My red Christmas cactus has been struggling for over a year. The shoots of cacti are wilted, and nothing seems to strengthen it, not even plant food. I read that it may be unhappy in its soil, so I repotted it the beginning of the year. It perked up for about two-weeks and then promptly fainted. It has been this way for months. It has no bugs. When I looked at it this morning, it seemed as if the main stalk is dead. It was dry, crinkled, and frail, so I might have to detach and root the branches in order to save whatever is left of the plant. How do I do this?
Repotting can help revive a struggling Christmas Cactus.
Too large of a container though can make the issue worse. They prefer to be a bit root bound so choosing a slightly larger container is the best option.
Over watering or root rot can also cause a wilting plant.
These articles will help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/limp-christmas-cactus.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/christmas-cactus-flower-wilt.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/christmas-cactus-root-rot.htm
I have a very old Christmas cactus. It used to bloom about 5 times a year. Due to moving and being left alone and having stems knocked off, over and underwatering....... It is still alive but the base of the stems are hard and brown. The tips are wilty. I transplanted what I could salvage into Miracle Grow Potting Soil. It is still very droopy after about 3 weeks. Can I do anything to save it?
Keep the faith! It's had a rough time and will take awhile to recover. Normally I don't feed a repotted plant until it shows signs of new growth. This lets it focus on root formation before the nitrogen tells it to push out leafy growth. It isn't a big deal. Did you know that it is possible to prune out old woody growth once the plant is healthy again? Like many shrubs, removing all woody growth helps the plant stay young and vigorous. Another way to continue an old keepsake plant is to take cuttings and start new plants. With Christmas cactus, this is particularly easy as you can nip off a small branch and just pop it in water. After roots form put it in potting soil. Here is an article that discusses general care and taking cuttings to start a new plant. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/leaf-drop-on-christmas-cactus.htm
Can I prune my Christmas cactus? If so, how?
You can, but it is not necessary. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/christmas-cactus-pruning.htm
My christmas cactus has been doing good since I moved in to my place back in 2016(it came with the house) it really livened up when we put it in the livingroom. But i have noticed in th4 last month or so that the leaves look a little more lighter or even have a grey tint to them like they have dust on them, But they arnt dusty. The leaves where thick tough and deep green a couple months back. Is this a bad sign? Someone told me 5o put rusty nails in the dirt to darken the color, but I'm not sure if that's the issue. I'll attach photos.
The lighter leaf color can be due to lack of light.
From the photo I can't see the dusty leaves, but from your description it sounds like powdery mildew. This is not a fungus ofter found on indoor Christmas Cactus, but it can happen. Air flow around the plant can help.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/advice-for-christmas-cactus-care.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/powdery-mildew-homemade-and-organic-remedies.htm
thelimbs (stalks on myChristmas are drooping and wrinkled-it receives daily sunshine is a window--what can I do to save the plant??
The holiday cactus is not a true cactus so it doesn't like sunlight shining right on it. It will be happier with bright but indirect light or an east window where the light is less harsh. The soil should dry out between waterings but not desert cacti dry. Here is an interesting article on this tropical plant: https://web.extension.illinois.edu/dmp/palette/071209.html
I put broken pieces of Christmas cactus in a pot with fresh potting soil. What do I do now?
This article will help you.
All I want to know is if my plant needs to be watered during this period.
Yes, but there is a little more to it than that. How much and how often that you water will be a much more important factor than IF you water.
You will water when the soil is almost dry down to about 2 inches down. Since it will be in the dark more than it was previously, this means that water will evaporate at a slower rate. You will water less, but you will still water. If you do not, then you will end up with a dead plant.
This article will give you more information on their care: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/advice-for-christmas-cactus-care.htm