How to Care for Cacti in Winter to Ensure Their Safe Survival
A useful tip to introduce the knowledge of how to care for cacti in winter to ensure their safe survival in the aspect of green plants and flowers. It's a great tip, recommended for collection!
How to Care for Cacti in Winter to Ensure Their Safe Survival
In winter, it's best to move cacti indoors promptly, ensuring the ambient temperature does not drop below 5℃. Also, it's necessary to open windows for ventilation regularly to maintain good air quality. Most cacti enter a state of dormancy in winter, at which point it's crucial to reduce watering and stop fertilizing, as their roots cannot absorb a large amount of water and nutrients, which could severely affect the plant's growth.
Growth Habits of Cacti
Cacti are native to desert areas, heat-tolerant but not cold-tolerant. As winter approaches with cold weather, the correct daily care methods are essential for potted cacti to survive the season.
The optimal growth temperature for cacti is between 20-35℃. When the temperature drops below 20℃, the plant grows slowly. Below 10℃, growth stops, and the plant enters a state of dormancy. If the temperature falls below 0℃, frostbite or death may occur.
Therefore, cacti are not suited to spend winter outdoors; they might freeze to death, especially in northern regions. After entering winter, they should be moved indoors promptly, and the indoor temperature should be kept above 5 degrees.
Methods and Precautions for Cacti to Survive Winter
Keep Warm Indoors: Before the first frost, cacti should be moved indoors for care, maintaining a room temperature of over 8℃. In southern regions, they should be placed in a sunny, south-facing balcony, while in the north, the plants should be kept away from the outlets of heating devices.
Change Potting Soil: Around mid-October, repot the cacti. It's best to use earthenware pots and mix some cherry stones or perlite into the soil to enhance aeration and provide some insulation.
Water Moderately: With indoor heating, a small amount of water can be given to maintain the cacti's normal growth. Without heating, no watering is needed, keeping the soil dry can help the plant endure temperatures around 5℃.
Adequate Light: In winter, cacti should be allowed to receive as much light as possible. Sufficient light not only benefits photosynthesis but also raises the plant's temperature, providing warmth.
Stop Fertilizing: Since cacti grow slowly in winter, fertilizing should be stopped to avoid fertilizer damage. When caring for cacti indoors, be sure to open the windows at noon for ventilation, or the plants may easily contract diseases, leading to rot and death.
The above introduction on how to care for cacti in winter to ensure their safe survival is provided for netizens' reference.