Christmas Cactus Root Collapse

Over watering causes damage to roots both by limiting their oxygen exposure and by weakening their tissue. Root rot is a common result of over watering especially if the potting medium is old and has collapsed and become heavy with poor drainage. It is characterized in Christmas cactus by mushy tissue, wilting and pink or reddish discolorations on the leaves. Another tell-tale sign of root rot is a musty or sour smell in the soil. An affected plant should be re-potted into fresh, unused medium and left unwatered for 2-3 weeks. Prune off the badly damaged foliage, and slowly return the plant to a normal water schedule by letting the soil dry out in the top 1″ between waterings. It is usually a good idea to cut off some of the healthy sections and get them re-rooted in a separate pot in case the main plant doesn’t recover. At least that way you have a back-up especially if it is a favorite or special color.