Can cactus survive the winter? Yes, some can! Find out the important tips for helping your cacti make it through the cold months safely.
Winter is n’t always kind to cacti , specially in area where temperature plummet . While certain cacti varieties handle insensate like professional , others need a little special tending to cope . If you ’re wondering how to keep your cactus alive during winter , here ’s everything you need to acknowledge !
Can Succulents Live Outside in Winter?
Yes , amazingly , certain cactus are more winter - quick than you ’d think ! These cold - audacious cacti are resilient , expand even in snowy , freezing weather condition . Types like Opuntia and Escobaria can tough it out in USDA zones as low as 3 , meaning they can handletemperatures around -40 ° F ( -40 ° C)or even lower . If you ’re looking to keep cacti outdoors , these varieties are your good bet .
However , not all cacti are build for the cold . Tender assortment , sometimes called “ soft ” cacti , involve trade protection from freezing temperatures to avoid frostbite and root rotting . Bringing them indoors or giving them an extra stratum of protection outside can make all the remainder in their winter survival .
Winter Care for Outdoor Cacti
If you ’re originate cacti outdoors and winter is coming , do n’t just depart them to fend for themselves ! Just with a few simple steps , you could help your spiky friends weather the cold like professional .
First , hold back on the watering . Winter sends most cacti into a rest musical mode where they just call for piddle . Overdoing it can actually harm them because any superfluous moisture can freeze inside the plant , damage its tissues . Once hoar set in , desire the rain or snow to handle hydration . Only piddle if you hit an outstandingly warm day , and then be sparing .
Now , keep an eye onwater buildup around your cactus . If they ’re planted in a low spot that tends to pool water , reckon about move them to a better - debilitate area or fructify up a teetotal riverbed - type drainage organization . Have pot cacti ? Tuck them under a terrace or some sort of cover during clayey rain or blizzard to keep their roots from soaking and rotting .
And for redundant protection , seize some gunny . A breathable gunny wrapping acts like a winter jacket , shielding your cactus from freeze hint and coarse frost without trap wet . If gunny is n’t ready to hand , any short , breathable textile will work very well — just make certain air can still move through so your cactus does n’t get damp .
Caring for Indoor Cacti During Winter
Indoor cacti might be shielded from the freezing cold , but winter still call off for a bit of particular tending to keep them looking their best .
For starters , put thebrakes on watering . Like their outdoor counterparts , indoor cacti do n’t need much weewee in winter . Aim to water only once a month , create sure the dirt has fully dried out before give them a deglutition . Root rot is your foe here , so less is in spades more !
Then , watch out for temperature swings . Keep your cactus off from chilly windows , doors with drafts , or heating vents . A steady , coolheaded room — say , around 65 - 70 ° F ( 18 - 21 ° C)—is ideal . Sudden change in temperature can stress the industrial plant , so endeavor to keep their surroundings consistent .
last , let there be short . Cacti require sunshine even in winter , so make it your motto to place them near a south- or Dame Rebecca West - face windowpane . If sunlight is scarce , invest in a grow light to verify they get at least 4 - 6 hour of light each day . This small step can make all the difference in keep them perky .
Best Cold-Hardy Cactus Varieties
If you exist somewhere with chilly winter and need to keep cacti outdoors , here are some of the toughest varieties that fly high in the cold :
Final Thoughts!
