While these plants can take the cold, they may need special care to thrive in certain environments. Follow these guidelines to ensure that your hardy cacti and succulents last for years to come.

• Provide full sun

The plants in this article are cold hardy to at least Zone 5 and want full sun during the growing season. They are all heat tolerant except for ‘Greenii’ hens and chicks, which, like other hens and chicks, relishes some afternoon shade when the weather is both sunny and hot.

• Well-draining soil is crucial

Good drainage and dry conditions year-round are the keys to success in growing these plants. If you have a heavy-textured soil or even a rich loam, planting in raised beds or berms will help improve drainage and benefit your plants. These plants fall into two categories—cacti and noncactus succulents. The noncactus succulents are more tolerant of heavier soil types than most of the cacti, and also of moister conditions, whether delivered by clouds or a hose. In moister climates, gardeners have had success planting cacti under the eaves of their houses, which keep much of the rain and snow off them. Too much rain can be problematic for all of these cacti; persistent snow cover can be bad for all but Simpson’s hedgehog cactus and spinystar cactus.

• Consider amending the soil

If you want to grow cacti in dense clay soil and/or a moister climate, amend the soil with scoria (also called cinder), which is a porous, light-weight volcanic rock that has been graded or ground to the size of pea gravel. Also, maximize sunlight and heat during the growing season by choosing a southern or southwestern exposure, ideally on a slope facing those directions. Rocks and gravel mulch or any sort of reflective hardscape nearby can also increase heat.

• Don’t overwater

Take care not to overwater these plants, especially the cacti. Don’t water a newly planted cactus at all for a couple weeks to allow
any small root injuries to callus and heal and to avoid rot. In dry climates where too much water isn’t a concern, an occasional overhead watering of cacti is ideal (pictured), as cacti absorb a lot of moisture through their stems and it cools them just as a late afternoon or evening rain in the desert would. Noncactus succulents can be watered on a more regular basis in dry climates. In moister climates there’s no need to irrigate these plants, except for the noncactus succulents right after they’re planted.

Learn more:

Cacti and Succulents for Cold Zones

Captivating Combination: Cacti and Succulent Design

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

MULTITASKING DUAL EDGES: a deep serrated edge and a tapered slicing edge ideal for tough or delicate cuts. DURABLE 6-inch stainless steel blade withstands 300 lbs of pressure. TWINE CUTTING NOTCH, DEPTH GAUGE MARKINGS & spear point - no need to switch tools when using this garden knife. LEATHER SHEATH: heavy duty, protective, clip on sheath to keep your knife convenient and secure. LIFETIME WARRANTY.

Buy at Amazon

Plant Covers Freeze Protection 10 ft x 30 ft Floating Row Cover 0.9oz/yd²

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Lightweight and Breathable MATERIAL Good for protecting Plant: the plant frost cover material is 0.74 oz/sq non-woven polypropylene fabric, which is lightweight, breathable, and durable. The plant blanket frost protection allows sunlight reach the plants, perfect for protecting plants from the damage of freeze or frost. Wide Application In your Garden Work. The plant row cover not only can work as a barrier against frost, but also can be a great tool for germination and good for rapid seedling growth. By using the fabric plant covers over your plant, you can start the plant earlier in the spring and extending the growing season of your plants. How to Use the Plant Covers: you can cover the plant covers for freeze over your the plants loosely directly and then secure the plant frost blanket with soil, stones or staples. You can also support the floating row covers with a hoop, make enough room for plants to breath and grow. You could also cut the plant covers into different sizes for different purposes.

Buy at Amazon

Ho-Mi Digger - Korean Triangle Blade

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Versatile Tool: The Easy Digger Korean Triangle Blade Ho Mi Ho-mi is a versatile gardening tool designed for leveling and digging in home and garden settings. Efficient Design: Its unique triangular blade shape allows for easy soil penetration and efficient leveling of garden beds or landscaping areas. Durable Construction: Crafted with sturdy materials, this tool ensures long-lasting performance and reliability. Ergonomic Handle: The comfortable handle provides a secure grip, reducing hand fatigue during extended use. Compact Size: Its compact design makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and store when not in use.

Buy at Amazon