I have a simple rule for dormant plants, and new cuttings in general, "No leaves. No water." These desert plants need little water as it is. They store their water source in the caudex/base. They need protection from rainfall even. Mine get winter protected indoors or in a covered area in the yard. And they tend to keep their leaves for most of the winter If they have leaves, they get watered every 3 weeks, and JUST A LITTLE to moisten the top of the soil as they would in the desert. Once they lose their leaves, I stop watering. They seem to be susceptible to spider mites in the winter.
Michael. You sun in Corpus is still fairly strong, as are the winds. Do you know what kind of exposure your plant had with the previous owner? I would replicate that for awhile if you can. Also protect it from those strong winds you get.
