Oh yeah, you sometimes have to get the right soil, or use nourishing formulas. Right amount of sunlight, not too much draft. I've had Christmas cacti nearly wilt just because I didn't change the soil after a while (some are fine in the same rootbound soil for a year or so) and they weren't getting the right amount of sun.
But they're totally worth it. You should give them a shot. I can give you a few small cuttings from mine if you want. Best way to start.