Thanksgiving Cactus Soft, Squishy Stems: Root Rot from Constant Moisture—Repot, Cuttings, Neem

Root Cause

Soil stayed constantly moist (never dried) → root rot. Roots gray-brown, fragile. Plant also in too-large pot with poor soil.

Rescue Plan

1. Repot: Fresh, well-draining cactus mix; pot only slightly larger. Firm soil around roots.
2. Water: Thoroughly, then let nearly dry before next watering.
3. Cuttings: 3–4 inch segments at joints, let dry 1 day, plant firmly. Remove blooms.
4. Neem spray: If stems worsen, spray weekly for fungus.

Timeline

Improvement in a few months. Don't fertilize until roots recover.