Saving an Overwatered Christmas Cactus with Root Rot

Bruce's Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera) suffered fatal overwatering: roots rotted, stems falling out of the pot.

Rescue Protocol

1. Find any firm, healthy stem segments (no black/mushy tissue).
2. Remove them and discard all old soil and rotted plant material.
3. Let cuttings callous at least 1 week in shade.
4. Pot in fresh, sterile cactus mix in a small pot.
5. Keep soil barely damp (not wet) until new growth appears.

If No Healthy Tissue Remains

Start over with a new plant. Christmas cacti root easily from segments, so even a few pieces can regenerate a full plant.