Copiapoa cinerea

Copiapoa cinerea, native to dry regions, grows best in full sun; its natural habitat is marked by intense sunlight and scarce shade. It will also tolerate partial sun, giving it some flexibility in how it grows.

Although Copiapoa cinerea can tolerate some heat, it mainly thrives and grows in cooler seasons and becomes dormant during summer. In hot summer conditions, provide shade to avoid scorching from intense sunlight. Watering should be reduced or stopped during the hottest season to prevent root rot. Copiapoa cinerea shows vigorous growth in winter and spring, and as long as temperatures do not fall too low, it will continue to grow steadily.

Copiapoa cinerea requires only light applications of fertilizer once or twice a year during the growing season. Do not fertilize in winter or in summer when it is dormant. Reduce fertilizer for repotted plants and wait a couple of months after repotting before applying fertilizer. Fertilizing promotes healthy growth and encourages blooms.

Repot Copiapoa cinerea in spring or summer, selecting a pot slightly larger than the current one with good drainage. Use a well-draining, sandy or gritty cactus mix. Handle it carefully to avoid the spikes. Let the cactus dry out before repotting to help prevent root rot. After repotting, wait for a week before watering to allow the roots to heal.