If My Cactus Is Growing Aerial Roots Does It Need To Be Repotted?

I just moved my Christmas cactus to Florida and set it in front of a window where it gets lots of light, but no direct sun. It is growing aerial roots all over and not growing any leaves. Should I repot it? It’s in its 4th year. IF it’s pot bound I will repot it. Will it object to direct sunlight? Please advise.

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2 Comments To "If My Cactus Is Growing Aerial Roots Does It Need To Be Repotted?"

#1 Comment By BushDoctor On 11/16/2020 @ 3:02 pm

Unfortunately, your photo did not come through. I am unable to see the condition of the plant.

They are, technically, epiphytic and will survive nestled in tree crotches and near the base of trees. This tendency to grow aerial roots will come from this fact. It doesn't signal anything out of the ordinary.

Repotting it should be done with care, and in the correct type of "soil". These articles will help you to care for, and repot the plant:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/repotting-christmas-cactus.htm ^[1]

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/christmas-cactus-soil.htm ^[2]

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/advice-for-christmas-cactus-care.htm ^[3]

#2 Comment By GKH_Susan On 11/16/2020 @ 3:17 pm

Aerial roots don't necessarily indicate the need for repotting, but they can indicate a cultural need like more light or more moisture or nutrients. It doesn't sound like yours needs more light but the environmental change may be responsible.

If yours has been in a pot for 4 years it may need repotting, but you wouldn't want to do it now since it is the blooming season. Best to wait till early spring.

About sunlight, usually in fall and winter they can take full sun, but that much sun in summer can cause paling and yellowing of foliage.

Here is more information with clues as to what is going on with your Christmas cactus.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/christmas-cactus-aerial-roots.htm ^[4]

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/repotting-christmas-cactus.htm ^[1]

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[1] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/repotting-christmas-cactus.htm: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/repotting-christmas-cactus.htm

[2] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/christmas-cactus-soil.htm: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/christmas-cactus-soil.htm

[3] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/advice-for-christmas-cactus-care.htm: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/advice-for-christmas-cactus-care.htm

[4] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/christmas-cactus-aerial-roots.htm: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/christmas-cactus-aerial-roots.htm

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