How is temperature a limiting factor for cactus plants?

Temperature is a limiting factor for cactus plants, in terms of extremes of heat and cold. For example, desert cactus plants are used to a hot, dry climate. But temperatures may be so high that the available water evaporates.

It particularly is the other extreme, of chilling temperatures, that may be fatal for a cactus. Cold may leave a cactus with a range of problems from stem tip damage to actual stem collapse. Cactus plants that are exposed to excess cold or dampness are prone to rot, which softens and blackens tissue.