-draining soil. This slow-growing cactus is frost-tolerant and thrives in full sun, making it a resilient addition to arid gardens.
Copiapoa esmeraldana
Copiapoa esmeraldana is a cactus native to the Atacama Desert in Northern Chile, known for its yellow, campanulate, scented flowers. It forms large clumps and requires full sun, light watering, and good drainage. This plant is propagated by seeds or stem cuttings and should be kept warm and dry in winter.
Copiapoa cinerea
Copiapoa cinerea is a globular, perennial cactus native to the coastal zones of northern Chile. It features a white waxy cuticle for protection and can grow up to 3 feet tall. The cactus produces yellow flowers and has thorns that vary in color from black to dark brown. It thrives in well-drained soils and requires protection from excessive sun and frost. This slow-growing plant is adapted to survive in areas with dense fogs, which provide necessary moisture.
Copiapoa grandiflora
Copiapoa grandiflora is a slow-growing cactus native to Chile, with a globular-cylindrical shape and yellow flowers. It requires light watering, well-draining soil, and full sunlight, thriving in hardiness zone 10B. This cactus is propagated from seeds or by grafting.
Copiapoa cinerea ssp. krainziana
Copiapoa cinerea ssp. krainziana is a globose cactus from northern Chile, reaching up to 8 inches in height. It produces white or pink flowers in mid-spring to late summer and thrives in porous soil with direct sunlight.
Copiapoa laui
Copiapoa laui is a miniature, clustering cactus known as the smallest species in its genus. Discovered in the 1970s, this summer-growing plant prefers sunny-bright exposure or light shade and has good heat tolerance. It requires infrequent watering to maintain its compact form and thrives in a very dry atmosphere. With a minimum winter temperature of 41°F, it is well-suited for cultivation in arid environments.
Copiapoa echinoides
Copiapoa echinoides is a cactus originating from Northern Chile, characterized by its solitary or clumped globose-shaped stem. The stem color ranges from brown to grayish-green, and it grows to a height of 15 to 30 cm. This winter-dormant species bears pale yellow flowers and is drought-resistant, thriving in sun to partial shade.
Copiapoa gigantea
Copiapoa gigantea is a slow-growing cactus endemic to Chile's Atacama Desert. It forms massive clumps up to 5 feet tall, with light green or reddish stems and golden spines. This cactus prefers a coarse mineral soil mix and requires careful watering to avoid overwatering. It can withstand short periods of cold down to 28°F and thrives in full sun or light shade.
Copiapoa hypogaea 'Lizard Skin'
Copiapoa hypogaea 'Lizard Skin' is a small, globose cactus native to Chile, known for its distinctive textured surface. It grows slowly, reaching up to 7 cm in height, and produces pink and yellow flowers in summer. This xerophytic plant prefers a gritty, sandy cactus mix and is susceptible to over-watering. It thrives in bright sunlight or light shade and can tolerate frost down to 32°F.
Copiapoa calderana
Copiapoa calderana is a slow-growing cactus that requires protection from excessive heat and sun. It prefers light but regular waterings in summer and needs good drainage. This cactus is not highly tolerant of frost, making it suitable for warm climates or indoor cultivation.
Copiapoa humilis ssp. tenuissima
Copiapoa humilis ssp. tenuissima is a slow-growing cactus native to Northern Chile. It features yellow flowers and clumps slowly, making it ideal for dry, sunny locations.
Copiapoa marginata
Copiapoa marginata is a clump-forming cactus native to the Atacama Desert in Chile, known for its yellow flowers and spiky growth habit. It requires full sun and well-draining soil, with light but regular watering in summer and dry conditions in winter. This slow-growing cactus is not highly frost-tolerant but can withstand short periods of cold.
Copiapoa dealbata
Copiapoa dealbata is a cactus that forms large mounds with shallow ribs and dense needle-like spines. It blooms in summer with pale to bright yellow flowers and can take several years to flower for the first time.