Care of the cacti Copiapoa marginata or Echinocactus marginatus |
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The genus Copiapoa, family Cactaceae, comprises 25 species of cactus native to northern Chile. Some species are: Copiapoa marginata, Copiapoa malletiana, Copiapoa krainziana, Copiapoa humilis, Copiapoa grandiflora, Copiapoa echinoides, Copiapoa cinerea, Copiapoa calderana, Copiapoa haseltoniana, Copiapoa coquimbana, Copiapoa taltalensis. This species is native to Atacama, Chile. They are cacti with a solitary stem that reach 50 cm (1.64 feet) in height and can form groups and branches. They have 10-14 broad, blunt ribs with abundant wooly on the younger areolas. They have 5 to 10 radial spines and 1 to 3 central spines; all spines are first black and then gray. The flowers, apical, are light yellow. The fruits can be reddish or green. They are used in pots for terraces, patios, windows, in greenhouses or in very bright and well ventilated interiors. Copiapoa marginata prefers full sun exposure and low humidity. The temperature in winter should not be less than 5 ºC (41 ºF). The soil must drain excellently and contain no organic matter; A mixture of clay garden substrate, vermiculite and coarse siliceous sand in the same proportions is recommended. It's very important to water moderately, allowing the substrate to dry well; they are very resistant to drought. Fertilizers and pruning are not necessary. They are very sensitive to excess moisture. They propagate easily by seeds sown in spring or by rooting of suckers. |
Images of the cacti Copiapoa marginata or Echinocactus marginatus |
 Copiapoa marginata  Copiapoa marginata |