Is My Christmas Cactus Overwatered? How Do I Save It?

Question

Hello! I got a Christmas cactus a few months ago, and it’s been doing fine until recently. A couple of weeks ago I noticed that it’s looking a bit limp, and it’s dropped a few of the outermost leaves. I’ve been watering it sparingly, but the limpness makes me worried that I’ve overwatered it. I pulled it out of its pot this afternoon to look at the roots, but honestly I’m not sure if I would recognize root rot if I saw it. I noticed the limp leaves not too long after I brought it to Colorado from Minnesota, so I suppose the change in environment could have been stressful for it, but I don’t know what the specific problem is and I’m afraid that either I’m overwatering or not watering enough in my attempt to correct for overwatering. I’ve only had it for a couple of months and I don’t want it to die, so any advice would be appreciated! Thank you!

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Answer 1

This is underwatering, actually! Let the soil dry out, but don't let it stay dry for more than a day or so. They are tropical succulents, and will require more water than a, true, desert succulent.

Here is an article that will help you to care for the plant:

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