If it's in the original soil it is probably full of peat and gets hard like a brick. The best way to loosen it is soak it in a bucket to loosen it, rather than break it away and tear the roots.
This is a good time to repot it also after it's blooming rest.
The link below should help you on it's overall care

Here is a link that might be useful: holiday cacti

Well, my experience is the roots are deceptively tough, they recover quickly w/ good care & I think would rebound well.

Tho' I'm very well aware of the popularity of Al's mix (Tapla), I'm not sure abt it for these plants. I grow mine in African Violet mix w/ lots of extra perlite or pumice; makes for a light & fluffy mix.

It's a different consideration, 'cause tho' these plants are cacti, they are jungle cacti, which indicates either humidity, frequent moisture, or both, unlike desert cacti and the dry, prolonged desert heat in which they grow.

Also, these plants aren't terrestrial, they don't naturally grow down in the dirt, they typically hang from tree branches, so they don't really have soil. A piece of plant (or seed) will root in leaf debris, animal droppings & whatever other natural debris that comes their way.

One could experiment, take 3 or 4 small cuttings & try some in Al's mix (you may have to water every 2 or 3 days, I couldn't keep up w/ that, I water them maybe once every 7-10 days, more like 10 days).

Also maybe try some in my suggested mix & maybe start another small pot in the existing mix. Oh, by the way, pls use plastic pots for them & don't pot them larger, their roots stay small. Best way I found to remove mix is after having wet the rootbll, just crumbling off the mix in one's fingers.

Good luck & if you choose to experiment, pls. report back your results.

Pirate girl,

Thanks for the advice. I have some miracle grow cactus/succulent mix, but no African violet mix. Do you think this would be a decent substitution? I have plenty of perlite that I could mix into the soil.

Also, I was considering switching to an unglazed clay pot, but the only size I have closest to its current pot is about a 6" pot which is about the same diameter but 1" deeper. Is there an advantage to plastic pots for these plants other than to hold more moisture? I can keep up with watering if they dry out faster with clay.

Hi Ez,

I wouldn't use that mix, I think it's too lean (spare, devoid of organics) for CC. Early on in my growing them I thought the same thing & used C&S mix on them (since I grow lot of succulents & keep their mix on hand). They did only OK, never very lush & I hadn't learned to bloom them yet. Once I switched to AV soil (richer, lighter, fluffier), the plants did much better.

I would NOT use clay, unglazed or otherwise; this plant is just not grown that way. Also over the yrs., as one would pot up to larger clay pots over time, the pot would become too heavy.

Is there some particular reason you want to do this? Not only will it dry the plant too quickly, as someone else pointed out on another thread, the tiny fine roots can become stuck against the clay & all need to be ripped to turn the plant out or to check its roots.

If the watering of CCs is not right, these plants can die quickly, either from rot, which can be quick once started, or by drying out entirely or by shedding large sections of the whole plant until there's nothing left.

Josh, that is a very nice christmas cactus you have there. It must be very old. I think the bark shows its age and gives it a very regal appearance.

Back to Pirate Girl, I suppose I wanted to repot this plant to prevent overwatering, but it sounds like this plant can live with a good amount of moisture. I was worried that since I wasn't having to water the plant but every 2-3 weeks that it might rot from overwatering. I've had the plant since November '08 though, and haven't really had any problems with it. I will have to look for some African Violet mix next time I'm out and see what its texture is like.

I suppose you COULD try Al's mix for these. My concern for you would be that you'd go from watering every 2-3 wks to every 2-3 days. Too confusing for both you & the plant; just speculation, but it might well rot from such an extreme change.

Sounds like your plant is just fine. Sometimes mine goes 2 wks w/ no water, I don't think this is a problem. Sorry if this seems obvious, but if your plant seems fine, I'd just leave it alone.

Mine's a small one I got very cheaply in the Fall, it's putting on lots of new growth. I just gave it a dose of acid-loving fertilizer that should last it all summer.

Hi Josh,

Nice plant; certainly seems appropriately potted for its size, but must be very heavy by now. I like the proportion of the plant to the pot.

If you DO repot yours, perhaps try to share a couple of pix of its rootball; could be very instructive for folks to see a relatively compact rootball for such a seemingly largish plant.

ezender,
It sounds like you have carefully thought this out. I have had these plants for about the last 5-6 years and just received another one last week. I have mine in terracotta and glazed planters. I use pro-mix potting soil for all plants. I water less in the glazed planters than the terracotta. They like to have top watering in the winter in my zone because there isn't much sun. I prefer the terracotta clay pot because it is more forgiving when it comes to watering. I water with purified water or melted snow depending on the season. I also have trays with pebbles with water for additional moisture in the air. Christmas cactus like to be pot bound so I only transplant about every 3 years. They bloom at Thanksgiving and Christmas and again in March, April and/or May. When I do transplant I only use a planter that is slightly larger than the existing one. I also have them in a North window which I hear is a big no no but sometimes plants aren't logical. I think that's all I have.

I should mention that I have and Easter sunrise cactus that I treat the same way except for a little more water is necessary.

Just to add to the comments: I DO have mine planted in a gritty mix and they thrive in it. Watering is accomplished as usual...when the plants need it...perhaps once every month or so. I drench and then soak these plants on watering day, making sure that the Turface and perlite absorb and adsorb as much moisture as possible. The coarse mixes don't really dry out as fast as one would think. Faster than a heavy, peat-based product, but not super rapidly.

I've always grown these plants in clay, by the way. I believe that it's all in what you get used to. I'm quite convinced that a lot of over-watering problems can be attributed to a heavy potting mix and non-porous containers.

Josh: that's a lovely plant!
If it was mine I wouldn't repot it. To me, it looks like it still has more than enough room. I also had a huge one that was in the same pot for many years. I would only add a few inches of new soil every couple years until I got worried and decided to repot it. I ended up putting it back in the same pot after changing the soil as it had compacted over the years but it wasn't even close to being rootbound.

My cc lived all winter with no light except daylight. approx. 45 degrees,irregular watering. I brought to my house the next spring, was it ever blooming! I leave out on my back deck in the summer, bring it in the fall and put it in my extra bathroom so it will be dark for a spell. some time since I trans planted it to pottery pot and it has gotten to be two plants and very root bound. time to do some repotting! The two plants do not bloom togather! Grows like crazy in the summer!

Quite honestly, I haven't met a plant yet that didn't absolutely thrive in Al's Gritty Mixes.

Once you understand HOW and WHY the grittier mediums work, it becomes obvious that a heavier, siltier, or more organic medium is actually detrimental to the health of containerized plants.

It does no harm to read about the simple science of it, and with so many people advocating a faster draining, more aerated medium, one would be inclined to think there might be something to it. There is, but that's a determination each grower has to make for him or herself. Don't rule it out before checking into it, though... link below...

Here is a link that might be useful: Container Soils - Water Movement & Retention 12

I have all most of mine in the gritty mix, and those are the ones doing the best.

I will be transplanting mine out of the peatier mixes come spring. The ones in the peat moss mixes do "ok", but the ones in the grittier mix look much happier and are thriving the best.

Once these ones in the gritty mix need a re-pot, it will be much easier since the mix will just fall way from the roots.

Watering is a bit more often, but I like the thought of watering as often as I like with our fear of root rot and my CC,TC,EC seem to like it. Since they are jungle cacti, they seem to appreciate frequent waterings even more.

Mike

Vada, keep the two CC together. They really look nice. 5 or so years back, I potted 4 CC together. Here's the results:

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If I can get hold of more baskets, once spring comes, I'm going to do the same with my other CC..Good luck, Toni

Toni:

Absolutely beautiful

You certainly have a way with growing some of the nicest plants and these are no exception. Thank you for the colors mixed together. Great idea;-)

Mike

Nice Thanksgiving Cacti, Toni!

I like the multi-blooms!


Josh

Thanks Mike and Josh. Toni

After reading all you posts, I appreciate this website.
I did not see if potting into a glazed pot would be harmful or not. I am now soaking the plant because the soil has hardened around the 5 yr old plant. Any suggestions would be appreciated

Hi Loretta,

Was there no drainage hole? I'm guessing it's more the mix (too peaty) than the pot.

Assuming you're willing/prepared to change the mix:

After the soak, I'd crumble the mix off w/ my fingertips, & discard the old mix.

I'd try to switch the mix to some African Violet soil mixed w/ extra perlite (maybe a third as much) which will keep the mix light & airy.

Then water it in & put it in bright shade to recover.

I have a very large very old Christmas Cactus that was given to me but a family friend. It is estimated 120-125 years old (the lady who gave it to me is 70 and it originally belonged her to great-grandmother). I don't know when the last time it was repotted, but to me it looks like it's outgrown it's pot. It is very heavy, and it might also need some pruning. I'm not sure I know what I'm doing and I don't want to kill this precious heirloom! Any suggestions would be much appreciated!
{{gwi:82086}}{{gwi:82088}}

WOW!!!!!

Em, yours is the largest, (and the oldest) CC I've ever seen. Ditto on the Wow. Toni

FWIW - I don't grow CCs for lack of room, & because I quickly lose interest in plants that don't offer much opportunity for manipulation, but I have repotted many of these for friends into the gritty mix and everyone was amazed at the transformation in growth, most recently a very large plant repotted as a favor for a customer. I think a lot of growers feel they can/should depend on the soil for nutrition, but container soils are actually very poor sources of nutrition, no matter what their age (unless they are fortified with a fertilizer charge). When you see a "growth spurt" after repotting or potting up, it's actually not a spurt at all, and it's not due to the fresh soil supplying a greater amount of nutrition; it's simply evidence that the plant's growth and vitality was being limited by tight roots and a reduced number of fine roots to absorb nutrients, and perhaps a poor soil. The added soil used when potting up, or the effort to do a full repot simply allows the plant to return to growing closer to the potential with which it could have been growing all along, which is the best we can hope for.

All we need to do to have spectacular looking/growing plants is improve our skills at eliminating or reducing the effects of limiting factors. The plant is already programmed to grow well and look beautiful - our job is to simply clear the way and let the plant do what it wants to by eliminating limitations. I know "Sounds Easy" ..... right?

A 6" plant will be quite easy to repot. Use a dull chopstick or skewer to remove all the soil from the roots & repot into a fast draining durable medium that holds little or no perched water. Use the chopstick to work the new soil into the roots so there are no air pockets. Fertilize when you see new growth.

Good luck.

Al

I created an account here and on flickr to share this with you. I hope I have the link to the photo correct as well. I found your site searching for information on caring for my Christmas Cactus. My husband's grandmother recently had a stroke. The rehabilitation facility where is she has this plant in the corner. I was amazed when I saw it. I asked how old it is and was told over 20 but no one knows for sure.

Here is a link that might be useful: Christmas Cactus

WOW, that's a huge beautiful Christmas cactus! I would think it would have to be more than 20 years old. I have one that I bought from a woman for $40 that is smaller than that one, but still very large and she said that it was 65 years old.

What an amazing plant. I'm new to the GardenWeb. I have although been reading past entries and I have learned a great deal in the last week. I have what once was a beautiful orange christmas cactus. When we put it on the patio last year it was attacked by grasshoppers. It has started to come back to life after being chewed down to nubs. It has taken a year of patience. Some of the new growth is short and stout with 'normal' looking new leaves. It did give me one beautiful bloom at the beginning of the year. What color is this plant? I am amazed by all the gorgeous colors.

I've had a christmas cactus for twenty years now and this is the first year it hasn't bloomed.
It has started to look a little tired over the past year. I've always watered it once a fortnight and never given it any special feed, but its thrived all these years.
I'm wondering if it's coming to the end of its life, or whether repotting would perk it up. It's been in the same pot for twenty years.

I have a very large 15 year old Christmas cactus that I dig old dirt out of the plastic container and replenish with fresh dirt. I take cuttings, root them well and return them to their Mother plant or start new plants. Am i doing a disservice by not repotting the entire plant? My fear is due to the size of the plant that I will destroy the plant if I try to replant the entire Christmas cactus. My plant was started from a couple of cuttings from my late Mother and is very important to me. Any advice or suggestions would be helpful. Thank you very much.

I have 3 Thanksgiving/Christmas cactus that need to be repotted. I've had 2 of the three for many years (a start given to me by my Mother) and they bring me such joy! They are quite large and I came upon this site as I was looking to refresh my memory on the best way to repot. Thank you for your advise. Here are two of my 3 plants. They are planted in regular potting soil and seem to be doing good. However the one sitting on the kitchen sink is very heavy and I'm wondering if when I repot, should I change to AV soil at that time? Thank you so much!

I would switch them over to a bark-based mix, which offers much better drainage and aeration.

Josh

If you re-read this whole thread, there's a lot of good advice on what to do.

I pot mine up in Spanish moss. Just pop it out of the store bought pot

Wrap it in the moss then into a new pot. I don't disturb the roots.

I have a CC that I got when my grandmother passed away. It was her beloved plant, beautiful and gorgeous. Over the years since I've had it, I've had naughty cats, moved at least 3 times and I feel like I have abused it over the years. I have only repotted it once since I've had it, and put it in a terrible pot (because I didn't know any better), and probably not the correct soil (same excuse). It finally dwindled to 2-3 large old sections and looked awful. Today, I decided was the day! I got a smaller pot, and scarily removed it from its pot and tried to divide it best I could. Now I'm scared. I also put several sections in a couple of other pots to see if I could get them to also grow to hand them down. This plant is at least 75, and I venture to say around 100. Someone please tell me it will be okay! Also, should I keep it outside? Should I put it in a dark room for a few days? I live in Alabama. Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!!

Photos would be helpful.

Post some pictures.

Do not put it in the dark. Leave it in a bright area, but not direct sunlight (at first). Close to a window is best.

You don't mention what mix you used. That will make all the difference, assuming the plant had healthy roots.

Josh

These are the sad sad photos of my plant this morning. The last one shows where I have it to keep it away from my cat. That is a south window. Is this an okay spot? Oh, and I used Miracle Grow for cactus to pot.

How large is the rootmass compared to how much soil you have in there?

id place it in a spot that gets better light. It's not in front of the window and its missing out.

The roots were pretty large, and I downsized the pot (I'm sure that's why it also didn't do so well). I'd say it's probably half and half. I'll move it to in front of that window, but I'll just have to watch my stinking cat.

i Have two cc’s that are at least 15 years old and have not been repotted or soil refreshed in 6+. The soil is more like a brick at this point and one has so many leaves that I just pour water through the same gap each time and hope for the best. They seem quite happy this way but don’t put out any new leaves. Should I repot? Or just pull them out, gently break up the roots, add fresh soil and put back in their pots? Thanks!

I vote for a repot. I use Al's 5-1-1 for my CC and it loves it. Every year is a riot of flowers. Soak the plant for a few minutes before you start, and use a root rake or chopstick to remove the soil.

Yeah re-pot. I use orchid mix for mine.

If your soil is brick-like, you'll likely need to soak the whole rootball for a while, to help soften up that old soil so you can break it all apart & crumble off every last bit of it. The plant will be fine, they're pretty tough survivors even tho' they may not look it.

I make a mix of roughly 1/3 each Potting (or African Violet) soil, Perlite & ReptiBark (from the Pet Store), drains well to allow for deep watering. I'd repot it all dry, wait a day & then water well.

The plant will pout for a couple weeks after the repot, as all plants do when you disturb their roots, but it will recover with increased vigor. Just want to emphasize that loose, well-draining soil.

Thanks Matt, Karen and Tommy. I’ll repot this weekend and will post an update photo in a month or so. Here’s the before:

I will reinforce the suggestion to use a bark-based mix for these arboreal cactus. Once repotted, keep the mix uniformly moist while the roots re-establish themselves, and chances are good that the plants won't miss a beat. Fertilize two weeks after repotting.

Josh