What To Do When Your Christmas Cactus Develops Woody Stems

In our handy Christmas cactus growing guide, we highlight the key aspects of nurturing this vibrant houseplant in the comfort of your own home. Today, let’s shift the focus and delve into one specific trait: woody stems.

You may like

Table of Contents

Why Do Stems Become Woody?

Unlike other plants, Christmas cacti lack leaves. Instead, they possess fleshy green segments known as cladodes, which intertwine to form stems. With proper care, these plants can become cherished family heirlooms, often living for over 20 years.

You're reading: What To Do When Your Christmas Cactus Develops Woody Stems

If you take a closer look at an older cactus, you might notice an abundance of lush green growth cascading over the edge of the pot. However, a glimpse into the center of the plant will reveal a forest of thick, hardened brown stems. Just like humans, as Schlumbergera (the scientific name for Christmas cactus) ages, physical changes occur. The appearance of large woody stems serves as a clear indication that it has reached its golden years.

But does old age spell trouble for your Christmas cactus? Let’s find out.

Age-Related Concerns and Solutions

There’s nothing inherently wrong with having an older plant, and the presence of woody tissue doesn’t diminish its beauty. However, if your cactus has grown to massive proportions, a couple of issues may arise: being rootbound and encountering splitting stems. Let’s explore each.

Rootbound Plant

Schlumbergera plants tend to thrive in snug living quarters, so having roots that are slightly confined within the pot isn’t typically problematic. Nevertheless, when the roots start to peek out of the drainage hole at the bottom, it may be time to consider getting a slightly larger container, filling it with fresh potting medium, and repotting the cactus.

Tightly tangled roots struggle to absorb nutrients efficiently. Additionally, if you haven’t repotted your cactus in several years, the potting medium is likely depleted of essential nutrients. Therefore, it’s crucial to cater to your cactus in its later years by providing it with a refresh.

Moreover, if you notice signs of malnutrition such as discoloration and wilting due to poor nutrient uptake, you might want to boost the plant by trimming each stem by approximately one-third before repotting. To achieve this, use clean pruning shears to make cuts between the cladode segments. Each cut segment will soon sprout new growth, resulting in a rejuvenated appearance and improved nutrient absorption.

Splitting Stems

Another issue that can arise with older, larger plants is the potential for stems to split. Even if you don’t need to repot your cactus, you may still consider trimming each stem by about one-third to alleviate the plant’s weight.

When a stem splits, it creates an open wound vulnerable to diseases such as bacterial soft rot, caused by a bacterium called Pectobacterium carotovorum. This is especially true in hot and humid environments. Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment available to cure this condition.

Pruning Guide for Christmas Cactus: Maintain Health and Vigor

Laura Pritchett·

Succulent

·November 23, 2023·

However, if your plant does break or split, and particularly if the foliage and roots appear mushy or emit a foul odor, there may still be time to take action. Carefully unearth the cactus and thoroughly rinse it, roots and all. Use clean pruning shears to remove any mushy foliage and rotten roots, and repot the remaining healthy portions in fresh potting mix.

If necessary, perform deep pruning by cutting affected stems right back to where the brown woody part begins. Avoid removing more than one-third of the entire plant, as it may shock the cactus, leading to slower recovery. Immediately after repotting, give the plant a boost by applying a dose of all-purpose liquid houseplant fertilizer according to the package instructions.

In the event of extensive damage, there’s no need to worry, as Schlumbergera is quite easy to propagate from soft cuttings. Simply identify a few healthy green sections that are at least two segments long, and carefully snip them off using clean pruning shears. Allow them to heal on a paper towel for a few days until a callus forms where they were cut. Once healed, place these sections in a well-draining container filled with moist, organically-rich potting medium. Before you know it, they will develop roots and establish themselves.

For more tips on propagation, check out our comprehensive guide.

Remember, with the right care and attention, your Christmas cactus can continue to thrive, even as it enters its later stages of life. By understanding the nature of woody stems and knowing how to address related concerns, you can ensure that your cherished plant remains healthy and vibrant for years to come.

A close up horizontal image of Schlumbergera foliage pictured on a soft focus background.
Photo via Alamy.

A close up horizontal image of a Schlumbergera suffering from bacterial soft rot, caused by Pectobacterium carotovorum.
A broken plant with bacterial soft rot disease. Photo via Alamy.