Cactuses grow in Li Meiling's greenhouse in Chaoyang township of Dehui, Jilin province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

As temperatures warm in northeastern China, Li Meiling has begun looking forward to a better income this year. That's because the cactuses in her greenhouse are growing well.

Li, 33, a farmer from Chaoyang township in Dehui city, Jilin province, started planting cactuses in 2016. The special species she cultivated has been well received in the market.

In 2022, Li made a profit of 100,000 yuan ($14,410) from cactus sales, which greatly enhanced her confidence to promote her business.

Cactuses grow in Li Meiling's greenhouse in Chaoyang township of Dehui, Jilin province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

In September, she expanded her greenhouse from 200 to 400 square meters, with a capacity of 3,000 flowerpots.

"There are over 400 species in my greenhouse," she said. "The greenhouse is not very large, but it can reduce the dormant period of cactus, which helps extend the growth period and the sales period."

"I plan to expand for large-scale cultivation," she said. "I also hope to attract my fellow villagers to join me and help them get more income."

Cactuses grow in Li Meiling's greenhouse in Chaoyang township of Dehui, Jilin province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]