The columnar cactus comes from South America. It grows in rocky areas where there are no frost temperatures. Columnar cacti are therefore not hardy. They can't even tolerate cool outside temperatures. This is how you get a Cereus through the winter.
Is a columnar cactus hardy?
The columnar cactus (Cereus) is not hardy and cannot tolerate frost temperatures. In winter it needs a rest period in cool temperatures (6-8 degrees) and a bright location. Water sparingly and do not fertilize during winter rest.
The columnar cactus is not hardy
Since the columnar cactus is not hardy, you must ensure sufficiently warm temperatures all year round. It shouldn't get cooler than five at the location, otherwise the cactus will freeze.
If you put the columnar cactus outside in the summer, bring it back indoors in time for the beginning of autumn.
- Columnar cacti are not hardy
- they need a hibernation rest
- cool but very bright in winter
- water little and do not fertilize
In winter the columnar cactus needs a rest
You can care for a columnar cactus in the warm living room all year round - but it is not advisable. The Cereus then does not stop growing. As a result, the trunks become brittle and remain very thin. It is therefore better to give the cactus a winter break in cool temperatures.
Place it in the brightest possible place where temperatures are between six and eight degrees. It is important that it gets enough light even in winter.
Caring for the columnar cactus in winter
If you overwinter the columnar cactus in a warm location, continue to water it normally.
The cooler and darker the winter location, the less water the cactus needs. Then pour some water on the edge of the pot at least once a month. There is no fertilization in winter.
Get used to it slowly after the winter
If you kept the columnar cactus cool in the winter, slowly get it used to warmer temperatures when it comes out of hibernation. At first just put it in the flower window for an hour at a time.
If it was very dark at the location, you should only slowly accustom it to more light.
If the pot has now become too small, now is the best time to repot the columnar cactus.
Tip
The columnar cactus usually does not bloom when grown indoors. It only develops beautiful flowers when the ambient temperatures are optimal. These only open at night and close again in the morning.
