Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Check the soil moisture with your finger.
- Look for signs of pests like mealybugs in the stem joints.
- Examine the roots for mushiness if the soil is wet.
Likely causes
Root rot
Most likelyHow to tell: The stems look limp and may have dark, discolored patches at the soil line. If you smell a musty odor from the pot, that is a strong indicator of rot.
What to do: Remove the plant from its pot and inspect the roots for mushy, brown sections. Trim away any damaged roots and repot the cactus into fresh, dry, well draining soil. Water sparingly until you see new growth.
Dehydration
Most likelyHow to tell: The segments look thin, wrinkled, and lack their usual plumpness. The soil will feel bone dry and hard to the touch.
What to do: Water the plant thoroughly until the soil is evenly moist. If the soil has become hydrophobic and water runs straight through, soak the entire pot in a basin of water for 30 minutes.
Find out what's wrong with your thanksgiving cactus
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
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When to worry
Minor drooping can happen if you miss a watering, but it should perk up after a drink. If the stems remain limp after watering, the root system may be severely damaged.
Stopping it coming back
Keep a consistent watering schedule and ensure your pot has excellent drainage. Avoid letting the plant sit in a saucer of water for more than a few minutes.
Thanksgiving cactus: drooping? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your thanksgiving cactus and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
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Questions people ask
- Will my plant recover from drooping?
- If the roots are still healthy, the plant will usually perk up within a few days of proper watering. If the roots are rotted, it may take longer to recover or require repotting.
- Do mealybugs cause drooping?
- Yes, a heavy infestation of mealybugs can weaken the plant and cause it to droop. Check the stem joints for white, cottony masses.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Thanksgiving cactus
- Why are my Thanksgiving cactus stems turning mushy?
- What are these white cottony spots on my Thanksgiving cactus?
- Why is my Thanksgiving cactus dropping its leaves?
- Why are my Thanksgiving cactus leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my Thanksgiving cactus not flowering?
- Why are my Thanksgiving cactus leaf tips turning brown?
- Why are there spots on my Thanksgiving cactus?
- Why is my Thanksgiving cactus growing so leggy?
Back to the Thanksgiving cactus guide
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.