How to Grow Low-Temperature Cactus

Plant the low-temperature cactus in a pot in well-drained growing medium. Pure peat moss or a mixture of peat moss with 20 to 40 percent perlite are good examples. Coarse sand, polystyrene foam beads or compost also can be mixed in as long as the mixture remains mostly peat moss. Growing media suitable for succulents also is suitable.

Soak the growing medium with water, letting the excess drain out of the pot through drainage holes. Do not let the low-temperature cactus sit in water. Allow the growing medium to become almost but not quite dry between watering.

Place the cactus indoors or outdoors in bright, indirect light but not in hot, direct sunlight. Daytime temperatures should be between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Nighttime temperatures should not fall below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Force low-temperature cacti into flowering by subjecting the plants to 13 or more hours per day of darkness between periods of bright light. Cover with opaque containers such as plastic storage bins or cardboard boxes. The plants also can be placed in a closet; start eight weeks before the desired flowering time. In addition to the light regulation, the cacti need nighttime temperatures of between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit to flower.

Feed the cactus plant a light fertilizer sparingly in spring and summer only. Use a plant food product designed specifically for cacti and follow the label directions. Too much fertilization can damage the plant, making it susceptible to diseases.

Re-pot low-temperature cactus plants only about every two to three years and only if they show signs of stress. They bloom best when root bound and may suffer setbacks if repotted. Re-pot only to pots slightly larger than the original. Pots must have drainage holes.