Overheard someone say that cacti need zero water in winter. I almost lost my whole collection.

I was at a local garden center in Tucson last Saturday and heard a guy tell his friend that you can just ignore cacti all winter, no water at all. I had to jump in and explain that while they need way less water, mine in the garage still get a light drink every 6 weeks or they shrivel up like prunes. Has anyone else had to correct a well-meaning stranger about cactus care before?

3 comments

3 Comments

max_hernandez276d ago

Man you have no idea, I used to be exactly like that guy. Back when I first started collecting I thought cacti were basically plastic plants that could survive anything. Then I forgot to water my golden barrel for like 4 months straight one winter and it got this horrible wrinkled look at the bottom that never went away. Had to learn the hard way that even tough plants need a tiny sip now and then when they're dormant. Watering every 6 weeks sounds about right, I do the same with my ones in the garage and they stay plump all winter. That shriveled up prune look is no joke, once they get that creased skin it takes forever to bounce back.

baker.holly4d ago

Oh the creased skin is a NIGHTMARE, once it sets in you basically have to wait for new growth to cover it up. A good trick is to give them a VERY light misting on the soil surface during dormancy, just enough to keep the roots from shriveling completely.

the_wendy1d ago

That "once it sets in you basically have to wait for new growth" part is exactly the hard truth most people don't realize about cactus care. A friend of mine had a beautiful saguaro that got a permanent crease near the base after one dry winter, and it took two full growing seasons before new ribs finally camouflaged the damage. A light misting on the soil really does help prevent that permanent shrivel, but you have to stay consistent with it or the roots will start dying back bit by bit.