Copiapoa tenuissima

Cute black cactus w big tuberous root best in a deep pot kept dry in winter. Pretty golden blooms spring-summer. Pot champion.
synonyms Copiapoa humilis subs. tenuissima
height 3–6in
width 3–6in
tolerates Heat, Pots, Wind
water
needs		 Lowest
water
info		 Most cactus are from the deserts of the Western Hemisphere and as such like to go totally bone dry between waterings, making them very low-maintenance. If you see your cactus begin to shrivel or lose firmness, your cactus is likely totally dry and should be watered. To get good healthy growth your plant doesn’t want to sit around totally dried out during it’s growing season. Once it is dry water it.

This cactus comes from an area with foggy coastal mist and no proper rain at all. Grow in gritty, pure mineral soil to minimize problems with winter wet.
hardy
to		 25F
exposure Part Shade – Full Sun
indoor
outdoor		 Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Requires Perfect Drainage
fertilizing All Purpose, Low Needs
origin Chile
california
native		 No
sunset
zones		 8, 9, 16, 17, 19–H2

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

Growing Notes

Globose cactus (those with spherical stems) are low and wide, looking best in squat pots or even bowls. However, you may want to plant in a deep pot to speed growth as it can develop a long, thick taproot.
In hot-summer areas, grow with a bit of shade.
Globose cactus require no pruning.
These cactus are difficult to propagate, unless they send off pups, which can be removed, dried for two weeks and then planted in a fast-draining cactus mix.

Special Interest

This plant comes from the coastal portion of the Atacama Desert, the world’s driest. Fog from cold ocean waters supplies all the moisture in habitat.