The specimen you’ll receive is exactly the one shown in the photos of the listing.

Size: Height 6.5 cm – Diameter 6.5 cm
SPECIAL PLANT

This adult specimen of Copiapoa calderana is a true desert survivor. Its globular shape and slightly weathered surface tell the story of slow growth in arid, mineral-rich conditions. The well-marked ribs hold widely spaced areoles bearing long, straight spines—darker in the center and whitish near the base—crossed and rigid, forming a protective cage around the body. Its apex is tightly packed and armed, a clear sign of maturity.

Copiapoa calderana hails from the arid coastal zones near Caldera, northern Chile, where it thrives in rocky, dry terrain kissed by the ocean’s fog (camanchaca). Its slow growth and weathered appearance give it a character that cactus collectors truly value—a rugged look shaped by nature itself.

Fun fact:
The marks and rough texture on the stem are not flaws but rather proof of resilience—each imperfection tells a story, making every specimen truly one of a kind.

Cultivation tips:
Use a fully mineral, well-draining mix (pumice, coarse sand, lava rock). Water very sparingly, only when the soil is bone dry, and avoid watering in winter. Full sun is essential to keep the plant compact and spiny. Keep it dry to prevent rot and protect it from prolonged humidity. It can handle near-freezing temperatures in winter as long as it remains dry.