
CategoryCactus
GenusCopiapoa
FamilyCactaceae
Natural originChile, Atacama Region, coastal desert between Quebrada Totoral in the southern part of Copiapó Province and the drainage basin of Quebrada Maitencillo in Huasco Province. The species is endemic to this region.
Acquired fromhttps://cactusagroideas.com
In the collection sinceJul 17, 2026
Kept inBalkon
Natural habitatRocky, north-facing slopes in coastal-influenced ravines west of the coastal mountain range. The species occurs in areas affected by marine fog, including fog-oasis habitats. Its environment is characterized by extreme aridity, mineral soils and occasional moisture supplied by coastal fog.
About the species
Copiapoa aff. echinoides
Copiapoa aff. echinoides belongs to the Cactaceae family (genus Copiapoa) and is listed in our catalog under “Cactus”. Its needs – light: full sun; water: low; humidity: low. Keep it above 8 °C – it is frost-tender and needs a frost-free spot in winter. Rest period: dry winter rest. Typical flowering time: June, July, August. Moderately demanding to grow. It is not known to be toxic. Nobody on Perfect Plants Club has added it to their collection yet – be the first!
Full species page →
Care summary
Copiapoa aff. echinoides
Dry winter rest Difficulty: ●●●○○ ✓ Not known to be toxic
Extremely slow with sensitive roots – err on the side of too little water.
⚠ Pets & children · genus Copiapoa
✓Not known to be toxic 🐱 🐶 🧒details →
In the grower’s words
Copiapoa echinoides is a slow-growing cactus with compact, globular to slightly flattened stems. It grows as a solitary plant or forms clusters of several heads. The stems are usually 7–18 cm in diameter, with green skin that may turn coppery under intense sunlight. The flattened apex is covered with wool. There are typically 11–17 ribs, and the areoles have yellowish felt that turns grey with age. Young spines are brown to black, with usually 6–10 radial spines and 0–3 central spines. Its fragrant flowers are approximately 3.5–4 cm long and emerge from the wool at the apex. The species is endemic to Chile's Atacama Region.
In chronological order
Growth photos
Conversation

Log in to comment.