Copiapoa esmeraldana

This is a very small plant which really shriveled up a bit this winter, making it even smaller. But that doesn't stop it from flowering beyond the call of duty.

Copiapoa barquitensis

One of the easiest of the copiapoas to grow, this species flowers regularly and often, making it a must for a cactus collection and a good beginning point for a collection of copiapoas. However, it needs a good draining potting mix as it is prone to rot if allowed to sit in moisture, and it prefers some shade during the heat of summer. A dry winter rest with protection from frost is also needed.
Now considered by many to be a synonym of Copiapoa hypogaea or a variety of same (Syn. Copiapoa hypogaea var. barquitensis).

Copiapoa malletiana

With the common name "Copiapoa de Carrizal" and a flurry of synonyms (Echinocactus malletianus, Copiapoa carrizalensis, Copiapoa dealbata), this is another wonderful copiapoa from the Atacama Desert in Chile. The photo, which was taken just a couple of weeks ago, is of a small plant in a 4" diameter pot. The flowers are yellow (the remains of one is at the top) and the new spines are black.

Copiapoa haseltoniana

This plant is in a 4" pot. Not a huge specimen by any means. But that's one of the things I like about copiapoas; they can be quite impressive even at a young age. Plus, they're really quite easy to grow.

Copiapoa laui

This species, often misspelled lauii, is a part of the hypogaea complex and is the smallest of the Copiapoas. It eventually will form nice clusters, but will flower when it is still very small.

Copiapoa tennuisima

This is one of the smaller growing copiapoas which flowers readily and regularly creates monstrose plants. Purple bodied beauties.

Copiapoa esmeraldana

 

Among the first of the cacti to flower this spring is this Copiapoa esmeraldana, and - wow - what an auspicious beginning to Spring.

Copiapoa haseltoniana

We've been growing cacti for over 40 years now and my interest in the Copiapoa genus has grown with the years. Copiapoa haseltoniana is a good example of why. The yellow to gold spines with a amber-yellow crown of wool and flowers from a young age are all elements which recommend it. It also clumps with age, making a great exhibition plant. Keep the plants warm and dry in the winter, avoiding any frost, and giving it plenty of light. Provide a potting mix with very good drainage and it will reward you with years of enjoyment.

Copiapoa krainziana

A nice young specimen of Copiapoa krainziana, a cactus from the northern coastal regions of Chile where it receives most of its moisture from the coastal fog, known locally as the camanchaca. This is a hot and dry region and therefore, in cultivation, they prefer bright, warm situations and are sensitive to cold. These plants are on their own roots though they are sometimes grafted.

Enjoy your plants

Copiapoa esmeraldana flower

I didn't have time to do it right so I just took a quick snapshot of the flower of Copiapoa esmeraldana. Sitting as it is surrounded by the "Ruby Hedgehog", you'd almost think the flower was on one of those plants. But of course, we all know better!

I'll try to get a better picture as soon as possible.
I hope you had a chance to enjoy the opening ceremonies of the Olympics.

Late season flowers: Copiapoa tenuissima

As can be seen in this photo, with all the old dead flowers clearly visible, this is one plant that just doesn't know when to quit. Copiapoa tenuissima isn't one of the rarer of Copiapoas, usually seen in its monstrous form, but it's easy to grow and flowers without asking.

Copiapoa tenuissima flower

One of the several Copiapoa tenuissima crests or monstrose plants we have in our collection, this one was flowering yesterday, so I'm sharing it with you. These are relatively easy to grow and bloom with regularity in our greenhouse.

Copiapoa laui

This species, often misspelled lauii, is a part of the hypogaea complex and is the smallest of the Copiapoas. It eventually will form nice clusters, but will flower when it is still very small.

Our weather is jerking us around a bit. Mid 90s F today, 70 F Thursday and Friday. Enjoy your plants!

The answer to "How do I get my cactus to flower?"

OK, it's time for an intermission from all the Haworthias.

This is a Copiapoa laui which hasn't yet established any roots. And you were asking how to get them to flower?

Rebutia and Copiapoa flowers

Since my last post was a "medley" of Echinopsis flowers, I couldn't resist another grouping. Sometimes I'm just wandering the greenhouses and a certain combination just strikes out at me. This is one of those cases. I couldn't have planned it better myself.