What to Do When Christmas Cactus Leaves Go Soft? Causes and Solutions

Christmas cactus, also known as crab claw cactus, "icing on the cake," crab orchid and so on, is an epiphytic succulent plant of the genus Schlumbergera in the cactus family. It is named for the shape of its stem segments, which resemble a crab's claws. It is commonly cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions, and in cultivation it is often grafted onto dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus) or other rootstocks to obtain vigorous, lush plants. Now let's take a look at what to do when Christmas cactus leaves go soft!

What to do when Christmas cactus leaves go soft?

1. Soil too dry: The soil should be kept moist during the Christmas cactus's growth. If it is not watered for a long time and the soil becomes too dry, the fleshy stems can easily dry out and the leaves become soft. In this case, water it appropriately.

2. Overwatering: If the Christmas cactus is watered too frequently during its growth, the plant will grow slowly and may even develop root rot, and the leaves will gradually soften and die. You can place the Christmas cactus in a well-ventilated spot, and be sure to provide shade and shelter from rain.

3. Caused by root rot: Soft leaves on a Christmas cactus are very likely a root problem. In this case, you can repot it with fresh soil to solve the problem. You can place the Christmas cactus with soft leaves in water to let the leaves revive, then transplant it.

4. During dormancy: After flowering and in summer, the Christmas cactus enters its respective dormant periods, growing slowly, and the leaves may appear soft. This is normal; just maintain it normally, water it a little less, and do not let the potting soil get too wet.

5. Caused by pests: Damage from scale insects on the Christmas cactus may cause the stem segments to wilt and yellow and the leaves to soften and drop. Look carefully to see whether there really are insects on the leaves. If there are, scrape them off with a small bamboo sliver, focusing on removing the pests without causing too much harm to the Christmas cactus.

What to do when Christmas cactus leaves turn red?

1. Caused by frost damage: If the red color is caused by frost damage, you can keep the Christmas cactus warm. It is usually nothing serious and will return to normal before long.

2. Caused by scorching sun: If it is caused by scorching sun, move the Christmas cactus to a spot with weaker light and let it rest for a few days.

3. Lack of light: A lack of light can also cause the leaves of the Christmas cactus to turn red. In this case, just give it appropriate indirect light.

4. Caused by phosphorus deficiency: A phosphorus deficiency makes the Christmas cactus turn red, a nitrogen deficiency makes it turn yellow, and small spots indicate a potassium deficiency. In this case, just apply phosphorus fertilizer appropriately.

5. Soil becoming alkaline: The Christmas cactus itself can make the soil turn alkaline, causing the leaves to turn red. Just replace the soil and give it normal care.

6. Flower color: If the Christmas cactus bears red flowers, the leaves may turn red as it is about to bloom. Just care for it normally.

Extra: How to grow a Christmas cactus?

1. Choosing a pot: For the Christmas cactus you can use a clay pot, plastic pot, porcelain pot or ceramic pot, but a clay pot is best. To coordinate with home decor, you can grow it in a plastic pot in a different color. It is best to choose a pot whose diameter is 2/3 of the plant's spread.

2. Soil: The Christmas cactus likes fertile, loose soil. At home you can use 3 parts garden soil, 4 parts leaf mold and 3 parts sand, or 4 parts peat soil, 2 parts leaf mold, 2 parts sand and 2 parts perlite (or volcanic rock). After mixing the soil, it is best to sterilize it with high temperature before use.

3. Watering: The growing environment for the Christmas cactus should be semi-shaded and moist, but the potting soil must not be too wet. Follow the principle of "water thoroughly only when completely dry." In hot seasons, water once every 2 to 3 days, and avoid watering at noon. In winter, when temperatures are lower, water once a week, and avoid watering in the evening.

4. Fertilizing: The Christmas cactus likes fertilizer. When fertilizer is sufficient, it has more branches and more flowers. During the growing season, fertilize once every 15 to 20 days. In late autumn, reduce the frequency of fertilizing, and stop fertilizing when the temperature drops below 10°C. Do not fertilize when summer temperatures are high or winter temperatures are low.

5. Light: The Christmas cactus fears heat and high temperatures, and dislikes exposure to the sun and rain. In summer, place it in a ventilated indoor spot or on a balcony facing away from the sun. After the Start of Autumn, place it where it receives 50% light, then gradually increase the light as the weather turns cooler, and from late autumn to winter give it plenty of light.