Cactus and Succulents
Cactus and succulents that handle Winter Haven, and the humidity that comes with it
Cactus and succulents are a steady part of the stock at Zimmerman's Tropicals, and we grow and carry them with Central Florida in mind, not a desert.
Florida humidity is a different challenge from the dry heat cactus grow in out west. Our summers are wet and our winters are damp, so a plant that would thrive in an arid garden can rot here if it sits in cold, soggy soil. Most cactus trouble in this area comes from too much moisture around the roots, not too little sun or water overall.
That is why drainage matters more than anything else. Sun and well-drained soil are the main planting needs, and when you come in we are glad to talk through a spot in your yard that gets plenty of light and keeps water moving away from the roots. Stop by 1405 28th St NW or call (863) 370-6911 to ask what we have in stock.
Planting Cactus in Florida Humidity
Cactus can do well in Winter Haven, but it needs a different approach than it gets in the desert. Here is the sequence we walk customers through when they take a cactus home from our nursery.
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1
Pick a sunny spot that drains fast
Choose a location with full sun and soil or a container that lets water move through quickly, because standing water is the main way cactus fail here.
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2
Plant in a gritty mix, not heavy wet soil
Use a mix with sand or grit and avoid dense garden soil around the root ball, which holds moisture that humid Polk County air will not dry out quickly.
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3
Water deeply, then let the soil dry out
Soak the root zone when it is fully dry, then wait before watering again, adjusting less in the cooler months when growth slows.
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4
Shelter young plants from heavy rain and cold
Give newly planted cactus a covered spot during summer storms and a little protection during cold snaps until the roots settle in.
Have a specific plant in mind? Browse current stock on our Plant Inventory page or see our tropical plants for Winter Haven homes.