I picked up this cactus about two weeks ago from an estate sale and they weren’t sure when it was last watered. I had to drive it 8+ hrs home in the back of a pickup truck uncovered and it did get slightly rained on (I wasn’t planning on buying any plants I just couldn’t pass this one up) and since then it’s been sitting in this spot.
It’s in bright/direct afternoon sun and Ive only given it a cup of water so far. It’s been sitting here for about week now and I’m not sure if I should water it again or let it settle in? It’s starting to yellow in spots and the soil seems very dry but I haven’t owned this type of plant before so any advice is appreciated!
by Mycelium-maven
15 Comments
If the leaves are soft and flexible, you need to drown it for a bit. Basically let the pot soak up as much water as it needs before draining.
My mother has this plant in a very dark spot and it has been thriving for years. She only waters when the leaf-thingies get flexible again
You’ve had it two weeks and have only given it one cup of water? That plant is THIRSTY. This isn’t technically a cactus, it needs regular watering. Give it a good soak, and it should start to look happier.
Left mine in the rain overnight and it was reborn
Overwatering isn’t about how much water you give it at a single time, it’s about the frequency and watering too close in between. You need to SOAK that poor baby. Fill pour water into it until the water overflows, let it drain and repeat 3-5 times until you know for sure it’s drenched all the way through and that the soil didn’t become hydrophobic. Let it drain thoroughly before you put it back.
Please share more as you save it! Repotting may also help soon. Not now. Get it happier.
I would take clipping from this plant, root and grow more beautiful plants
Impossible effort. Read and learn the care of this plant.
The knowledge you will get will help you to learn its needs and care. Then take clippings and root them and grow more
Get online and learn the care for these beautiful plants. Take clippings from your plant and plant in soil which has plenty of compost material.
A cup of water in two weeks :(? I water mine weekly and let it soak up the water, I have mine on a east facing window and gets all the morning sun. I’m pretty sure this Christmas cactus is decades old which is amazing, I inherited my moms Easter cactus and I got it to finally flower this year, when yours flowers i bet it will be so pretty!
Get online, read UP on caring for these beautiful plants. They are the easiest plant to grow. Then, read on how to proper propagation to root pieces to make more off the plant you have. They are stunning when blooming.
Do your homework. The plant you have is so overgrown and neglected. It is best to take clippings, from it and you’ll enjoy the process and learn also.
I wouldn’t allow it to sit in water saturated soil. Needs good drainage
Water and
INDIRECT SUNLIGHT!!!!!
Water
##”Not all succulents are cacti and not every cacti is a succulent.”
A hard lesson I learned in the beginning of my plant parent journey.
Water!!!