Overview

Copiapoa coquimbana is a clump forming cactus succulent in the genus Copiapoa, part of the Cactaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.6 metres tall. Copiapoa coquimbana grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H2. Suggested uses include houseplants and conservatory and greenhouse.

About

Copiapoa coquimbana is a species of clump-forming cactus native to South America. The plant bears 3 cm (1.2 in) long yellow flowers in summer, and grows up to 60 cm (2 ft) high and 1 m (3 ft) across. The species is named after the city of Coquimbo in Chile. In the garden it prefers full sun and loam and sand soil. In UK gardens it is tender and needs frost-free protection over winter (RHS H2). Suggested uses include houseplants and conservatory and greenhouse. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and south-facing aspects. Plant in very well-drained, gritty compost. Full sun.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Copiapoa coquimbana

About the genus

Copiapoa is a genus of flowering plants in the cactus family Cactaceae, from the dry coastal deserts, particularly the Atacama Desert, of northern Chile.

Wikipedia contributors, "Copiapoa", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Copiapoa

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Copiapoa

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H2

Plant details

Copiapoa coquimbana size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Cactus Succulent

Habit

Clump forming

Foliage

Evergreen

Height

0.6 metres

Suggested uses

Houseplants, Conservatory and greenhouse

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Copiapoa coquimbana

Propagation

Seed sown at 19-24°C (66-75°F) in early spring, division, removing offsets in summer

Pest resistance

Mealybugs when grown under glass

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions