The leaf cactus or epiphyllum originally comes from the rainforests of Central and South America. Most species grow on the leaves of other plants. These cacti cannot tolerate frost. This is how you properly overwinter a leaf cactus.
How should you overwinter a leaf cactus in winter?
To overwinter a leaf cactus properly, it should be placed in a bright, but not directly sunny location with temperatures between 12 and 15 degrees Celsius. Frost or temperatures below 10 degrees are not suitable.
Leaf cactus overwinter cooler but frost-free
The leaf cactus does not tolerate sub-zero temperatures. It should never get cooler than ten degrees at the location. If you care for it outside in the summer, you have to bring it into the house in good time in the fall.
In winter, the leaf cactus needs a resting phase in which the temperatures are cooler than during the growth and flowering phase. Only then will it develop many of its beautiful, often even fragrant flowers.
The wintering location should be bright but not necessarily directly sunny. Places with temperatures between 12 and 15 degrees are ideal for wintering.
Tip
Some species of leaf cactus, including Schlumbergera, need very specific conditions to develop flowers. After flowering, they must be left completely dark for several hours every day, otherwise they will not bloom.
