Care For Wilted 60-62 Year Old Christmas Cactus - Ask Extension
I am looking for advise on care for our family Christmas Cactus that has been passed down in our family starting with a plant that was left on the far...
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Care For Wilted 60-62 Year Old Christmas Cactus #777506
Asked November 09, 2021, 6:59 PM EST
I am looking for advise on care for our family Christmas Cactus that has been passed down in our family starting with a plant that was left on the farm by the previous owner in 1953. Starts were given to my Aunt in the early 1960's and stayed with her until her death in the in the early 2000's. The plant then went to my sister, then to me upon her death.
The plant is in a 10" pot and has thrived, blooming every year until this spring when the leaves started to droop while still blooming. I am not sure what happened, if the issue was over watering? too much fertilizer? pests? other? I let the plant dry out over a couple of months and then started watering again without adding fertilizer to the water. The leaves are still droopy after several months and a small section seems to have revived marginally. The plant is still alive but clearly not healthy and happy. The cactus is about 2-1/2 ft in diameter and approximately 3ft long and is severely root bound in the pot. I have used Miracle Gro 20-20-20 commercial fertilizer for several years diluted to 1 tablespoon pre gallon of water.
I am requesting advise on how to treat and care for the Christmas Cactus to give it the best chance for survival.
What are your best recommendations for pest control, fertilizer, possible treatment for root rot or other possible problems? "How to" information and brand of products would be appreciated. Treatment will be indoors and needs to be safe for pets and people. Thank you. Diana Buell. <personal data hidden>
Marion CountyOregon
Expert Response
Thank you for your question, Diana. It is difficult to give you pest control information without having more information about the suspected pest. You may have root rot, but it would require that you submit soil for a pathogen analysis. I suspect, however, that it is an abiotic problem, rather than a pest, either insect or a fungus. I would recommend that you get a larger, well-draining container; repot it, making sure that both the potting soil and the root ball are moist; and then follow the care instructions you'll find in this Extension publication: Holiday cacti | UMN Extension Perhaps in reading it, you can determine what changes you need to make to keep it alive, healthy and blooming during the holiday months. Good luck!