Understanding Cacti during Winter
As temperatures drop during winter, caring for your cacti becomes a bit more challenging. Since cacti are desert plants, they are adapted to thrive in hot and dry conditions, which are quite different from the cold and damp climate that comes with winter. So how can you keep your cacti healthy during the winter freeze? Here are some expert tips to help you care for your cacti all year round.
Keep Your Cacti Warm
One crucial factor to keep in mind when taking care of cacti in winter is keeping them warm. Cacti thrive in temperatures above freezing, but they can still withstand short periods of frost if they’re kept dry. To keep your cacti warm, it is essential to keep them indoors or assess the microclimate of your garden. Make sure that your cacti are not exposed to drafts or placed near windows. You may also want to consider moving them to the sunniest spot indoors or using a heat mat designed for indoor plants.
Reduce Watering
Cacti are susceptible to root rot if they’re over-watered. During winter, cacti enter dormancy, and they don’t require much water. In fact, during this period, you should reduce watering to once per month or less. To avoid over-watering, it’s essential to wait until the soil completely dries out before watering again. Remember, fewer waterings are always better than more frequent waterings when it comes to cacti.
Provide Proper Lighting
During winter, the days are shorter, and the sun’s intensity is reduced, which can affect the growth of your cacti. Cacti need lots of light to thrive, so it’s crucial to position them in the brightest possible spot indoors. If you have a south-facing window that gets ample sunlight, that’s the best spot for your cacti. Alternatively, you may want to use artificial grow lights to help your cacti grow during the darker months of the year.
Control Humidity
Cacti can easily succumb to diseases if exposed to too much moisture, particularly during the winter when the air is cold and damp. To keep your cacti healthy, it’s crucial to keep the humidity levels around them low. You can do this by avoiding humidifiers, reducing moisture in the air, and placing a dehumidifier or a small fan near your cacti to improve air circulation. By controlling the humidity, you’ll help prevent fungal growth and other moisture-related issues.
