Black Spined Sea Urchin

COPIAPOA CINEREA

I like the way this plant mimics sea-life, but if you look closely some sea-life and succulents have very similar characteristics. This plant in the collection is about 2" wide. It has changed very little since I purchased it in 2005.

Copiapoa cinerea from the coastal areas of South America, where it grows in areas where very little else grows. It's a very drought tolerant species. One of the most admired species of cacti with chalky/white stems covered with wool at the apex, which contrasts well with the sparse, jet-black spines. It is a solitary, or slowly offsetting, globular to columnar cactus. It is an extremely variable species with many forms, sometimes with long spines or others spineless. The white coloration is a waxy coating presumably to prevent dessication in it's extremely dry environment. In cultivation the white waxy bloom is often not produced, revealing a brownish epidermis. An extremely slow growing cactus kept for the beauty of its form. It must be protected from excessive heat and sun in summer, and seems to do best in cultivation with a bit of shade. It requires light but regular waterings in summer, but let the soil mix dry between waterings. Prone to rot if over-watered. Needs good drainage. Keep warm and dry in winter (50°F) to avoid rot. Not highly tolerant of a great deal of frost. (Frost tolerance 32°F)