I got about 3-4 pots with different hardy Opuntia seedlings.
Problem is, winter's near. What do I do?
Plant them in the garden against harsh elements (rain, snow, freezing temps)?
Or keep them in pots? Where? Inside, or on the balcony (really cold, but I don't think it freezes if windows are closed)

My guess is to keep protected inside in a cool spot. They are too tender to go out yet. Some might live but most will die. Keep inside, most will live.
Stush

leave them inside untill spring then plant them in gravel outside

Thanks.
Problem is... inside it's either like I said on the balcony (all enclosed in glass).
Really cold as there is no heating there, but if windows are all closed, it will be just above freezing.
In the apt, it's gonna be too warm for them. You know, "room temperature".
It's not really hot (I watch the heating bills) but it may be a bit too warm for them.

Cactus love hot weather. Room temp is ok for them. Better then freezing.
Stush

Create a miniature garden with them. Hit the ends of the thorns with a tiny drop of white glue, and attach sequins. Sit in a tiny thrift store Santa and enjoy!

Create a miniature garden with them. Hit the ends of the thorns with a tiny drop of white glue, and attach sequins. Sit in a tiny thrift store Santa and enjoy!
good idea
they will be super happy on a enclosed balcony with no rain and just above freezing. I THINK that every opuntia that exists will be fine at freezing and dry. When i try to grow them in little pots inside the house they are puny but in big pots outside or in ground they will be impressive.

rember that alot of the hardy opuntia are from the intermountain region of the usa (between cascades and rocky mtns ) so cold plains that are somewhat hot and very dry all summer. My understanding is that in nature alot of these opuntias stay under several feet of snow for over half the year so right around freezing.
good luck if in doubt split the cactus and do half and half

DavidofDeLand said:Create a miniature garden with them. Hit the ends of the thorns with a tiny drop of white glue, and attach sequins. Sit in a tiny thrift store Santa and enjoy!

Hehehe, very funny David!
:)

I think I'll just follow the next advise, and keep them COOL and let them rest till spring

This is a picture of the Opuntia in my front yard...I'm going to make jelly with the hundreds of fruits this year. It goes right through the freezes we have in the Winters here, which I know are nothing like yours in Romania. They get leggy and stretch really fast if they don't get tons of sunlight. Do you ever use growlights?

The cool thing is they can be kept smaller, beautiful and bushy in containers with paddle pinching

Whoooo...
Nice.
No. I don't use growlights. I don't want to turn my apt. into a lab.
That is why sometimes I am unsuccessful (like I am now with some Venus fly trap seeds - I never seem to be able to germinate carnivorous plants) and sometimes I throw away plants that start to look like Zombies (too dark and too cold winters).

Problem is, I've seen some cute pics of Chameleons, and I don't know why, but I want one. And the DO require a mini-lab.

See there! You may as well let your apartment become a Romanian Rainforest lab. I see a new future thread...

"Calin's altogether unusual and fascinating Romanian Rainforest"!

Grow lights can be fun, and there is always a way to incorporate and frame them that can be attractive!

Chameleons are great!