Houseplant clinic: why is my mistletoe cactus turning brown?
My mistletoe cactus (Rhipsalis) thrived for more than five years, but recently started to brown, with strands falling off. I repotted it into a slightly larger pot with no drainage holes and a layer of gravel at the bottom, but it continues to decline despite weekly watering. How can I save my plant?
Diagnosis
Your mistletoe cactus probably isn't getting sufficient hydration. Cautious watering can lead to soil that is superficially damp but remains dry at a deeper level. This often manifests as browning stems, shrivelling and segments dropping off as the plant becomes stressed due to a lack of moisture at the roots.
Prescription
Repot into a pot with drainage holes, or use a nursery pot inside the decorative pot. Use compost specifically designed for succulents or cacti. After repotting, give it a thorough watering until water flows from the drainage holes. Then, let it dry out somewhat between waterings, typically every one to two weeks. Mistletoe cacti thrive on consistent moisture but detest waterlogged conditions, so good drainage is essential.
Prevention
Ensure that pots used for succulents and cacti have sufficient drainage holes. Regularly checking soil moisture by touching the soil a few centimetres down helps you accurately judge watering needs.
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