Earth Rose Cactus
copiapoa hypogaea
Also known as: ["Earth Rose Cactus","Copiapoa hypogaea"]
Overview
A small, globular cactus native to the Atacama Desert in Chile, known for its low-growing habit and spiny appearance.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","rare/collector’s item","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Genus: | Copiapoa |
| Botanical Name: | Copiapoa hypogaea |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: rock garden or sunny, dry spot in arid regions
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining cactus mix with added perlite or coarse sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically annually or when dead material is present.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove only dead, damaged, or diseased parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or full sun (4–6 hours daily). Adjust to avoid scorching in intense summer sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; provide shade during peak summer hours; for indoor plants, place near south-facing windows with sheer curtains.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant weekly for even light; use shade cloth in summer; avoid direct midday sun in hottest months.
Watering
every 10–14 days during growing season, reduce to monthly in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure soil dries fully between waterings; avoid waterlogging, especially in winter.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or rocky cactus mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use pots with drainage holes; avoid peat-heavy soils; ensure soil dries quickly between waterings.
Temperature
Prefers 15–25°C; tolerates 5–30°C. Dormant in winter below 10°C.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; ensure good ventilation in warm conditions.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth, none in winter
Fertilize only during active growth; use a balanced cactus formula; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or offsets (pups).
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy offset or cutting.
- Let cut end dry for a few days.
- Plant in well-draining medium.
- Keep moist but not wet.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (20–25°C), bright indirect light, and high humidity (e.g., propagation dome).
Medium
Well-draining mix of cactus soil and perlite or sand.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up the process.
Timeline
Offsets may root in 2–4 weeks; cuttings take 4–8 weeks to root and several months to establish.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or scissors, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining soil mix.
Quick Tips
Allow cuttings to callous before planting; maintain humidity without overwatering; use sterile tools to prevent disease.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip off affected areas with clean cuts; avoid excessive handling to prevent injury to the plant.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning; focus on removing dead or damaged parts to maintain health and aesthetics.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; remove only dead/damaged parts; avoid over-pruning; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 5-inch pot); ensure good drainage.
Method
Gently remove plant; trim any dead roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.
Suggestions
Repot only when roots fill the pot or soil breaks down (every 2–3 years).
Checklist
Check root health; use fresh soil; ensure drainage; avoid over-potting; water sparingly post-repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil dryness; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid foliage wetting; adjust seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the soil level, avoiding the plant's body. Ensure water penetrates the root zone but drains freely. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry before nightfall.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly during spring and fall, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce or cease watering in winter; increase slightly in summer if temperatures exceed 30°C, but avoid waterlogging.
Soil Improvement
Add coarse sand, perlite, or pumice to commercial cactus mix to enhance drainage and aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis, stunted growth, or softening of the body in heat; shriveling or root rot in cold.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow metabolism and increase susceptibility to rot, especially if soil is moist.
Solution: Ensure soil is completely dry before temperatures drop below 10°C; move indoors or to a frost-free location.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause sunburn, dehydration, or etiolation if not acclimated to intense light.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; increase air circulation; water sparingly if soil dries quickly.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding; flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a low-nitrogen cactus fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply once in spring and once in summer. Avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest Copiapoa hypogaea. The plant's tissues can irritate the digestive system, causing temporary discomfort without severe consequences.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Copiapoa hypogaea can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant's tissues may cause irritation, resulting in temporary discomfort without long-term health risks.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicCopiapoa hypogaea contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested. The plant's tissues may irritate the digestive tract, leading to discomfort without severe systemic effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Copiapoa hypogaea?
A: Water sparingly, only when the soil is completely dry, typically every 2-4 weeks depending on climate.
Q: Does Copiapoa hypogaea require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Q: Is Copiapoa hypogaea frost-tolerant?
A: No, it is sensitive to frost and should be protected from temperatures below 5°C.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 10–14 days during grow |
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