Question
We have recently aquired a very large, well established christmas cactus from a relative and we all notice that there is a strong smell of 'dog poop' wafting from the plant. It is on an elevated table, no animals can reach it and the relatives who gave it to us do not have an animal. When I smell the leaves - they actually smell like 'dog poop' on a shoe (a little old but still very unpleasant). Is this the smell they give off or will we have to get rid of it. It unpleasantly scents the entire room that it is located in.
Thanks for any advice you can give me!

Answer
Hi Michelle,

Christmas Cactus does not normally have any odor to speak of and certainly nothing like dog poop! Something has gotten into the soil that is creating the odor.

Potting soil for indoor plants is usually a sterile, odorless mix of peat moss, perlite and bark chips. If outdoor garden soil, topsoil or compost was used, then that could be the source of the odor. Also, if something other than plain water was poured into the soil, it may be creating an odor. That is particularly true of any food or beverage substances.

I suggest that you flush lots of clear water through the potting mix. Then, add a bit of baking powder to the surface. If that doesn抰 help, discard the plant. Replacing the soil will be so traumatic to the plant that it will not survive.

I have written an article on Christmas cactus care that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who sends a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at: A link to HorticulturalHelp.com