BKY
1 post
4-Jul-2008
9:48 AM
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I have had a Christmas Cactus for several years, and while it has never actually flourished, it has done okay, and now, for some reason, it is wilting terribly. I recently repotted it, using the soil it already had and just put it in a slightly larger pot that has drainage holes in the bottom, but it does not seem to be doing well. I water it once, sometimes twice a week and have not moved it from the window it has been living in for three years - is there some additive I can give the soil, or should I take it to someone to repot professionally? I really do like the plant and feel sad that I am killing it..... any clues? Help me Please?
Last Edited on 5-Jul-2008 1:44 PM
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thecactusdoctor
113 post s
5-Jul-2008
2:18 PM
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It sounds like you probably disturbed the roots while transplantig which caused it to go into transplant shock. You need to give it more time to fully recover before panicking. The worst thing you could do for it is to overwater. Thoroughly drench the soil once every ten days and no less. Apply small fine grvel on top of the soil to help retain moisture. Always remember when it comes to watering cacti,'less is always best'. The Cactus Doctor
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Metoo4955@aol.com
Guest
0 post
7-Jul-2008
1:34 PM
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I have a Christmas Cactus that has flowered. Lately I notice that some of the plane "leaves" are turning a pinkish red. Can you tell me the problem might be? The pot I have it in doesn't have drainage holes, but I Put some stones on the bottom before I put the dirt in. Should I repot it?
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BKY
2 post s
7-Jul-2008
7:31 PM
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Thank you! I'll give your advice a go - I appreciate you taking the time to help me out - wish me luck!
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thecactusdoctor
117 post s
8-Jul-2008
5:49 AM
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Your cactus must be repoted in a container with drainage holes. Your leaves are turning pink because your soil is too wet and will eventually cause the roots to rot. The rocks at the bottom are useless without a drainage hole. Make sure not to overwater since the roots are very sensitive to too much water. Always remember when watering cacti, 'less is always best'.
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LJM
Guest
0 post
10-Aug-2008
6:40 AM
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I have owned my Christmas cactus for 12 years and it was always in great health and bloomed every year. Lately, it has been drooping and the leaves are dull green-gray color. I thought I may have over-watered the plant, or it might have been in a pot that was too small, so I re-potted it. It has not improved. I love this plant and do not want to loose it. Please help. I don't know what else to try.
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thecactusdoctor
156 post s
11-Aug-2008
4:55 AM
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Try feeding it with a liguid fish fertilizer. Make sure the soil is completely dry before watering it again. Dig out some of the soil around the roots to see if has been attacked by insects such as aphids or spider mites. Cut out any noticeble dead branches to promote new growth. If it begins to recover then you should continue to fertiulize it once a month for the next two or three months. The Cactus Doctor
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chloez
Guest
0 post
17-Aug-2008
3:50 AM
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I also hurt my cati by watering too much. It's is suffering dearly, to the point of rotting as you mentioned it will. I've been trying to salvage the droppings. How can I encourage the droppings to spurt roots to I can replant? Also there is too much salt on the surface of the soil. I thought maybe drenching the soil 5-6 times would help dilute some of the salt; was drenching the wrong way to go?
I've taken note, wait a good 10 days between watering.
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thecactusdoctor
163 post s
17-Aug-2008
1:09 PM
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The best way to root out your cuttings is by planting them in pumice instead of soil. Keep the pumice moist but not too wet. It should take about four weeks to root out and be ready to transplant into soil. You will know your cutting has alrady taken root rooted when it begins to put out new growth.
Drenching the soil is not a good idea. If your water has salt deposits in it, it's best to water your cacti with distilled water instead of tap water.The Cactus Doctor
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