Hello everyone,

I was gifted what looks like an Easter Cactus. The plant does not appear to be doing well, as you can see on the picture below. The plant spent a large portion of the summer in direct sunlight outside.



I have been caring for it the past few weeks, but it is not improving. Does anybody have any suggestions?

HI,
It's very dehydrated. I wonder what's going on with the roots.
I had one once, I swore I was watering it ok, but finally I pulled it out and the top was moist and the bottom bone dry.

I would pull it up and see what the soil and roots look like.
Or-
Water it, then put the whole thing in a clear plastic bag for humidity.

Or, wait for more opinions.

They do not like direct sunlight, better indirect light like an East facing window if possible. I water sparingly once per week.

Agree that it's some issue with the roots that is causing the foliage to be dehydrated. Either there is no moisture in the soil for the roots to deliver to the foliage, or the roots are not healthy enough to do that. Either circumstance causes the same dehydrated appearance. If the soil is moist, it may be time to cut off the good parts and start over.

sallyg said: HI,
It's very dehydrated. I wonder what's going on with the roots.
I had one once, I swore I was watering it ok, but finally I pulled it out and the top was moist and the bottom bone dry.

I would pull it up and see what the soil and roots look like.
Or-
Water it, then put the whole thing in a clear plastic bag for humidity.

Or, wait for more opinions.

crawgarden said: They do not like direct sunlight, better indirect light like an East facing window if possible. I water sparingly once per week.

purpleinopp said: Agree that it's some issue with the roots that is causing the foliage to be dehydrated. Either there is no moisture in the soil for the roots to deliver to the foliage, or the roots are not healthy enough to do that. Either circumstance causes the same dehydrated appearance. If the soil is moist, it may be time to cut off the good parts and start over.

Thank you everyone for the suggestions. Please find a picture of the roots below. I did not want to disturb the root ball too much.



To me it seems like there are too few roots relative to the size of the plant.

I re-potted the plant in a smaller terracotta pot and watered it thoroughly. I will also put it in a plastic bag for a day or two.

If the base of it is still firm, that could work. Best luck!