---
title: "The main stem of my Thanksgiving cactus is breaking off. I switched…"
description: "The main stem of my Thanksgiving cactus is breaking off. I switched from slow release stick fertilizer to liquid fertilizer over the summer so there’s been a…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/vOLjreBcQ-OpqrHIhVSc4w/spcpr92kuW8r9sflybCxOZ"
community: "The Cactus & Succulent Circle"
author: "Paula"
published: "2025-10-03T12:05:14.917231Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/HiejQ4Yl80pXiAvwT2Pj1xrVSlbPAFV3YvOdEf8a3X8/PYICyhVTScaRKPLDvIzw3Q.webp?size=large"
---

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# The main stem of my Thanksgiving cactus is breaking off. I switched…

_Posted by Paula on 2025-10-03_

The main stem of my Thanksgiving cactus is breaking off. I switched from slow release stick fertilizer to liquid fertilizer over the summer so there’s been a lot of new growth lately. Maybe it’s be a weight problem?

Is it possible to save the plant? If so, how?

![Attachment 1 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/HiejQ4Yl80pXiAvwT2Pj1xrVSlbPAFV3YvOdEf8a3X8/PYICyhVTScaRKPLDvIzw3Q.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/HiejQ4Yl80pXiAvwT2Pj1xrVSlbPAFV3YvOdEf8a3X8/NUtziydOSumTUQ2MiigC9A.webp?size=large)

## 4 comments

### Southwest sister commented on 2025-10-03

I am by no means an expert, but if it was mine, I would cut it off cut off any of the dead stuff. I would dip it in root stimulator and shove it back in the dirt that’s me. I did it with a euphoria that I have and just gave it a little bit of water throughout the last two months and it’s come back. I don’t know how but it came back so I think if your plant is healthy, you can cut that off and you can get it to come back. Good luck.

### nick commented on 2025-10-03

I looked into that. This is called corking and is just a normal sign of aging to be able to hold its self up, kind of like how basil plants stems turn to wood. However, I do see red on the leaves which means there is too much sunlight, id bring it back from the window, or if you like the placement, adding a sheer curtain and removing the red ones.

### Paula commented on 2025-10-04

Thank you both. Unfortunately it’s not just that the root branch is becoming woody, it’s broken and the two main branches that have all the other branches growing out of them are about to break off completely. I will try doing them in rooting hormone and sticking them back in the dirt. Do you know if it’s more effective to this or break them up into smaller branches?

### Paula commented on 2025-10-04

I will also move the pot to a less sunny spot!

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