Question
Hi, I purchased a nopales type cactus (edible/Mexican)and it was small in the spring and now it's grown nicely and started to have a little bloom.  The thing is, the weather is getting fallish and i put it in a larger pot, but... what should i do with it during the cold season here in Oregon, in the Willamette Valley (salem)?  I think the rain and temps will become devastating.  But, people do have successful cactus around here, but the one's i've seen are big and not little like this one.  thanks! Laura

Answer

Huge prickly pear Hello Laura,
You are referring to the prickly pear cactus (opuntia). It is best if you leave your cactus outside in direct sunlight when temperatures are higher than 32 degrees Fahrenheit. If it drops, or it rains or snows, keep your cactus inside. For better results, keep it inside a refrigerator during this time. Also, do not water until early spring when you see new leaf growth.

Try to keep your cactus like its natural habitat:)Here in Nevada, I grow these cactus outside where it gets 108 degrees (F) in the summer and 35 degrees (F) cold. And that is how they grow best.