Copiapoa Humilis

Copiapoa Humilis Care

Copiapoa humilis

What is the plant

Copiapoa humilis is a very small, low growing cactus with roots like turnips, sometimes solitary but usually clumping at the base. It is an excellent plant for container growing. It looks fine in a cold greenhouse and frame or outdoor in a rockery.

Copiapoa humilis is a highly variable taxon with several more or less similar forms that could be described as local varieties. In the wild, it can be found north of Paposo, towards Blanco Encalada south along the coast to Barquito just south of Chanaral (in the regions of Atacama and Antofagasta) Chile. It grows in patches and in crevices in the coastal deserts on the steep mountain base among fragmented stones.

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Humidity

Dry

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

min 5°C

Hardiness zone

10a - 11b

Difficulty

Medium

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Water moderately from spring to autumn, but do not overwater (the plant is rot prone), it must be strictly kept dry throughout the winter quiescent period since it is very sensitive to any moisture excesses keep dry in winter.
Fertilizer
Feed with a high potassium fertilizer in summer.
Sunlight
The plant requires full sun or light shade. Tends to bronze in strong light, which encourages flowering and heavy spine production. Light shadow my be useful in the hottest summer days.

Disease diagnosis

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Soil
The plant likes very coarse mineral cactus mix soil, but can become too elongated if compost is too rich.
Temperature
They need to be kept in a cool place during winter rest and are resistant to light frost if kept on the dry side prior to and during cold weather (they are hardy to -4°C for short periods). However, some warmth throughout the year will increase the grower's success (minimum 5° to 8°C during rest season). Inside, normal room temperatures (65°F/18.3°C - 75°F/23.8°C) are suitable.
Container
Choose any type of pot with enough drainage holes.