Cacti from the genus Copiapoa have become incredibly popular amongst collectors and hobbyists over the past years. These exotic and beautiful cacti originate from one of the driest deserts in the world, the coastal Atacama desert of Chile in South America. In this video I introduce you to some of the species that I grow and their wonderful blooms. Also, I share some of the cultivation tips that have served me well over the years.

These plants need very careful watering as they are quite sensitive to overwatering. I grow them in a 100% mineral substrate, so no organic compounds added. Two critical elements for their succesful cultivation are also: avoiding too strong direct sun exposure (they are sensitive to sunburn!) as well as providing very good ventilation and air movement. Hence, I always have an electric fan running very close to my Copiapoa cacti, providing a constant gentle breeze. The blooms of these magnificent cacti are simply beautiful, not to mention their spines and often waxy light-grayish coating on their epidermis.

These plants are not your typical "beginners cacti" as they do require a bit of growing experience with these plants. Also, they appreciate a bright and warm location, preferably in a greenhouise or conservatory - however, as mentioned above, not in direct full sun, especially around noon-time. These cacti are quite slow-growing and do not appreciate a lot of fertilizing or watering. After all, in their natural habitats, they often survive for months on simply the moisture of the fog that the cool offshore ocean air generates as it rolls in over the hot Atacama desert plain and hills.

Enjoy!
Joe
@cactusjoe

#copiapoa #cactus #cacti #succulents #cactuscare #cactusbloom

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