potted Eastern Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia humifusa) - winter treatment

[robrocke]

I bought an Eastern Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia humifusa) this Spring. It did very well outside in a pot in a sunny, south facing part of my yard . I'm now trying to decide on the best way to care for it this winter.
Should I:
1. Bring it indoors to a warm, heated part of the house?
2. Bring it indoors to my cool, unheated garage??
3. Just leave it in place where it is outside???
We're just starting to hit freezing temperatures here in southern Connecticut along Long Island Sound (Zone 7a).
Thanks for the advice!

 

[Chuck]

Prickly pears are VERY hardy. Being in a pot might affect it during prolonged freezing weather so I would move it to the garage when an extended period of freezing is forecast.

 

[robrocke]

Thanks @Chuck. Can I just leave it in the garage all winter like I do my fig plant, or should I keep it outside EXCEPT for those prolonged freeze periods?

 

[Chuck]

Thanks @Chuck. Can I just leave it in the garage all winter like I do my fig plant, or should I keep it outside EXCEPT for those prolonged freeze periods?

It still needs sunlight, unlike the fig which has lost it leaves. Keep it outside as much as possible