---
title: "I need all the help I can get. My Christmas cactus is in need of dire…"
description: "I need all the help I can get. My Christmas cactus is in need of dire help. She is over 20 years old not sure on specific age. She is wilted and not looking…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/EtC_giEjQPOiUzh_TOv4BQ/uBWIjL2MWHRiy662ATpC71"
community: "Plant Recovery Room"
author: "Hotdog"
published: "2026-05-24T16:49:49.504671Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/o-AUICfgw8Wj0pY1SYzjOX_-nwfw5MqHkOSrEYzsgyM/Rz-EmIbVSKeMEX-zmawfaA.webp?size=large"
---

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# I need all the help I can get. My Christmas cactus is in need of dire…

_Posted by Hotdog on 2026-05-24_

I need all the help I can get. My Christmas cactus is in need of dire help. She is over 20 years old not sure on specific age. She is wilted and not looking very healthy. If anyone knows what is wrong please let me know!!. As I don’t want to lose her.

![Attachment 1 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/o-AUICfgw8Wj0pY1SYzjOX_-nwfw5MqHkOSrEYzsgyM/Rz-EmIbVSKeMEX-zmawfaA.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/o-AUICfgw8Wj0pY1SYzjOX_-nwfw5MqHkOSrEYzsgyM/cWr5m5wVQte6FxLd4gEsrw.webp?size=large)

## 6 comments

### Buffy commented on 2026-05-24

I would for sure propagate so you have this plant. Maybe consider giving it more light on top of the plant. How often do you water? I would give it some mycorrhizae (I use Big Foot) and maybe some plant silica. I have three holiday cactuses now but full disclosure… I killed two by overwatering and wrong amount of light.

### Hotdog commented on 2026-05-24

I’m not going to lie I don’t remember last time I watered it. I usually don’t water her often. And that could be the issue.

### Waspinator commented on 2026-05-24

She's just dehydrated. These are unusual for cacti because they're tropicals, and are native to the rainforests of brazil. They like being watered as often as most tropicals. Also it's normal for them to droop a bit as they age just from weight. If you've been caring for it like a desert cactus, it's time to make some adjustments. (Definitely water it more often, but also be gradual about the changes; it's used to what you've been doing and you don't want to shock it.) It's also just a good idea to propagate succulents any time you're concerned about them; in my experience the ones that don't make it tend to decline very fast)

### Oleander Mom commented on 2026-05-25

When was the last time it was repotted? It looks like its soil is probably depleted. Then it can’t take up the moisture you give it. A good repot and water should revive it. I water mine about every couple weeks. It does look really dry.

#### Hotdog replied on 2026-05-25

Is it best to just use cactus soil or potting soil? I’ve been just using some potting soil mixed with a little bit of sand.

#### Oleander Mom replied on 2026-05-25

1/3 potting soil, 1/3 orchid bark, 1/3 perlite  
I don’t use cactus soil or sand. They aren’t like a “cactus” that needs fast draining soil. You have to water them about every 2 weeks.

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