If you're a cactus lover living in a cold-weather climate, you may be wondering whether or not your favorite plant will survive the winter. The answer is that yes, most cacti can survive cold winters if they are given the right care.
In this article, we will explain how to care for your cactus in the cold winter months so that you can keep it healthy and thriving all year.
Which Species of Cactus Do Best in Cold Weather?
Now, it's important to understand that not all cacti can survive in cold weather; some species are particularly fickle and can die if exposed to frost winter conditions. That said, there are many species that can survive as long as you give them the TLC they need when the temperature drops.
Some of the hardiest cacti species are as follows:
· The Mexican Fence Post Cactus
· The San Pedro Bandito Cactus
Keep in mind that these are not the only types of cacti that can survive in the winter, but these species are particularly resilient, and if it's your first time caring for a cactus in the winter, then you'll have the best luck with one of the cacti listed above.
How to Care for a Cactus in Cold Weather
As durable as the above-mentioned cacti are, they still require some special care during the winter months in order to remain healthy and happy. The most important considerations are the amount of water you give them, the temperature, and the amount of light they receive each day. Let’s briefly go over each of these factors, so you can understand what’s required to keep your cacti thriving in the winter.
Water
If you choose to bring your cactus indoors for the winter, then you should water it about once a month. Any more than this, and the water could pool at the bottom of the pot, which can cause the root system to rot and potentially kill the plant.
However, if you choose to leave your cacti outside during the colder months, then you may not need to water them at all. Melting snow and precipitation often provides sufficient water for most cacti in the winter, and so if you give it additional water, you risk over-watering, which can cause the plant to die.
Temperature
Most cacti grow best when kept at an average temperature of around 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Now, that's not to say that they can't survive in hotter or colder climates; they certainly can, but if you have space inside for your cactus, then try to keep it in an area with a temperature somewhere around this range.
Fortunately, this just so happens to be the average temperature in most homes, so you shouldn’t have to make any huge adjustments to keep your cacti thriving indoors during the winter months.
Light
Different species of cacti have different requirements in terms of how much light they need during the winter months. Some species do best with four hours of light, and others require six or eight hours.
You'll need to do a bit of research on your specific species, but regardless of which type of cactus you have, almost all cacti prefer indirect sunlight. So, try to place your cacti near a window that gets plenty of ambient light during the day, and in most cases, you should be alright.
Summary
Cacti are hardy plants that require very little maintenance in order to survive. However, they aren't really meant to be in cold temperatures. That said, some species, such as those listed above, can survive in the winter with a little extra TLC. By following the advice above, you should be able to keep your cactus alive and doing well during the winter so that you can enjoy the plant all year.
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