Copiapoa cinereaoriginates from a very desiccated area where slow fogs occur due to the cold stream of the Pacific Ocean . The light coloration of its root word protects against desiccation in its lifelike home ground . However , when cultivate , the plant often lacks the white , waxy coating that usually covers its surface . As a result , the brownishepidermisbeneath may become peril .

Copiapoa cinerea(Phil . ) Britton & Rose

Copiapoa cinereasubsp.cinerea , Echinocactus cinereus

Copiapoa cinerea

In habitat, Chile. Derivative of a photo byStefan. Licensed underCC BY-NC 4.0.

folk : CactaceaeSubfamily : CactoideaeTribe : NotocacteaeGenus : Copiapoa

The specific epithet " cinerea "   ( pronounced " sinning - EER - ee - uh " ) entail " ashen , like ashes " and refers to the colour of the stem of this coinage .

Copiapoa cinereais native toChile . Copiapoa cinereasubsp.cinereaoccurs in coastal zone of the Antofagasta and Atacama Regions .

Copiapoa cinerea

In habitat, Chile. Derivative of a photo byMatt Berger. Licensed underCC BY 4.0.

Copiapoa cinereais a smallcactuswith calcareous white stems that have 12 to 30 spacious rib lined with black or dark brown spines . This cactus grow slow , and only maturespecimenswill produceoffsetsfrom the base . The cylindric prow can reach tallness of up to 4 feet ( 1.2 m ) and have a diameter of up to 8 inch ( 20 cm ) . The tips of the stems are covered with wool , and eachareoletypically has 1 to 2 central acantha and up to 7 stellate backbone .

During the summer , Copiapoa cinereaproduces yellowed , funnel - influence flowers atop the base . Occasionally , the flowers may exhibit pink or ruby hue and can make a diameter of 1 in ( 2.5 cm ) . It unremarkably ask 6 to 10 years for this cactus to commence blossom . However , once it starts , it typically bloom every class . The fruits develop between the wool and are only visible once the ripening Begin . They can grow up to 0.8 inches ( 2 cm ) long and moderate shiny black seed .

Light : Copiapoa cinereathrives in full sun or fond ghost . However , when grow in full sun , it should be protect from excessive sun during the summer .

Copiapoa cinerea

In habitat, Chile. Derivative of a photo byStefan. Licensed underCC BY-NC 4.0.

grease : habituate commercial cactus soil mixture orcreate your ownto ensure good root aeration and drainage . If the soil is too rich , this cactus may become elongated .

Temperature : Copiapoa cinereais heat - tolerant but not Robert Frost - tolerant . In winter , it must be kept at temperatures of about 50 ° F ( 10 ° C ) . It grows best inUSDA Plant Hardiness Zones10a to 11b , with average minimal winter temperature roam from 30 to 50 ° F ( -1.1 to 10 ° atomic number 6 ) .

Watering : This cactus requires light and regularwateringfrom spring to fall . take into account the land to dry out completely before watering again . Never let the pot sit in standing piss , and block watering during the winter when the plant go away dormant .

Copiapoa cinerea

In habitat, Antofagasta, Chile. Derivative of a photo byCarl Howard-Morton. Licensed underCC BY-NC 4.0.

fecundate : Copiapoa cinereabenefits fromfertilizingduring the growing time of year . employ a water - soluble fertilizer designed for cacti , and block up feeding during wintertime .

Repotting : Repot this cactus into a slightly larger commode with drain hole every two or three years , preferably in late wintertime or former spring . However , repotting can be done at any time of the year if needed .

extension : Copiapoa cinereacan easily be propagated fromseedsor offset when available . The best fourth dimension to get rid of commencement is during spring and summer . For the best solution , sow seeds in recent leaping or summertime . This cactus can also be diffuse bygraftingonto a sturdy rhizome , such asSelenicereusspecies , which is often used to cannonball along up growth .

Learn more atHow to Grow and Care for Copiapoa .

Copiapoa cinereais non - toxic but has sharp spines , so keep it by from children and pets .

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