I don't understand what could have happened either POM..my mom had one as far back as I can remember and it always thrived at Christmas time but would have another spurt during summer. It would go dormant for a few weeks at a time but that cactus still lives on. When my mom passed my brother asked to take it or take a clipping but I told him plants didn't do well with me so he could take the whole thing. I have heard some people say that if you handle certain plants and you happen to be on certain medications the plant will die... I really don't know if there's any truth in that, I don't have the greenest thumb...