---
title: "Hi everyone! I am very new to plants and i managed to practically…"
description: "Hi everyone! I am very new to plants and i managed to practically kill this christmas cactus. I water it about once a week and ive only seen it flower once or…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lZ7uAE3pQ86jnFGxrCwLrg/EWtVbeMgGM4QpSjw5UKciI"
community: "Anything about plants"
author: "Ксения"
published: "2026-04-28T17:00:49.755631Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/6ujB1kT_TW0OyoeThWgIT2kuTrLrZ2Vy0CUq_Kwyd90/M_QFQsElSQS2dDi2ZLCy7w.webp?size=large"
---

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# Hi everyone! I am very new to plants and i managed to practically…

_Posted by Ксения on 2026-04-28_

Hi everyone! I am very new to plants and i managed to practically kill this christmas cactus. I water it about once a week and ive only seen it flower once or twice in the year ive had it. What am i doing wrong to it?

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/6ujB1kT_TW0OyoeThWgIT2kuTrLrZ2Vy0CUq_Kwyd90/M_QFQsElSQS2dDi2ZLCy7w.webp?size=large)

## 5 comments

### Stardust \& Soil commented on 2026-04-28

She’s not dead yet!! Don’t water until it’s soil is dry, cactus hate being too wet and make sure it’s right up against a bright window or in a bright room. I’m new at plants too about 5 months in and I’ve learned not to water plants on a timeline and just check their soil with a toothpick or my finger and go deep too don’t just touch the top layer 🙏 I wish you luck and hope this helps!

### SJ commented on 2026-04-28

If it is a Christmas (or thanksgiving) cactus, by the look of it, they are actually tropical plants that enjoy humidity and don’t handle much cold. It’s possible the window gets too drafty and dry. Also, those only bloom after 6-8 weeks of consistent 14+ hours of darkness every night. Even the kitchen light popping on briefly would upset that cycle. It’s not a real cactus and you’d kill it by treating it exactly like one.

### Waspinator commented on 2026-05-01

That dark red/purple flush on the leaves is like a sun tan on plants; it's not yet a sunburn, but it can indicate that it's getting too much direct light. And yep, these are tropical. For water needs, these are pretty average for indoor plants and not like most cacti. Feel the leaves; they should be firm. If they're squishy at all, check for root rot/poor drainage

### Michigan mommy commented on 2026-05-13

Yes they are tropical but it’s still important to let the soil dry because they are very susceptible to root rot and once they have it it’s very difficult to shake. Nearly impossible according to some. Also please make sure you have it in a well draining chunky or succulent soil. They like being watered but like their roots to get oxygen and dry out a bit.

#### Michigan mommy replied on 2026-05-13

Btw I have 5 different types of these cacti and have saved multiple from root rot because I didn’t know how touchy they can be.

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