Weather (cold) resistance of a pencil cactus

Discussion in 'Cacti and Succulents' started by SeppiNo2, Jan 27, 2006.

  1. SeppiNo2

    SeppiNo2 Member

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    Location:
    Houston, Texas USA
    I have a very large pencil catus (about 5' tall) in a large pot. It has thrived in an area shared, and partly protected by, a shrub. While we do not get very many freezing night here in the Houston area, I am wondering if I could plant it in the ground and only cover it when a hard freeze is expected. Generally, we consider a hard freeze when the temperature goes below 30 degrees F for 4 hours or more. Does anyone have experience with these plants in the ground in cold weather conditions?

    I appreciate all of the information I have gotten here because I also had questions about propagating. But will now just take cuttings and plant them in damp soil in pot for starters.
     
  2. cactologist

    cactologist Member

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    I grew this plant outdoors in Phoenix and it survived very short periods down to 28 degrees F with no protection (though some of the smallest stems died but quickly grew back).

    Tracy
     
  3. SeppiNo2

    SeppiNo2 Member

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    Afternoon Tracy!

    Thanks so much for your input. Will give me some guidance as to how cold to let it get before I have to either cover them or put them in the garage. Have been putting them in the garage when the weather is expected to get to 32 as a short-lived low temp.

    Joe
     
  4. Net

    Net Member

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    Hello I am net and also live in houston,texas and I have an even larger pencil catus and I have it in a one gallon pot and it has two huge stalks in it, I find that the smaller the pot the larger the plant so I planted the pot and all in the ground and really dont lose that much in the winter months, but cover mine with just a sheet so that it can breath, and not draw a lot of moisture like with plastic. I have recently had to cut my Pencil Catus back because the limbs were so large and full that the weight of them were bending the branches, and to transplant i just get some sandy dirt(clay) and stick in down in it dirt. They do like direct sun and they do not require a lot of care, except when you have to trim the branches from the weight. Mine seem to love the rain water and that is pretty much the only time i water them..very low maintance.
    well I hope this is helpful. Net
     

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