Along with otherholiday cacti, this jungle epiphyte is pretty low-maintenance for much of the year.
But a Christmas cactus turning purple is cause for alarm.
The segmented stems of aChristmas cactusmay turn purple when the plant is stressed.
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Plants from blueberry bushes to echeveria succulents exhibit this phenomenon.
Narrowing down the cause of purple foliage in a holiday cactus can take some sleuthing.
Think about your plant’s recent care.
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Holiday cacti are epiphytes that naturally grow below the canopy in the rainforests of Brazil.
They grow best with bright, indirect or dappled light, not direct sunlight.
The plant releases those purple anthocyanins to protect its stems from this strong UV light.
Consider your plant’s light conditions.
Root Problems
Christmas cactus plants can live for more than 100 years if cared for properly.
The soil could be depleted, or the plant could be sorootboundthat it can’t take up nutrients.
Has your Christmas cactus been repotted in the last couple of years?
Holiday cacti should be repotted in summer every three years or so.
Temperature Issues
A Christmas cactus prefers the same indoor temperatures as people doaround 70F to 80F.
Sudden extremes far above or below this range can stress your plant, contributing to those purple stems.
Too much or too little water can stress your plant and cause it to turn purple.
Likewise, overly wet, poorly drained soil prevents roots from taking up nutrients.
Check your Christmas cactus’s soil moisture.
If it’s very dry, give the plant a deep watering.
Going forward, monitor soil moisture and water when the potting mix feels dry.
Consider repotting the plant in a very well-drained potting mix with plenty of perlite or coarse sand for drainage.
“Why Leaves Turn Red"and Cranberries Too?University of Wisconsin Fruit Program.
Christmas Cactus #801924.AskExtension Knowledgebase.
How often should I water a Christmas cactus?University of New Hampshire Extension.
