Cactus plants are associated with heat and sun thanks to their ability to withstand harsh desert climates with minimal rainfall.
But these hardy succulents, native to regions throughout North and South America, can handle a wider range of climates than you may think. Here’s what to know about growing cacti in cold climates, plus tips for choosing cactus plants that will survive in winter.
How to Grow Cacti in Cold Climates
It’s possible to grow cactus plants even if you don’t live in a place that’s hot, dry, and sunny year-round. In fact, many types of cacti grow perfectly well in high desert climates, where winter temperatures can dip well into the negatives.
Cactus plants are native to climates as diverse as Chile and western Canada. With the proper plant selection and basic care, you can grow cacti outdoors year-round.
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How to Plant Cacti
Plant cacti in a spot that gets full sun—at least six to eight hours each day. Cacti will benefit from additional heat, so planting them along a south-facing or west-facing wall or in an area surrounded rocks or cement can help with winter survival, especially in regions with cold winters.
The planting site or pot should have loose, well-drained soil that contains plenty of coarse sand or fine gravel to allow water to flow away from plant roots. If your soil is very heavy or collects water, it’s a good idea to grow cacti in raised beds or containers with a proper cactus soil mix rather than in the ground.
After transplanting, mulch cactus plants with a few inches of gravel or pebbles to insulate roots. Plan to plant cacti outdoors in late spring or early summer to allow plants plenty of time to establish before the coldest part of the year.
How Often to Water Cacti in Winter
Like many other plants, cacti go dormant in cold weather. As growth slows and temperatures drop, they require even less water than usual. Gradually stop watering cactus plants in the fall, then avoid watering until late winter or early spring when you see new growth.
Regardless of the time of year, it’s better to err on the side of underwatering rather than overwatering cactus plants.
How to Fertilize Cacti in Winter
When cacti go dormant in winter due to shorter days and colder temperatures, they require little to none of the resources they need to grow. That means avoiding fertilizing cactus plants as well as eliminating watering during winter.
Even during the spring and summer growing season, cacti need minimal fertilizer. Plan to feed cactus plants one or two times per year in the spring or summer. Use a fertilizer high in phosphorus that’s been diluted to half strength to avoid overfeeding.
How to Protect Your Cactus Plants During Winter
The most cold-hardy cactus varieties can tolerate being covered in snow. In climates with wet winters or springs, cacti may benefit from protection from excess moisture in the form of low hoops covered with plastic sheeting during periods of rain.
Too much water while a freeze is still possible can cause excess water absorbed by the plant to expand, creating openings in the skin of the cactus through which disease can enter. Keeping excessive rain off plants can help prevent this.
Another option to protect cacti in winter is to plant them in containers, which can be moved under an overhang or against a building for some protection. You can also transition potted cacti indoors in the fall, then gradually bring them outdoors again in spring.
How to Select Cacti That Will Survive Winter
The best way to ensure that outdoor cactus plants can survive the winter is to choose varieties appropriate for your climate. Some of the most cold-hardy cacti are opuntias, or prickly pear cacti, as well as chollas, some ball cacti, and hedgehog cacti. Be sure to check that cactus plants are a good fit for your region’s USDA hardiness zone. Here are some cold-hardy cacti to consider growing in your garden:
- Plains prickly pear (Opuntia polycantha): This prickly pear species offers magenta, orange, or yellow flowers in late spring or early summer. It can withstand temperatures below zero degrees, making it cold and hardy in zones 4-11.
- Hedgehog cactus (Pediocactus simpsonii): This round, spiny cactus that blooms with pink flowers in spring is cold hardy to zone 4, meaning it can withstand winter temperatures down to -30°F. It’s also resistant to rabbits and deer.
- Cane cholla (Cylindropuntia imbricata): This cane cholla, also known as tree cholla, is cold hardy down to -15°F, making it ideal for zones 5 or 6. Plants can grow up to 6 feet tall.
- Ball cacti (Coryphantha vivipara): Also known as pincushion cactus, this spherical, clustering plant is covered in long, sharp spines and blooms with deep pink flowers in spring and summer. It’s cold hardy down to -20°F, or zone 5.
