How to Care for a Cactus in Winter So It Survives the Cold Safely

The cactus is a plant whose spherical stem, spines and flowers all have high ornamental value, and it is not difficult to care for, so many households grow it. It belongs to the light-loving and heat-loving type of plants, so how does a cactus overwinter?

1. How does a cactus overwinter?

1. Watering

During the winter dormant period, watering should be restrained, and it is best to keep the potting soil from becoming too dry; the lower the temperature, the more the potting soil should be kept dry.

2. Temperature

The lowest temperature should not drop below 5°C. When temperatures are low, it can be placed in a glass jar to keep warm through the winter, or covered with a double layer of plastic bags to protect it from the cold.

3. Light

It should be placed in a spot with bright light for care. When grown indoors, open the windows more around noon and let the plant breathe fresh air.

2. How do you plant cactus seeds?

1. Environment

Late spring, early summer and early autumn all work, when the nighttime temperature is above 18 degrees and the daytime temperature is above 28 degrees. Seed germination requires direct light, but the light must not be too strong; in full-sun conditions, 80% shade is needed.

2. Seed soaking

Before sowing, disinfect the seeds. Place the flower pot in water to soak from the bottom, with the water depth at half the height of the pot; after half a minute the soil has basically absorbed enough water, so take out the pot and set it aside. The soil does not need to be disinfected with potassium permanganate solution or high-temperature treatment in a microwave.

3. Sowing

After preparing, mix the seeds with soil and then put them in the pot. After potting, there is no need to cover with soil, but the pot must be covered with plastic film. Then give light for 1-2 hours each in the morning and evening. Because varieties differ, germination times also vary greatly: fast ones sprout in 2-3 days, slow ones only sprout after 10-15 days.

The cactus is not afraid of drying out. In spring and summer it should be watered once a month, and in winter once every 2-3 months. Be sure to water thoroughly each time; repotting should be done in spring, and a freshly repotted cactus must not be watered immediately; it should be watered only after 1 week. For growing cacti, use a flat-bottomed clay pot, and the potting soil can be made by mixing sand, garden soil and bone meal in equal proportions, with a thin fertilizer applied twice a year.