When life moves outside with the first rays of sunshine, cactus friends would like to put their prickly roommates outside. To ensure that the move goes smoothly for the exotic beauties, there is an important measure that must be taken into account. You can find out when and how to properly clear out your cacti here.
When and how can cacti be displayed?
Cacti can be put outside after the Ice Saints in mid-May. To avoid sunburn, they should first acclimatize in a partially shaded place for 1-2 weeks. Desert cacti then need a sunny location, while leaf cacti should continue to be in partial shade. Rain protection is also important.
Time slot opens in May
Most cactus species have not learned to survive in the cold. This is why even robust desert cacti overwinter at temperatures between 5 and 12 degrees Celsius. Since the Central European winter can surprise us with nightly ground frosts until early/mid-May, ideally cacti only move outside after the Ice Saints in mid-May.
From mid-April onwards, there is nothing to stop your cacti from enjoying the warm rays of sunshine outside during the day. The succulents should spend the nights behind glass until mid/end of May.
With a minimum-maximum thermometer (€11.00 on Amazon) you can be on the safe side when choosing an appointment. The device has a memory that remains at the minimum temperature at night. You can read this the next morning. If the nighttime temperature no longer falls below 10 degrees Celsius, your cacti can stay outside day and night.
Acclimatization prevents sunburn – this is how it works
Cacti should not be suddenly exposed to direct sunlight. Despite their sometimes strong epidermis, the exotic plants suffer from sunburn. You can prevent this damage by allowing the plants to go through a hardening phase. This is how it works:
- Initially place in a partially shaded place for 1 to 2 weeks
- Then assign desert cacti to a sunny location
- Leave leaf cacti in a partially shaded place
Cacti outdoors cannot do without rain protection. Therefore, please choose a place under the awning or a roof overhang. Likewise, a small superstructure made of milky glass panes or greenhouse film protects your cacti from pelting rain and the resulting waterlogging.
Tip
So that your cacti do not suffer from sunburn, you can arm the plants with a tonic. Spray the entire plant monthly from March to September with an amino acid preparation. The cactus specialist retailer has various products available for you that are specifically tailored to the needs of cacti.
