Received 3 Christmas cactus gifts..help!

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longhairgirl Greenville, AL Apr 30, 2008

The Lg one bloomed beautifully, Md sized one bloomed moderately, Sm one struggled to live and finally choked out a tiny bloom. Dirt in them is hard, black, and I think I must replace it. Sm one developed spots that are either bugs or disease. Put it outdoors. Other ones getting spots now too.
What could they be? The sm one has turned dark looking.

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pastime Waterman, IL(Zone 5a) Apr 30, 2008

Sounds like you may be over watering them. That will cause rot. They need a period of rest after blooming. I put mine outside in the summer and ignore them.

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NatureLover1950 Vicksburg, MS(Zone 8a) Apr 30, 2008

I agree with pastime--sounds like too much water. Christmas cactus doesn't like a whole lot of water. And I agree with you that you probably need to replace that soil. It's not good to have soil packed too tightly around the roots of your plants. They do love to be placed outside for the summer (but not in direct sun) and where you're located, you probably could go ahead and move yours out. Also, I use a diffuser on the end of my hose to give mine a gentle shower to make sure all the dust from a winter in the house is washed off so the leaves can breathe. Just in case it's too late to save the ones you have, try to find some healthy green segments and break off a length (several segments attached) and root them--it's roots pretty easy.

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