For gardeners in Northern regions, some plants may feel off-limitsamong them, cacti.
In fact, cactus plants are native only to North and South America.
Tosuccessfully grow cactiin a cold-winter climate, it’s important to understand how they grow.
Credit:Denny Schrock
These bumps are where spines, branches, leaves, and flowers will eventually grow on the plant.
Below you’re free to find some of the most common care requirements for cold-weather cacti.
You should avoid using fine-grain sand, which can gum up the soil instead of adding drainage.
Credit:Ryann Ford
After planting cactus plants, avoid disturbing the soil around their shallow roots.
Raised beds are recommended toprovide excellent drainage.
The more rain your area gets, the more drainage you need.
Watering Cacti
Avoid watering cactus in the fall or winter.
For best results, saturate the soil thoroughly and avoid pouring water onto the plant directly.
Avoid fertilizers with a large nitrogen component (the first number of the three shown on the package).
However, in climates that experience harsh winds and temperatures but little snow, cacti can become frostbitten.
To prevent damage,carefully cover the plants with burlapas late in the season as possible.
The burlap allows the plants to breathe while protecting them from sun, ice, and wind.
Its juicy red fruits (the “pear” of the common name) are edible.
Other cactus plants with cold-weather tolerance include:
