How to deal with root rot in Christmas cactus? The latest solutions are here

Root rot in Christmas cactus is caused by overwatering and fertilizer that is too concentrated. At this point, reduce watering and lower the concentration of fertilizer used. The parts that have already rotted should be cut off promptly, soaked for disinfection, and repotted in loose, breathable soil. After repotting, there is no need to water for three to five days, and after ten days new roots will grow again from the base of the roots.

What to do if the roots of Christmas cactus rot

1. Reduce watering

The main cause of root rot in Christmas cactus is overwatering, watering before the soil in the pot has dried out. If the soil drainage is poor, water will accumulate around the roots, causing the plant's root system to have difficulty breathing and preventing aerobic respiration, resulting in root rot. At this point, reduce the amount of watering and replace the soil with loose, breathable soil.

2. Reduce fertilizing

Another cause of root rot in Christmas cactus is too much fertilizer. Fertilizer that is too concentrated burns the root system and causes fertilizer burn in the plant. Christmas cactus is not a fertilizer-loving plant, and its root system is not well developed. If concentrated fertilizer is applied, it will be difficult for the roots to absorb it, the soil concentration will be too low, and the plant will be unable to absorb water and nutrients, leading to root rot. Reduce the amount of fertilizer, apply diluted fertilizer more often, and dilute the fertilizer by watering.

3. Prune the rotted roots

After root rot occurs, take the Christmas cactus out of the pot, remove the parts of the roots that have already rotted, soak in potassium permanganate solution for disinfection, and let it dry in a ventilated place for about one day. Then move it again into loose, breathable, well-draining soil. You can choose yellow sand mixed with garden soil, and place it in a ventilated, breathable environment where rain cannot reach it.

4. Care after moving

After repotting, there is no need to water for three to five days, and after ten days new roots will grow again from the base of the roots. If the plant is relatively large and has many branches and leaves, some of the branches and leaves should also be pruned to reduce water evaporation, which helps new roots form. After rooting, return to normal fertilizer and water management.