Copiapoa calderana

Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 32°F (0°C)

Sun Exposure: Light shade

Origin: Coastal deserts of northern Chile (Antofagasta, Caldera)

Growth Habits: Soiltary or slowly clumping, depressed spherical or cylindrical, 6 inches tall (15 cm), 4 in. (10 cm) in diameter; 10 to 17 ribs; 1( to 2) central spines, 0.88 to 1.2 inches (2.2 to 3 cm) long; 5 to 7 radial spines, 0.52 to 0.6 inch (1.3 to 1.5 cm) long;

Watering Needs: Light watering, good drainage. Keep warm and dry in winter to avoid rot.

Propagation: Seeds (offsets rarely), or grafted

The wild Copiapoa calderana have a whitish grey bloom that is generally not present on the cultivated cactus. There is very little rain where Copiapoas come from, and most of the species get a significant part of their water from the frequent fog.
Copiapoa is named after the city of Copiapó in northern Chile. 'Calderana' refers to Caldera, another location in Chile.
The name Copiapoa lembckei was not validly published.

Blooming Habits:
Large light yellow funnel-shaped flowers in spring and summer, 1.2 to 1.4 inches (3 to 3.5 cm) in length, 1.2 inches wide (3 cm), followed by green fruit.