What's wrong with my Christmas cactus? It looks wilted and lifeless.

Maria Cross
by Maria Cross
Thanks!
  7 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Feb 25, 2017

    How old is the plant,how do you water and when,what is ever re-potted?

  • Maria Cross Maria Cross on Feb 25, 2017

    The plant is over 8 years old. It's been reported once. I water once a week or when needed. Should I report again?

    • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Mar 01, 2017

      Yes and make sure you re-pot in cactus soil only. Contrary to what most do not realize is the watering. Use tepid water and only when you see the soil separating from the pot. Make sure there are drainage holes and it is in a very bright window.

  • Hillela G. Hillela G. on Feb 25, 2017

    It may be lacking sunlight, under-watered or both. I suggest moving it into a sunnier space and giving it more water more frequently. good luck!

  • Angelique McCoy Angelique McCoy on Feb 25, 2017

    water it with plain black tea. no sugar or sweetener. put it in a sunny spot and it will come back and probably even bloom.

    • Ran21107897 Ran21107897 on Mar 04, 2017

      I just heard about weak tea a couple of weeks ago. My cactus now has 1 bud on it. It seems to bloom any time except Christmas.

  • Jan15127786 Jan15127786 on Feb 28, 2017

    I have a house full of Christmas Cactus in all colors. They are beautiful! Sometimes, I just forget to water them, on purpose!! I have all of them in indirect sunlite. I hardly ever use any fertilize. Every once in awhile I will put them in the sink and wash off or wipe off their leaves. They are a cactus so they do not have to be watered every week. Mine bloom several times a year. Try my ideas and see if it helps your plants.

    • Jan15127786 Jan15127786 on Feb 28, 2017

      Also wanted to say that I have my grandmothers Christmas Cactus and its over 40 yrs old, yes, 40 yrs old!

  • M.L. Friel M.L. Friel on Mar 01, 2017

    Several years ago I pinched-off a small portion of a cactus plant, put it in water until roots appeared, then planted it in 'potting soil. It sits in a South-facing window where it gets a little direct sun & a LOT of indirect light. I water it when the soil looks dry...it has sprouted a few very small leaves, but essentially hasn't grown...in 2+ years. Do you thin k the pt was too big, does it need to become somewhat root-bound to grow, is it the potting soil, from other 'write-in's' I've chosen a good location for light, other plants near it do well...any suggestions?

  • Linda g Linda g on Mar 03, 2017

    I got the shock of my life with my Xmas catcus it was white the last time it bloomed. I repoted it and it just bloomed again and it is bright pink. Has anyone ever heard of that?