How can I resolve this Thanksgiving/Christmas cactus problem?
by
Anthony
+9
I've been keeping them outside during the summer months and recently found white spots on the Christmas cactus leaves. It's as if the leaves have started to turn partially white (as circled in the photo below).
What could be causing this disease? Is it due to overwatering, underwatering, a lack of fertilizer, or too much early morning sun?
Christmas cactus disease picture
It is a Christmas cactus and that looks like the soil is too wet.
the cactus needs repotting in fresh soil for cactus only,the pot seems not to have drainage holes,the white seems to be from to much direct sun as well.The stems are very pale which also is a indication the cactus is struggling
Korevette, Good Evening :) I have done almost an hour's worth of research and reading, trying to find out everything I could that MIGHT cause white spots on Christmas cactus leaves and almost each article I have read just mentions Water Spots. I also read in one of the articles that during the summer that Christmas cactus that has been put outdoors only needs to be watered once a week.
Ok, so, I did say ALMOST every article, but here is one that mentions something else -- mealybugs and red spider mites -- and what to do about them
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/white-spots-christmas-cactus-99692.html
and one more that mentions 4 other things that could affect Christmas Cactus
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/christmas-cactus-diseases.htm
This is all I could find with the best information. Most of the sites I found were garden and plant discussion groups and they were repeats of the sites I have posted above, or saying the white spots were water spots.
Good Luck Korvette, and thank you for using Hometalk.
Actually this is not a true cactus. It lives in the jungle where there is high humidity and roots in the leaf mold in the crooks of trees. This and the Easter cactus ( epiphyllium) are close relatives and require somewhat simmilar culcutures.
could be to much water, not enough water , or to much sun,,
Is it sitting in direct sun? If so, it's being stressed. It also shouldn't be allowed to totally dry out between watering. It needs softer, partial sun in summer, stronger in winter. It's a tropical understory plant. Also, water when soil feels dry about an inch into the soil.
RIP and replace.
When mine have done this, I found I was not watering it enough and it was located in too hot an area. I had it on my back porch. Hope this helps....
It looks like overwatering and it could be fungus
Mine never do well outside. Being a cactus unless in a dry barrier area nurturing indoors is better. Fresh potting soil...small drink of plant fertilizer. ..shot in the arm sort of speak. Then near a window getting indirect sunlight. South west is a good choice. Water when top inch is dry. Then water only from the bottom. If you forget to water regularly. Walmart can help. The have pots that will take about 12 days for your plants...before waterin again. Good luck. The should flower for christmas
I actually have red leaves forming on my Thanksgiving Cactus. Could this also be a cactus disease? Thanks
Looks like the leaves got too much sun.