Copiapoa cinerea

Copiapoa cinerea

You will receive a specimen similar to the specimen shown here.
This is a degraft now growing on its own roots (see photo).
Measures 3" wide.  
Showcased here in one-of-a-kind handmade pottery (sold separately).
Will be shipped bare root. 

The Copiapoa cinerea is a highly admired cactus species known for its striking appearance, featuring a chalky/white stem that provides a stark contrast to its sparse, jet-black spines. It is a slow-growing, solitary or slowly offsetting, globular to columnar cactus native to the Atacama Desert in Chile.

DESCRIPTION and CHARACTERISTICS:

• Stem: The stem can grow up to 1.2 meters tall and 10-20 cm in diameter. Its distinctive white color is a waxy coating that helps prevent desiccation in its extremely dry habitat. In cultivation, this waxy bloom may be less pronounced, revealing a brownish epidermis.
• Spines: The areoles typically have 1 or 2 central black spines and 0 to 7 radial spines. The black spination makes it highly sought after by collectors.
• Flowers: The plant produces yellow, funnel-shaped flowers, 1.5 to 2.5 cm in diameter, occasionally with a pink or reddish tint. It requires significant sunlight to bloom, a process that can take 6-10 years in cultivation.
• Habitat Adaptations: These cacti thrive in one of the driest places on Earth, sustained largely by fog (camanchaca). Their slow growth and longevity are key survival strategies.

CULTIVATION and CARE:

• Growth: Copiapoa cinerea is slow-growing. Cultivated plants tend to grow faster and flower earlier than wild ones but may have thinner spines and less white farina (waxy coating).
• Purchasing: Specimens with desirable dark-black spines are available for sale from various online merchants. Prices vary significantly depending on the size and specific characteristics of the plant, ranging from around $48 for a seedling to much higher prices for mature, character-rich specimens.
• Care: Like most cacti, they require dry soil and proper ventilation to prevent issues like fungal infections or root rot. They should be watered infrequently and kept away from cold drafts.