
Sad Looking Christmas Cactus
My wife has a Christmas cactus plant that she bought in Kansas years ago. It blooms and shoots in the same manner as a Christmas cactus, but the leaves are rounder and scalloped. We think it has root rot due to watering. It is limp, shriveled, and sad looking, but still has its color and flowers. Is there hope for this plant?
Sounds like you have an Easter cactus (Schlumbergera gaertneri ). Similar in appearance, this plant requires the same care as the Christmas and Thanksgiving cacti. These succulent plants are native to tropical areas. They are not as drought tolerant as the cacti of the southwest but they do not tolerate soggy soil. Too much or not enough water can cause the symptoms you describe. Keep flowering plants slightly moist. Once the plant is done blooming you can reduce watering frequency. This may also be a good time to repot the plant. Use a similar or slightly larger (if the plant was potbound) container with drainage holes. Remove any slimy roots and use a well drained potting mix to fill the container. Water non blooming plants thoroughly whenever the top few inches of soil is dry. Pour off the excess water that collects in the saucer to avoid root rot. Cacti and succulents prefer cool temperatures and dry soils when growth slows or stops over winter.
Related
Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars
Feb. 19, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Strategies for Managing Invasive Plants
Register here
Feb. 26, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Create a Beautiful Shade Garden
Register here
Feb. 27, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
How to Select Rain Garden Plants
Register here
March 12, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Grow Pollinator-friendly Spring and Summer Flowering Bulbs
Register here
March 19, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Register here
March 22, 23, 29, 30, 2025
REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, WI
March 26, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Succession Planting & Crop Rotation
Register here
March 27, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Rain Garden Q & A
Register here
April 2, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Container Gardens for Sun & Shade
Register here
April 10, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Reinvigorate Your Rain Garden
Register here
May 7, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Vertical Gardening
Register here
May 15, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
7 Steps to Managing Water on Your Property
Register here
June 4, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Attracting Hummingbirds
Register here
WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Learn More