After the autumn season, winter arrives, and temperatures continue to drop. The main focus of cactus care during this time is to ensure proper cold protection and warmth management. In South China, winter temperatures are not extremely low, with minimums usually above 0°C. Therefore, the facilities needed for overwintering cacti are relatively simple and accessible. For small-scale cultivation, plants can be moved indoors near sunny windows, or placed in small temperature-controlled cabinets. Alternatively, a basic greenhouse covered with plastic film offers an economical solution. If space allows, a small glass greenhouse can be built, combining both practicality and aesthetics.
In southern Fujian, Guangdong, and Guangxi, where winters are milder, simply covering the top growth area of cacti with transparent film is often sufficient for them to survive the cold. However, in areas like the Yangtze River and Huaihe River regions, where January temperatures can drop to around -2°C, maintaining warmth at home becomes more challenging without heating equipment. A small temperature cabinet placed on a south-facing windowsill can help maintain temperatures above 3°C. During extreme cold spells, covering the cabinet with a thin blanket or placing a small electric heater inside can provide additional warmth. Many enthusiasts in these regions use glass boxes to grow their cacti, especially more valuable species. They cover the tops of the plants for extra insulation. Some even transform their balconies into mini-greenhouses, using multiple glass containers for added protection. This double-layer insulation method can raise internal temperatures by about 7-8°C compared to outside conditions. With proper care, most cacti can easily survive the winter.
In the Northeast and Central Plains regions, where winter temperatures can fall as low as -10°C to -20°C, it's essential to provide adequate heating for large-scale cactus cultivation. While households typically have heating systems, for larger collections, greenhouses, heated cabinets, and even fire or electric heating may be necessary. It’s important to keep the temperature stable, ensuring it never drops below 5°C. To reduce heating costs, make full use of natural sunlight during the day, as it can significantly contribute to warmth.
Watering during winter should be minimal, as many cacti naturally enter dormancy to conserve moisture. Only slightly moist soil is needed, and overwatering can lead to root damage or freezing injury. In warmer southern regions where some cacti don’t go dormant, watering should still be reduced, as prolonged cold and high humidity can cause root rot.
Cacti thrive with plenty of sunlight, especially in winter when daylight is limited. Indoor or greenhouse-grown cacti often lack sufficient light, particularly during rainy or snowy days. Insufficient light can lead to weak growth, stem atrophy, dark spines, and reduced ornamental value. To prevent this, place cold-tolerant cacti in well-lit, warm areas of the greenhouse. Supplemental lighting can also be used to support their health during the colder months.
Cacti are adapted to arid environments, which has shaped their unique metabolic process. During the day, they close their stomata to minimize water loss and release carbon dioxide for photosynthesis at night. This special cycle not only helps them survive harsh conditions but also improves indoor air quality. Placing a few potted cacti in your room at night can act as a natural air purifier, benefiting human health.
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