🌱 Germinate Lophophora and Copiapoa seeds 1. Prepare the substrate

• Very mineral : mixture e.g. 70–80% pumice, lava, quartz sand, perlite.

• A small portion of fine cactus soil or coconut fiber (max. 20–30%) so that it is not too sterile.

• Moisten everything beforehand (slightly damp, not wet!).

👉 Tip: Many growers sterilize substrate briefly in the microwave or oven (to prevent fungus).

2. Vessel

• Shallow bowls or small pots, preferably with a transparent lid (mini greenhouse, zip bag or storage box).

• Important: Air circulation must be adjustable → ventilate slowly later.

3. Sowing

• Simply sprinkle seeds onto the surface (light germinates!).

• Do not cover with substrate – at most, dust lightly with fine sand or vermiculite.

• Press down gently with a spoon or the bottom of a glass.

4. Conditions for germination

• Temperature: 22–28 °C during the day, slightly cooler at night.

• Light: bright, but not direct sunlight (fluorescent tube or LED is ideal).

• Humidity: Keep the substrate permanently moist (closed cover retains moisture).

👉 Germination usually takes 7–14 days, sometimes 3–4 weeks.

5. Care of the seedlings

• Keep closed for 2–4 weeks after germination.

• Then slowly get used to fresh air (open the lid a little every day).

• Water very carefully (preferably from below), never let the substrate dry out – but also avoid waterlogging!

• For the first few months they grow very slowly and remain like small green balls.

6. Hardening

• After about 3-4 months they can tolerate more light and drier periods.

• Later (6–12 months) they can be treated like adult Lophophora: very mineral substrate, keep dry in winter.

Care of adult plants

• Light: full sun promotes compact, healthy growth.

• Temperature: warm in summer, cool in winter (5–12 °C), as dry as possible – this simulates rest time.

• Water:

  • Summer: water moderately, always allow to dry out.

  • Winter: hardly water at all.

• Fertilization: during the growing season (spring-summer) once a month with special cactus fertilizer (low nitrogen content).

• Repotting: every few years into fresh mineral substrate.

Differences between Lophophora and Copiapoa

• Lophophora: spherical, without thorns, very slow growing, extremely sensitive to waterlogging.

• Copiapoa: from Chile, usually with thorns, somewhat more robust and better adapted to full sun.

Tips for healthy plants

• Always ensure good drainage .

• Beware of overwatering – the most common mistake!

• In summer, place plants outdoors (in a sunny place, protected from rain).

• It is essential to observe the rest period in winter, otherwise the lifespan will suffer.