Origin and Natural Habitat
This species of Copiapoa is indigenous to Chile.
Plant Characteristics
Copiapoa hypogaea is a relatively small, round cactus with rough, dark brown stems. Mature specimens are quite ‘woolly’ at the growth point. It produces light yellow flowers in spring and summer.
Care Guide
Light
This species can tolerate full morning sun if carefully adjusted to it, but a plant grown in some shade or a newly replanted specimen should not be placed in full sun immediately. It is best to grow them under 40% shade cloth.
Soil
Copiapoa hypogaea prefers a gritty, inorganic soil medium that drains well, such as Ibaraki Akadama or Hyuga pumice.
Water
This particular Copiapoa is somewhat fussy. You should thoroughly soak the soil when watering. Only water this species in the spring and summer growing season, and keep dry in winter. Watering this plant in winter will cause it to rot.
Pot size
Copiapoa hypogaea are small cacti even when mature. They can comfortably be grown in 10cm pots. They should only be planted in a pot that is 2-3cm wider than their stem diameter.
Temperature
This species’ ideal temperature ranges between 20 – 30*C. It can tolerate 5 – 35*C. It can withstand light frost, but not heavy frost. Keep warm in winter.
Humidity
Copiapoa are quite sensitive to humidity, particularly during winter. Humidity should not be above 40%. Make sure that your growing space has plenty of airflow.
Fertilizing
Use a half-strength diluted general liquid fertilizer only during the growing season. Do not fertilize during autumn or winter. Alternatively, a small amount of slow-release fertilizer will be sufficient.
Growing Season
Copiapoa hypogaea grow actively in spring and summer, and are fully dormant in autumn and winter.
In South Africa, their growing season is from October until March.
Propagation
Copiapoa are best propagated from seed or offsets.
Seed germination: Seeds should be sown in early spring. Plant them in a coco peat based mix in an airtight container. Once most of the seeds have germinated, remove the lid of the container to allow airflow. Gently mist the seedlings every few days so that the soil does not dry out.
Offsets: These plants produce offsets occasionally. These offsets will naturally separate their stems from the parent plants in time and can be removed by simply repotting the plant.