Cactus and cold

8 years ago

Last night I was cooking and had to open a window due to smoke. I only meant to leave it open until I was done, but I'm an idiot and left it open all night. Temperatures were at 32F at the low. My entire cactus collection was in front of the window, and they were all very cold to the touch. I'm terrified that I've killed them. I need advice on what to do. How to tell if they are damaged and what, if anything, to do with them to help them. None of them have been watered in almost 2 months.

The types in question are a fairytale castle, a mini prickly pear variety, a hedgehog cactus(maybe), 4 echeveria succulents I grew, and a very tall cactus I've had for around 6 years that I've never had ID'd. Photo included because

I'm not positive on those names

Do you think I've killed them? They aren't showing immediate signs of damage...

Featured Answer

Stefan

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

Some these cacti show sights of poor care(etiolation, etc.), however, cacti on averge get damaged on prolonged periods of cold below -2 C(28F). Some of these are hardy as well, and can endure up to -10C(14F). And if your area has been heated prior,and live in a building, chances are the overall temperature stayed above freezing. However, youll not know until at least a week has passed.

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Comments (7)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
8 years ago
It wasn't 32F in the house, was it?? Many cacti are more cold tolerant that you would suspect and can take some very cold temps without concern. Since it was likely not much below 60F inside where they were sitting, I doubt you have anything to worry about.

Now if they sat outside all night with a 32F temp, that might be a different story :-)
Ashley thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
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Ashley
Original Author
8 years ago
They were all inside, about a foot from an open window. The heat vent is on the other side of the room (about 8 ft) And we keep the house around 72.

The three small ones I have acquired over the last year. Are they not getting enough sunlight? I'd like to give them the best care possible. I've had troubles in the past when I went through a cactus phase and did really terrible with them. I guess I'm asking what signs of etiolation stood out to you most, and what I can do to make it better? I really appreciate both of your replies. :)
Stefan
8 years ago
None of them are getting enough sunlight- even the thin straggly growth on the big one should tell you clearly that they need more light that, . The smaller opuntia and the cereus fairy castles also show similar sights. The one with the fake flowers, however, i cannot say.
Ashley thanked Stefan
Ashley
Original Author
8 years ago
Well the three small ones are exactly the same size and shape as when I got them. I thought they were still adjusting to the new environment. I KNOW the tall one is stretched from lack of light because of housing situations over the years and not having access to more than one window, paired with my unwillingness to put the plants outside. Do you have any idea what the tall one is? Are those pups growing from the middle, or do you just call them arms or branches? They didn't start growing until maybe 3 years ago. Sorry about all of the questions, I just want to learn. If you can help with a name I'll do the rest of the research
Stefan
8 years ago
Cereus. Thats all you need to know. Looking up exact species im impossible due to peruvianus' identity issues.
Ashley thanked Stefan
Ashley
Original Author
8 years ago
I appreciate you and your knowledge!