Expert: Greg Simpson - 1/31/2005

Question
MY CHRISTMAS CACTUS HAS BEEN OVER WATERED. CAN IT BE SAVED? THE ROOTS ARE ROTTEN AND ENTIRE STEMS ARE FALLING OUT OF THE DIRT.

Answer
Dear Bruce,

You will need to find a stem that has not rotted, and remove it from the soil. Throw that soil away along with the rest of the plant and get some new soil, check at your local nursery center. Repot the branch that did not rot after it has been out of soil for at least a week. Keep the soil damp, but not wet and it should grow.

If you don't have any stems that aren't affected, it's time to start over with a new plant. Hope this helps.

Sincerely

Greg