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 isn’t always kind to cacti, especially in areas where temperatures plummet. While certain cacti varieties handle cold like pros, others need a little extra care to cope. If you’re wondering how to keep your cactus alive during winter, here’s everything you need to know!
Can Succulents Live Outside in Winter?
Yes, surprisingly, certain cacti are more winter-ready than you’d think! These cold-hardy cacti are resilient, thriving even in snowy, freezing weather. Types like Opuntia and Escobaria can tough it out in USDA zones as low as 3, meaning they can handle temperatures around -40°F (-40°C) or even lower. If you’re looking to keep cacti outdoors, these varieties are your best bet.
However, not all cacti are built for the cold. Tender varieties, sometimes called “soft” cacti, need protection from freezing temperatures to avoid frostbite and root rot. Bringing them indoors or giving them an extra layer of protection outside can make all the difference in their winter survival.
Winter Care for Outdoor Cacti
If you’re growing cacti outdoors and winter is coming, don’t just leave them to fend for themselves! Just with a few simple steps, you can help your spiky friends weather the cold like pros.
First, hold back on the watering. Winter sends most cacti into a rest mode where they barely need water. Overdoing it can actually harm them because any extra moisture can freeze inside the plant, damaging its tissues. Once frost sets in, trust the rain or snowfall to handle hydration. Only water if you hit an unusually warm day, and then be sparing.
Now, keep an eye on water buildup around your cactus. If they’re planted in a low spot that tends to pool water, think about moving them to a better-drained area or setting up a dry riverbed-type drainage system. Have potted cacti? Tuck them under a patio or some sort of cover during heavy rain or snowstorms to keep their roots from soaking and rotting.
And for extra protection, grab some burlap. A breathable burlap wrap acts like a winter jacket, shielding your cactus from freezing winds and harsh frost without trapping moisture. If burlap isn’t handy, any light, breathable fabric will work fine—just make sure air can still move through so your cactus doesn’t get damp.
Caring for Indoor Cacti During Winter
Indoor cacti might be shielded from the freezing cold, but winter still calls for a bit of special attention to keep them looking their best.
For starters, put the brakes on watering. Like their outdoor counterparts, indoor cacti don’t need much water in winter. Aim to water only once a month, making sure the soil has fully dried out before giving them a drink. Root rot is your enemy here, so less is definitely more!
Then, watch out for temperature swings. Keep your cactus away from chilly windows, doors with drafts, or heating vents. A steady, cool room—say, around 65-70°F (18-21°C)—is ideal. Sudden changes in temperature can stress the plant, so try to keep their environment consistent.
Finally, let there be light. Cacti need sunlight even in winter, so make it your motto to place them near a south- or west-facing window. If sunlight is scarce, invest in a grow light to make sure they get at least 4-6 hours of light each day. This small step can make all the difference in keeping them perky.
Best Cold-Hardy Cactus Varieties
If you live somewhere with chilly winters and want to keep cacti outdoors, here are some of the toughest varieties that thrive in the cold:
- Opuntia fragilis: Exceptionally tough, Brittle Prickly Pear can handle temperatures as low as -40°F and resists even liquid nitrogen’s extreme cold!
- Opuntia humifusa: Eastern Prickly Pear is a gardener’s favorite with beautiful yellow blooms, and can handle -30°F like a champ.
- Escobaria vivipara: Famous for its pink flowers in summer, Escobaria is a hardy little cactus that holds its own down to zone 3b, proving it can handle both beauty and the cold.
Final Thoughts!
Caring for cacti in winter doesn’t have to be complicated. Just keep a few basics in mind that we already talked about. Hope these tips will help you or even you got any cactus-care tips of your own for winter? Share them with us in the comments below!
