It’s all too easy to get over-enthusiastic with the watering can, especially if you’re new to houseplant care and eager to feed and water your plants daily. But if you overwater a Christmas cactus, it will soon become the victim of root rot.

The good news is that if you correct your watering routine and do what you can to remove the excess water from your Christmas cactus immediately, you should be able to save it and reverse the damage.



Overwatering a Christmas cactus can lead to root rot, but there are steps you can take to save your plant. Here’s a guide on how to rescue an overwatered Christmas cactus and how to properly water it in the future.

To save your overwatered Christmas cactus in 6 simple steps:

How to save your overwatered Christmas cactus in 6 simple steps

1. Remove your Christmas cactus from its pot

Christmas cactus in pot
(Image credit: Alexander Matvienko / Alamy Stock Photo)

Take the plant out of its waterlogged pot immediately to prevent further damage.

Ofra Gaito, CEO of Verdant Lyfe, advises removing the plant carefully from the container to avoid damaging the roots.

If the plant is stuck, use a knife to loosen the soil and gently remove it.

2. Remove all the soil clinging to your Christmas cactus

Clean the roots of the cactus by removing all damp soil to prevent root rot.

Alexandra Moreno suggests rinsing the roots with lukewarm water to ensure all soil is removed.

3. Inspect your Christmas cactus for soft stems and rot

Inspecting Christmas cactus
(Image credit: Socha / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images)

Check for soft stems and rotten roots, removing them to prevent further damage.

Prune with sharp scissors to make clean cuts and prevent future problems.

4. Let your Christmas cactus dry

Allow the plant to dry on a clean surface for at least 24 hours to ensure the roots are completely dry.

Avoid direct sunlight during this drying period to prevent stress on the plant.

5. Clean your Christmas cacti pot(s)

Cleaning Christmas cactus pot
(Image credit: olga Yastremska / Alamy Stock Photo)

Thoroughly clean the pots before repotting the cactus to avoid any harmful bacteria.

Consider switching to a larger pot with drainage holes for better water control.

6. Repot your Christmas cactus

Repot the cactus in fresh soil and fertilizer mix to provide essential nutrients for growth.

Wait 24 hours after repotting before watering to allow the plant to acclimate.

Going forward, water your Christmas cactus only when the soil is completely dry, about twice a month.

FAQs

How long does a healthy Christmas cactus live for?

A Christmas cactus can bloom for 20 to 30 years with proper care, according to Ofra Gaito.

With these steps, you can save your overwatered Christmas cactus and enjoy its blooms for years to come.