When it comes to cacti, many plant lovers think of heat and dryness and that these water-storing plants cannot tolerate frost. This is true for most species. But there are cactus species that can tolerate sub-zero temperatures. Echinocereus is hardy and can therefore be grown in the garden.
Is the Echinocereus cactus hardy?
Echinocereus is a hardy cactus species that can tolerate temperatures as low as -25 degrees. It can be cultivated in the garden, but requires protection from too much moisture, especially at the roots. In winter the cactus should be covered with brushwood or pine branches.
Echinocereus is hardy and can tolerate low temperatures below zero
Echinocereus is native to the southwestern United States, southern and central Mexico. Not only are the temperatures there summery, it often gets very cold, especially at night. This type of cactus therefore copes very well with sub-zero temperatures and is hardy.
The cacti can tolerate temperatures down to minus 25 degrees and can therefore be grown well in the garden even in cool regions.
Before winter, the cactus begins to store less water and slowly becomes shriveled. As soon as the temperatures get warmer, the echinocereus stores more water again.
Growing Echinocereus in the garden
While the sub-zero temperatures are not a problem for the Echinocereus - you definitely need to protect it from too much moisture. This is especially true for the roots, which rot when waterlogged.
Prepare the garden bed well before planting the Echinocereus:
- Loose the soil very well
- Remove stones and thickenings
- Create a drainage layer made of gravel and sand
In autumn, cover the echinocereus with brushwood or pine branches. This is less about protection from the cold and more about protection from too much winter moisture.
Prepare slowly for cool temperatures
You have to slowly get used to the cooler temperatures if you have just bought an Echinocereus that you want to care for in the garden. First place the pot in the designated spot in the garden for an hour at a time.
Once the Echinocereus has settled in, it hardly needs any care other than protection from rain and snow.
Caring for Echinocereus in the room
If you want to keep an Echinocereus indoors all year round, make sure to keep it slightly moist at all times. Be sure to avoid waterlogging.
While he appreciates high temperatures between 18 and 26 degrees in summer, he likes it much cooler in winter at 8 to 10 degrees.
Tip
Echinocereus is a type of cactus that comes in many different varieties. Most have red or reddish flowers. The fruits, which are also red, are edible.
