deeply in the arid Atacama Desert of Chile lives a curious cactus with a groundless , untamed show . Meet Copiapoa haseltoniana – a spiky , bunch - forming marvel that has adapted to some of the abrasive growing conditions on Earth . But do n’t lease its broken exterior fool you ; with the right care , you could transform this desert freedom fighter into a well - comport houseguest in your very own garden . study on to see the mystery of domesticating Copiapoa haseltoniana !
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About Copiapoa haseltoniana
aboriginal to the coastal deserts of northerly Chile , Copiapoa haseltoniana is a low - mature , obtusely - twirl cactus that imprint enceinte pitcher’s mound or thud over sentence . Its thick-skulled stems are ribbed and build up with fell acantha , interspersed with golden crowns of areoles . While fearsome in appearance , this resilient mintage has mastered the art of selection in its unforgiving native land , make it an intriguing ( and somewhat challenging ) plus to cactus assemblage .
Related Post:1,000 Types of Cactus [ With Pictures ]
How to Care for Copiapoa haseltoniana
Light
As a true Sunday - worshipper , Copiapoa haseltoniana thrives in direct , bright sun . allow for at least 6 - 8 hours of sunshine daily , ideally from an east or Rebecca West - facing windowpane . If summertime are scorching where you live , filtrate the light with a sheer drape during peak afternoon minute . For indoor growing , supplement with aquality grow lightplaced 12 - 18 inches from the works .
Water
In keeping with its desert origins , this cactus prefer infrequent but deep waterings . During spring and summertime ( the growing season ) , furnish enough pee to penetrate the entire stem zone , then allow the soil to amply wry before watering again . Cut back to a bare minimum in winter when emergence is dormant . Overwatering is the buss of death , so erring on the dry side is wise .
Soil
Copiapoa haseltoniana demands a very well - draining soil admixture to prevent rot . apply a ready - made cactus / succulent mix , orcreate your ownby combine one part pot soil with two part coarse sand , small pebble or perlite . A slightly acidulous to impersonal dirt pH is ideal .
Fertilizer
prey sparingly with a balancedfertilizer formulated for cactiand succulent when new growth emerges in early spring . Too muchfertilizercan induce luxuriant , abnormal growth that is prone to blighter and disease .
Temperature
This heat - loving cactus prefers warm days around 75 - 90 ° atomic number 9 and cool nights of 55 - 65 ° degree Fahrenheit . forefend exposing it to freezing temperatures . Most homes bring home the bacon suitable conditions indoors during wintertime .
Pruning
Pruningis generally unneeded , but you could remove any stagnant or damaged staunch to meliorate appearance and air circulation .
Potting and Repotting
Terracotta or ceramic pots with fantabulous drainage are consummate dwelling for Copiapoa haseltoniana . Only repot when the root organization outgrow its current container , in all probability every 3 - 5 years . Handle with extreme care to avoid injury from the sharp spines !
Pests and Problems
Despite its fierce appearance , Copiapoa haseltoniana can go down victim to a fewpeskyinsect invader and disease if growing conditions are n’t idealistic . Keep a watchful middle for :
The best defense is proper lachrymation , and flow of air , quarantine fresh plants , and regularly inspect for issues . process insect infestation promptly with an insecticidal soap , neem oil or physically removing the cuss . Discard any plants with advanced rot to foreclose spread .
Copiapoa haseltoniana Propagation Guide
While seeds offer an veritable propagation method acting , they can be challenging to source and germinate successfully . A far easygoing road is to root counterbalance ( plantlets ) that form around the base of the parent plant . Here ’s how :
With a little patience and the proper domestication technique , you too can enjoy the spiky splendor of this desert native in your own out-of-door oasis or indoor garden ! Taming Copiapoa haseltoniana is an adventure well savored one barbellate tone at a time .
