problem with christmas cactus

Question

My healthy christmas cactus blooms on and off all year and is large enough to fit into a 10-inch pot planted in Miracle Grow Moisture Control soil. It just finished blooming and was gorgeous. In the past month, it’s been dropping many of it new leaves every time you walk by or bump it slightly. The leaves are nice and bright green, thick and not wilted and I only water it about every 2 weeks in the winter. I have many other Christmas cacti and have never had this issue before. Unfortunately, it does not get a lot of sun anyplace in my apartment in the winter months and it seems happiest by my sliding glass door (facing north). It has many new shoots all over and otherwise seems healthy. Do I repot it now? The biggest problem I’ve ever had with these plants would be root rot or dropping of new buds before they bloom. Thanks for your help. Sorry but I cannot send you a photo.

Answer 1

The usual causes of leaf drop are temperature fluctuations, too much or too little water–over watering is the most common cause of loss of leaves and root rot, compacted soil or poorly draining soil,
poor light–partial shade during the summer and a bright light location in winter.

Make sure you actually check the soil, let the first couple inches of soil dry before watering again. Don’t water on a schedule.

Here are some great articles that will help you care for your plant.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/leaf-drop-on-christmas-cactus.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/advice-for-christmas-cactus-care.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/christmas-cactus-fertilizer.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/christmas-cactus-root-rot.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/christmas-cactus-pruning.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/repotting-christmas-cactus.htm