Copiapoa
DESCRIPTION: This group of cacti, from the dry, coastal deserts of northern Chile, consists of about twenty-six species. In their native land, these sun-loving cacti rarely receive rain; rather, they derive their moisture from the fog that often covers the land. Some Copiapoa are spherical, some are slightly columnar, and some have a brownish body, while others are blue-green. After a while, most varieties produce a waxy or powdery white coating, which can be washed away by overhead watering. In the spring and summer, open-faced, mostly yellow, 1- to 2-inch flowers are produced at the plant's woolly crown. C. barquitensis forms clusters of brown, round heads up to 8 inches across. They are covered with white, downy areoles. Its yellow blossoms are produced in the spring and summer. C. cinerea is the most popular and slow-growing species of its group. It can reach a height and spread of up to 4 feet, but it takes up to 15 years to reach a height and width of only 41/2 inches. This globular shaped species is solitary at first, after many years, becoming slightly columnar and clustered. This species will produce a white, waxy coating after 5 to 10 years, though overhead watering will wash it away. It needs plenty of warmth during the winter and fairly dry soil. C. tenuissima is an interesting species that will turn almost black in direct light. It can eventually grow into a 10-inch clump. This variety is covered in white down and black spines. In the spring and summer, yellow flowers are produced at the crown. It needs excellent drainage.
POTTING: These cacti are excellent for growing in windowsills and greenhouses with a minimum temperature of 45º F. They need very well-drained, mineral based soil that is moderately watered in the summer and kept fairly dry in the winter. In hot regions, it is important that they have good ventilation, as they are easily burned.
PROPAGATION: Seeds and cuttings may be used.
VARIETIES: C. humilis; C. cinerea; C. tenuisima var. cristata; C. hypogaia; C. coquimbana; C. krainziana; C. lembkei; C. barquitensis.
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