cactus

[glow777]

does anyone know how low cactus can go temerature wise - got a lot of cuttings but not much space!

[glow777]

[Tee Gee]

cuttings ???????

What type of cactus are you propagating?

If it is Christmas/Easter types i.e. epyphyllums these won't stand any frost.

My cactus stock have had their last watering this year and won't be watered again till around April/May.

Treating them this way means they can tolerate much cooler conditions because they are virtually dry so nothing much to freeze.

I have known mine to be in temperatures of 0°C (32°F) for short periods without any harm.

In the past I have lost a few to botrytis because they inadvertently got wet.

[glow777]

ta tee gee dont 100% know what theyre called but theyre possibly prickly pears

[Tee Gee]

I don't think I would have tried taking any cuttings so late in the year so I think it is a fingers crossed situation for you, sorry I can't be of any more help than that.

You could try using a box and lining it with polystyrene packing and covering it with a sheet of glass, but I am not overly optimistic even with this protection.

Here are some cultural instructions;http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Cactii/Cactus.htm

[Eristic]

Prickly pear Opuntia should easily take -10 centigrade. The biggest killer is slugs, snails and winter damp.

[Robert_Brenchley]

Cacti vary enormously. Some will stand a lot of frost as long as they're completely dry, but most won't. Very few need winter heat. In general, they need open compost, lots of water in the growing season, and drought over winter. Christmas cacti are a common exception, as they need at least some water all the year round.

[glow777]

thanks all
tee gee they are not cuttings they are rooted plants from summer cuttings sorry to be misleading

[tonybloke]

we grow a few in a pot in the front garden, they've had snow on them and still survived!