When it comes to cacti, many plant lovers think of heat and drought and that these water-storing plants cannot tolerate frost. This is true for most species. But there are cacti species that can tolerate sub-zero temperatures. Echinocereus is hardy and can therefore be grown in the garden.

Like most cacti, the Echinocereus is not hardy

Echinocereus is hardy and tolerates sub-zero temperatures

Echinocereus is native to the southwestern United States, southern and central Mexico. Not only do summer temperatures prevail there, it often gets very cold, especially at night. This type of cactus can therefore cope very well with sub-zero temperatures and is hardy.

The cacti tolerate up to minus 25 degrees and can therefore be grown in the garden even in cool regions.

Before the winter time, the cactus starts to store less water and slowly becomes shriveled. As soon as the temperatures get warmer, the Echinocereus stores more water again.

Pulling Echinocereus in the garden

While sub-zero temperatures are not a problem for the Echinocereus - you absolutely have to protect them from too much moisture. This is especially true for the roots, which rot when waterlogged.

Prepare the garden bed well before planting the Echinocereus:

  • Loosen the soil very well
  • Remove stones and thickenings
  • Create a drainage layer of gravel and sand

In the fall, cover the echinocereus with brushwood or fir branches. This applies less to protection from the cold than to protection from too much winter moisture.

Prepare slowly for cool temperatures

A freshly bought Echinocereus that you want to care for in the garden, you have to slowly get used to the cooler temperatures. First place the pot in the designated place in the garden by the hour.

Once the Echinocereus has settled in, it hardly needs any care other than protection from rain and snow.

Maintain Echinocereus in the room

If you want to keep an Echinocereus indoors all year round, be sure to keep it slightly moist at all times. However, be sure to avoid waterlogging.

While he appreciates high temperatures between 18 and 26 degrees in summer, he likes it much cooler in winter with 8 to 10 degrees.

tips

Echinocereus is a species of cactus that comes in many different varieties. Most bear red or reddish flowers. The red fruits are edible.

Category:

Vegetable garden