When the temperatures start to dip, it’s time to think about bringing your cacti in for the upcoming winter. Here’s how to help them stay happy and healthy until spring blooms again!
1. Bring Them In Before the Chill
Once nighttime temps drop consistently below 50°F, it’s time to move your cacti indoors. They might be desert dwellers, but frost is not their friend!
2. Check Before You Carry
Before bringing them in, inspect for pests like spider mites or mealybugs. A gentle rinse or a quick wipe with a damp cloth helps clear off dust and tiny hitchhikers.
3. Let There Be Light (But Not Frost!)
Cacti still need plenty of sunlight in winter—move them to a bright, south-facing window. If your home doesn’t get much natural light, a small grow light can work wonders.
4. Ease Up on the Watering
This is the most important rule! Cacti go dormant in winter, which means they use very little water. Only water when the soil is completely dry—about once every 4–6 weeks for most indoor varieties.
5. Keep It Cozy (But Not Too Warm)
They prefer cooler nighttime temps in the 50s–60s°F range, so avoid placing them near heating vents or fireplaces.
6. No Fertilizer Till Spring
Save the feeding for when growth picks back up in warmer months. Winter is for resting!
With just a little care, your cacti will rest easy through the winter and burst back to life when spring arrives!