Indoor gardening is one of my favorite activities, and one of my favorite plants to grow is the Christmas Cactus. I love growing this type of cactus because of its colorful and cheerful flowers. It also requires minimal care and can last for many years with the right conditions. Unfortunately, one of the things that can easily kill your plant is Christmas cactus root rot, which can quickly spread throughout the plant if not caught in time. It is important for gardeners to be aware of the signs of root rot and take steps to prevent it. In this article, I’ll break down what root rot is, what causes it, the signs of root rot, and how to fix it.
What causes root rot?
Root rot in a Christmas cactus is usually caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. Too much water in the soil can lead to anaerobic, waterlogged conditions that cause the roots to rot. The most common cause of root rot is a group of soil-borne fungi called Phytophthora. These fungi live in soil and on plant roots and can infect many types of plants, causing root rot and other diseases. Soggy, water-logged soil provides these fungi the perfect environment in which to grow.
Signs of Christmas cactus root rot
Root rot is a common problem among Christmas cacti that have been overwatered. It is important to act quickly if you suspect root rot on your Christmas cactus, as it can quickly spread and cause significant damage or death in your plant. Some of the symptoms of root rot include:
- Wilting or yellowing leaves
- Soft and mushy stem base
- Browning of the roots
- Foul odor coming from the soil
- Discolored or slimy roots
- Poor growth or flowering
The bad news is that by the time you’re noticing symptoms of root rot, the plant has begun to take on severe damage. The good news is that it can be fixed if you’re able to act quickly.
Fixing Christmas cactus root rot
Fixing root rot is a bit of large task, but it will be required if you want to save your Christmas cactus. Follow these 6 steps to fix root rot and prevent it from returning.
- Carefully remove your Christmas cactus from its pot, gently shaking off the soil. Inspect the roots for signs of root rot, which typically appear as discolored, mushy roots.
- Cut away any roots that appear to be affected by root rot using sterilized pruning shears.
- Repot your Christmas cactus in a new pot with fresh, sterile potting soil.
- Place the pot in a bright, indirect light location.
- Water your Christmas cactus sparingly and make sure the soil is allowed to dry out in between waterings.
- Sterilize the old pot by scrubbing it with a 10% bleach solution and allowing it to dry completely before using it again.
If you’re concerned that your Christmas cactus is too far gone, remove a healthy branch that is green and not showing signs of damage. Even a single leaf will work. You can easily sprout a leaf or a branch into a new cactus. It will eventually root and begin to grow.
Christmas cactus root rot prevention
The best way to prevent root rot in a Christmas cactus is to ensure the potting soil is well-draining and that you are not over-watering it. Make sure you water your cactus only when the soil is dry to the touch and water at the base of the plant instead of from the top. Additionally, if you notice any signs of root rot, it is important to remove the affected sections of the plant and repot the cactus in fresh, dry soil. Moving forward, you should be able to prevent root rot from returning and have a Christmas cactus that continues to grow and thrive for years, or decades, to come!
