Cactus- Copiapoa Humilis Var Longispina

Copiapoa humilis var. longispina is endemic to the Sierra Hornillos, South of Copiapò, Chile. It grows in an area where constantly sunny weather prevails, together with a great aridity. However this southern region benefits of some winter rain.

Solitary, rarely offsetting of its own. It is hemispherical, lighter green (usually) to dark green (occasionally almost black) about 10 cm in diameter, covered with greyish wax. The crown is somewhat depressed, with white woolly felt.

Flowers are yellow, campanulate, and scented. Considering that Copiapoas come from a habitat with an extremely arid climate, they are remarkably tolerant of pot culture.  One of the most impressive features of copiapoas is they beautiful thick turnip looking taproots.

Copiapoas humulis is a summer growing species, one of the easiest to care for and more affordable of the copiapoa family. Is a perfect starter plant for beginners and is a must in every cacti collection. It is a relatively rapidly growing and easily flowering species that will make clumps given the best conditions. Best grown in very coarse mineral cactus mix soil, and will become too elongated if compost is too rich.

They require  appropriate air circulation.  Water moderately from Spring to Autumn, but do not overwater, with copiapoa less is more. During the hottest days of summer, in between waterings,  a quick light misting in late afternoon, to mimic the ocean breeze from its native environment, will keep it happy. They must be strictly kept dry throughout the winter since it is very sensitive to any moisture excesses keep dry in winter.

Kept in a cool place during winter rest and are resistant to light frost, if kept on the dry prior to, and during, cold weather. Requires full sun or light shade and careful watering to keep plant compact with strong colored spines.

Tends to bronze in strong light, which encourages flowering and heavy spine production. Light shadow may be useful in the hottest summer days. It is an excellent plant for container growing. It always looks good and stays small. It looks fine in a cold greenhouse and frame or outdoor in a rockery.

Some copiapoas are listed as endangered due to poaching and habitat destruction. Please buy from local reputable, and responsible growers.  

Plants available are rooted divisions as shown here. Plant will ship bare root. Will refund some of the shipping cost when placing an order for 2 or more plants. All my plants are healthy and pest free. I ship USPS  priority mail 2-5 business days. All purchases on or after Wednesday will ship the following Monday to avoid plants spending the weekend at the post office. Not responsible for frozen plants or delays from postal service, that’s out of my hands. If you require a heat pack, I have some for sale, check under my other listings. I’m not making any money on these, I have them there for YOUR convenience. They are priced at $6 that’s to cover my cost plus extra shipping weight. If you purchase a heat pack send me a message and let me know is for your order. For orders cancelled or refunded  72 hours after being placed, there will be a $5  charge (deducted from total refund) to cover restocking and Stripe’s processing fee.