If you give your cacti a winter breather, this prudence will be rewarded with a magnificent bloom next year. The most beautiful types of cacti only lay their buds under the special conditions of a hibernation. You can find out how to do this here.

Cacti need light and cool in winter

Preparation phase begins in September

If your cacti have spent the summer on the balcony, the falling temperatures in September require them to move to the windowsill. In preparation for the upcoming winter season, the succulents only make a stopover here. From this point on, gradually reduce the water supply, because the goal is a dry hibernation. Furthermore, the cacti receive some liquid fertilizer for the last time in early/mid-September.

Instructions for a successful hibernation - That's what matters

At the end of October/beginning of November, the hot phase of hibernation begins when it becomes cool and dry for your cacti. This is how you accompany the exotic succulents through the dark season:

  • In a sunny, bright location
  • Temperatures between 5 and 12 degrees Celsius
  • Water thoroughly at the end of October for the last time
  • Do not water large cactus species, such as a mighty columnar cactus, until February
  • Water small cactus species, such as Opuntia, and leaf cacti in sips

Under these conditions, your cacti will spend the winter time until the end of February/beginning of March. The bright, unheated bedroom is ideal for winter quarters. At temperatures around 5 degrees Celsius, the plants are satisfied with a window seat in the basement.

No rule without exception

An exception to this rule are winter-flowering leaf cacti such as Rhipsalidopsis or Schlumberga. For these beauties, winter dormancy begins after the flowering period and extends from January to February.

Warm shower brings cacti out of hibernation

In March, cacti resume their traditional place on the window sill. A gentle spray mist of soft, lukewarm water now awakens the spirits. A week later, the starting shot for the normal care program is given by watering the cacti again for the first time and adding some cactus fertilizer to the water.

tips

Hardy cacti in the bed also undergo preparation so that they can stand up to frost and snow. For this purpose, they are no longer poured and fertilized from October. Before that, a potassium fertilizer strengthens the frost hardness because the nutrient lowers the freezing point in the cell water. A translucent rain cover is useful to protect against rain, hail and snow.

Category:

Vegetable garden