This article will discuss the best practices for caring for cactus in Wisconsin, so you can enjoy the beauty of this unique plant for many years to come. Since the last few years, cacti have become more popular among garden enthusiasts. Winter cacti require different levels of care depending on how they are grown indoors or outdoors. Indoor Care for a Rat Tail Cactus. Contrary to some advice, cacti do need water. During the growing season between late April and November, soak them deeply and then allow the soil to dry out before soaking again. In winter allow them to dry out and keep them slightly cooler. This will promote the formation of blooms in spring. When a cactus's leaves droop and its foliage becomes wrinkled due to dehydration, typically the roots are dry and healthy. In such cases, giving them a thorough watering should suffice. Watering frequency and timing are the two main things to deal with the watering issues. So, a good rule of thumb is: How to Grow Cacti in Cold-Winter Climates. Cold-hardy cactus plants that grow successfully in northern regions prefer many of the same conditions as their southern counterparts, like ample light. Below you can find some of the most common care requirements for cold-weather cacti. African Milk Tree. Euphorbia trigona is one of those easy cactus specimens that make every grower feel like an expert. Also known as the cathedral plant, this cactus can grow more than 8 feet tall, but it is a slow grower and is unlikely to grow much past 4 feet indoors. About 8 to 10 weeks before Christmas, move your cactus to a cool room to give it a rest. The ideal temperature will be between 50 and 55 degrees. A cool dim basement or semi-heated garage are both great choices. This cooling off period allows the plant to get ready for its blooming cycle again. 1. Make your cacti or succulent happy by placing the dormant plant in an area where it will thrive. Succulents need less light during the winter and will survive when given indirect light, too. For the best results, make sure your plant receives at least three to four hours of bright light a day. Place are happiest near a south or east facing The Old Lady Cactus also goes by the name Mammillaria Hahniana. The Mammillaria family has around 200 species of cacti, most being native to Mexico. The Old Lady Cactus is a part of the Cactaceae family. Being easy to take care of the Old Lady Cactus, it is a much-loved choice to add to any garden, both indoors and outdoors! Water less frequently. Help your cactus plants gradually adapt to the cold weather as temperatures drop. One way to do this is watering your plants less often, down to once every six weeks for most species. Reducing watering frequency encourages cacti to enter dormancy, enabling them to survive through winter. Choose a cactus for easy winter plant care 1. Prickly pear cactus, $80. Photo: Bloomscape. The prickly pear cactus has eye-catching paddle-like pads that are sure to make a statement in your plant R2sjf5S.