Cacti, though generally associated with warm climates and deserts, adapt to cold climates. In fact, several species of cacti adapt just as well to cold climate as to warm, they can withstand up to -40°C. The cactus Opuntia macrocentra, or the Black-Spine Prickly Pear, adapts to these conditions.

Why do cacti adapt to these conditions? The deserts can reach a blazing 100+ °F, but during the night can reach sub zero temperatures in some places. Cacti need to be adaptable to all these conditions to live in the desert biome. The Opuntia fragilis, or Fragile Prickly Pear, is rumored to reach -60°C. However, the official data recorded is around -34°C. This cactus is known to grow in southern parts of Canada, and has been reported growing near the Arctic Circle.

Not all cacti, like the Opuntia fragilis mentioned above, grow in deserts. Various cold places grow cacti, such as, Canada, Northern USA, Scandinavia, Norther Europe, to name a few. The Escobaria missouriensis, or Missouri Foxtail Cactus, is one of the few that survives in Scandinavia and Northern Europe. It is considered to be one of the hardiest of all cacti.

Gardeners from all over the world are not able to grow the exact same plants. They have to learn what can grow in their climate, and during what season. So what happens when someone lives in Scandinavia? What happens to people who live in Canada, do they just not grow things? Thousands of people from all over the globe can grow these plants everywhere, because they are so adaptable to almost all temperatures.

Although many of the cacti are well adapted to all climates, a lot of cacti prefer only cold conditions. Opuntia compressa is a cactus that prefers primarily cold climates. This cactus grows as far north as southern Canada. Native to North America, it is able to thrive in sub-zero temperatures with no problem. It is thanks to these adaptations that the beauty of the cacti is seen throughout the world.

Several other plants prefer cold climates to warm. Agave lechuguilla, or shin dagger, survives in -20°C. Yucca filamentosa, or Adam's Needle, survives in -29°C. Many other plants prefer cold climates, and would have it year round if given the choice.

Unlike the traditional cactus, which most people picture to be the irregular shaped cactus we see in the desert, most cacti can be pleasing to the eye. On top of being pleasing to look at, almost all cacti are edible.

Cacti, as well as other succulents, are very adaptable to their climate. Cacti are able to live in fierce heat, as well the freezing cold. With these cacti, and these succulents, we will always, no matter where we go, be able to view their beauty. Be in burning heat, or icy cold, they will always be there.