Cacti, succulents ... and the cold

We are in December, it is very cold, in some corners you can already see beautiful snowy landscapes ... and yet, we do not know what to do with cacti or succulents. For its correct cultivation and maintenance during this, the coldest season of the year, it is necessary to find out the origin of each species. In general, both are native to semi-desert climates with a climate similar to the Mediterranean. In other words: most of them can withstand low temperatures, however frost could harm them.

If you want to know more details about how to take care of these peculiar plants at this time, read on.

Cactus

By cactus we refer to plants, mostly with thorns, without leaves. These plants have evolved to the point that their water reserve is concentrated inside the cactus itself. There are many different varieties. Roughly we can find three types of cacti: columnar, epiphytic (or hanging) and globose.

The ideal temperature of growth is of ten degrees centigrade; However can withstand mild frosts down to minus three degrees without damage important. If the temperature is lower in your area, it is advisable to protect them from the cold inside the home or in a greenhouse, watering very little, only when the substrate is dry.

Succulents

De crass there are ... many, and of many types: upholstery, hanging, etc. They are somewhat more delicate than cacti, since they generally come from slightly warmer climates, and they need substrates that quickly drain water so that it remains puddled and can rot the roots.

Thus, the ideal minimum temperature for them is between ten and fifteen degrees, being able to withstand very mild and very brief frosts of up to two degrees below zero as long as the temperature rises above five degrees in a few hours. Lower temperatures could seriously harm them, and that is why we must protect them from the cold in order to guarantee their survival.

And you, how do you protect your cacti and succulents from the cold?