Christmas Cactus?

Question

My Christmas cactus did not bloom this past season and it is not growing and seems wilty all the time, what should I do any suggestions? It is planted in a old iron pot. I live in Ashland, KY.

Answer 1

Does the pot have drainage holes in the bottom?? Wilty makes me wonder if the roots aren't rotting out.

Now is the time to get it into a better pot. Clay doesn't keep plants wet, it allows the soil to dry as the clay evaporates water from the soil. That can be a problem if you forget to water, plants in clay dry out faster. Use plastic or clay, you choice. I use both.

Since Christmas cactus aren't true "cactus" but are tropical, they need a well draining but humusy soil, a good potting soil will do, but it should drain well, not turn to mush when wet.

Not knowing how far gone the plant is when you transplant it, you can root individual sections and start new plants. Worth trying at least.

Answer 2

I have a Christmas Cactus and for it to bloom @ Christmas, you should cut back the gentle back 8 to ten weeks in the previous christmas. It needs 12-14 hrs. darkness an afternoon. mom nature does something else.

Answer 3

Some plants become root bound. If and when you transplant it, if it is completely full of a root system, I think you should break/cut it into sections before planting. Try to loosen or break into the root system to give the roots some room to grow or at least thrive. Have never had or transplanted a Christmas cactus but they are beautiful.

Answer 4

Take it out of the iron pot and put it in a clay or plastic. The iron from the pot is killing it.

Answer 5

It is true that iron pots are no good, but i wouldn't use a clay one because, they retain a lot of moisture. Go for a plastic one with drainage, because as you know cactus don't care for too much water. good luck.

Answer 6

it might be a thanksging one if the flowers are white.its probably off season