How dark is too dark for cacti dormancy?

[RorBurg56]

Hello all, I am currently growing with a greenhouse-less setup about 120 ish plants, many of them year round growing (for me) eches, pachyphytum, lots of senecio and alot of small euphorbia which slow down a bit in winter but don't stop completely. I have about 26 cacti which I love but which get confused more than the rest by going from an outdoor summer in Scotland where day length isn't crazy anyway to being indoor where its often warmer, light is high (I have crazy grow lights and an indoor sun garden), and often light stays higher longer because me and partner regularly stay up to 5 - 6 am. I really would like to start enforcing true dormancy on some of my plants but no room in my house is cold. There is a shed in the garden which I've cleared for other reasons. It's completely dark, cold and I thought might be too damp, but I'm considering getting dehumidifiers for it. This is all alot to ask if pitch black conditions are suitable or if I should still wait for an insulated greenhouse to overwinter plants in?

[7george]

Well, if temps stay below 10 - 12 C even full darkness is OK for winter months. April is a spring month, isn't it?

I also have some problematic plants this time of the year because many nights are still below freezing and cacti won't stay dormant inside the house because days are long already. So I'm bringing some pots in-and-out until frost-free period begins. I guess even small GH would work just to protect from the night frosts?

[RorBurg56]

Yeah things are getting better, more thinking for next year lol

[jerrytheplater]

I stored bare root dormant Sulcorebutia's and Rebutia's in a box under a table for a few months. I repotted in the spring and they grew well. But, I can't remember if there were any flowering issues. Too many years ago.

[greenknight]

You can winter them in the dark if kept cool and dry, but re-introduce them to sun gradually.

[RorBurg56]

Thank you guys

[Shane]

I don't think keeping cacti in darkness when dormant is a good idea. I tried keeping mine in shade this winter and many died. I think cacti not needing anything when they're dormant is a myth. If you do try it, make sure to do it with plants you don't mind losing

[greenknight]

I don't think keeping cacti in darkness when dormant is a good idea. I tried keeping mine in shade this winter and many died. I think cacti not needing anything when they're dormant is a myth. If you do try it, make sure to do it with plants you don't mind losing

You're in Los Angeles, it's not cold enough in the winter there.