How to Protect Your Cactuses in the Winter: Prickly Pear, Agave, Totem Pole, Barrel Cactus, and More!
I absolutely love my cactuses! They’re spread all over my backyard, thriving in their pots, and they’ve become such an important part of my outdoor space. But as winter approaches, I start thinking about how to keep them safe!
This year, I’m planning to build a greenhouse to protect them, but I know not everyone has that option. So, if you’re like me and want to protect your prickly pear, agave, totem pole, barrel cactus, and others from the winter chill, here are 10 simple tips to keep them happy and healthy through the cold months.
1. Bring Potted Cactuses Indoors
If your cactuses are in pots like mine, this is one of the easiest solutions.
Steps:
- Before the first frost, move your potted cactuses inside to a warm, sunny spot like a windowsill or sunroom.
- Make sure they still get plenty of sunlight, even during the shorter winter days.
- Avoid placing them near heating vents or cold drafts to prevent sudden temperature changes.
2. Cover Them with Frost Cloth
When I didn’t have the option to bring all of mine inside, I used frost cloth to keep them safe. This lightweight fabric is easy to use and can make a huge difference.
Steps:
- Drape the frost cloth over your cactuses before a cold night.
- Secure it with rocks or stakes so it stays in place.
- Make sure the cloth isn’t too heavy and doesn’t press against the plant.
Frost cloth allows light and air through but helps protect the plants from freezing temperatures.
3. Use Mulch for Ground-Planted Cactuses
If your cactuses are planted directly in the ground, adding mulch can be a lifesaver during winter.
Steps:
- Spread a layer of straw, bark, or gravel mulch around the base of the cactus.
- This helps insulate the roots and prevents them from freezing.
- Be careful not to pile the mulch too high against the plant itself, as it can lead to rot.
4. Create a Makeshift Mini Greenhouse
Before I started building my greenhouse, I used to make small DIY versions for each cactus.
Steps:
- Place stakes around the cactus and drape a plastic sheet or tarp over the stakes, forming a tent.
- Make sure the plastic doesn’t touch the cactus itself.
- This traps warmth around the plant and keeps it from being exposed to cold winds and frost.
It’s a quick, inexpensive way to protect your plants without needing a full greenhouse!
5. Reduce Watering
This was a big adjustment for me, but I learned that cactuses need less water during the winter months.
Steps:
- Cut back on watering as winter approaches, and stop watering completely when temperatures drop below freezing.
- Too much water combined with cold weather can lead to rot or freezing damage.
- Only water if you notice the soil is completely dry and temps are above freezing.
6. Move Them to a Sheltered Area
Sometimes, just moving your potted cactuses to a more protected spot can make a big difference.
Steps:
- Place your pots near a south-facing wall or under a covered patio to shield them from wind and frost.
- This will give them some warmth and shelter without needing to move them indoors.
I’ve done this with my more hardy cactuses, and it works well for short cold snaps.
7. Invest in Cold Frames
Cold frames are a great middle ground if you don’t have room for a full greenhouse.
Steps:
- Build or buy a simple cold frame structure, which is like a mini greenhouse.
- Place your potted cactuses inside during the winter months.
- Open the top on warmer days to let air circulate and close it up at night for extra protection.
They’re easy to set up and give your cactuses a warm, safe environment.
8. Use Styrofoam Cups or Pots for Small Cactuses
For my smaller potted cactuses, I found this trick to be simple and effective.
Steps:
- Place a large styrofoam cup or pot upside down over the top of your cactus.
- This creates a little barrier between the plant and the cold air.
It’s an inexpensive and quick fix for small cactuses during unexpected cold nights.
9. Keep an Eye on Weather Forecasts
I’ve made it a habit to watch the weather more closely during the winter months to know when to take extra precautions.
Steps:
- Set up a frost or weather alert on your phone to notify you when temperatures drop below freezing.
- Have your frost cloth, mulch, or mini greenhouses ready to go on short notice.
This helps you stay prepared and protect your plants before the cold sets in.
10. Consider Using Heat Lamps
For larger collections of cactuses (like mine!) that you can’t move indoors, heat lamps can help.
Steps:
- Set up heat lamps over your cactuses to provide extra warmth on freezing nights.
- Use lamps designed for outdoor use to ensure safety.
- Don’t place the lamps too close to the plants to avoid overheating or burning.
This method works well if you have several cactuses in one area that need extra care.
Winter doesn’t have to spell disaster for your cactuses! Whether you’re planning on building a greenhouse like I am or just need some quick, easy fixes, these tips will help you keep your prickly pear, agave, totem pole, barrel cactus, and more safe during the cold months. Just a little preparation can go a long way in keeping your plants healthy and happy through the winter!
