The Christmas cactus is one of the houseplants that is very robust and therefore does not often suffer from diseases. Incorrect care is almost always responsible when Christmas cacti become sick, lose their flowers or do not bloom at all.
What diseases can occur in the Christmas cactus?
Christmas cactus diseases are rare and usually due to incorrect care, such as waterlogging or frequent changes of location. Root rot, stem rot, falling flowers and failure to produce flowers are all possible problems. Pests such as scale insects or aphids can also occur.
Christmas cacti are robust and rarely get sick
In a convenient location and with good care, you won't have any problems with a Christmas cactus. This type of cactus is considered to be very robust and disease-resistant. Only if the location is unfavorable or care errors occur can the Christmas cactus suffer from the following diseases and problems:
- Root rot
- Stem rot
- falling flowers
- lack of flowering
Incorrect care causes illnesses
As a representative of the cacti, the Christmas cactus does not like it when the substrate is too wet. Be sure to avoid waterlogging and only use rainwater or low-lime tap water for watering.
Waterlogging caused by compacted soil or standing water in the saucer causes the roots and cactus limbs to rot and fall off.
When the Christmas cactus drops all its flowers
The Christmas cactus doesn't tolerate being moved around frequently. The inflorescences always align themselves with the light. If you rotate the pot, the flowers change their direction of growth. If this happens frequently, they simply fall off.
Also avoid drafts and place the Christmas cactus in a sheltered location.
Why doesn't the Christmas cactus bloom?
If the Christmas cactus doesn't bloom, it's usually not due to disease. In order to develop abundant flowers, it needs a rest period approximately three months before flowering. During this time it will be kept cooler at 17 to 18 degrees for around six weeks.
Some experts also recommend giving the Christmas cactus a longer period of darkness before flowering. It is placed in a place where it receives little light and is rarely watered. This phase stimulates the formation of new flowers.
Tip
Pests also don't often bother the Christmas cactus. Very rarely, scale insects or aphids can appear. An infestation should be combated as quickly as possible to prevent further spread.