5 Reasons for Christmas Cactus Leaves Turning Purple (Solutions)

The Christmas cactus is a beloved holiday plant known for its vibrant bloom that blooms around the Christmas season. The Christmas cactus, scientifically known as Schlumbergera x buckleyi, is widely sought-after for its ability to bloom indoors during winter. This makes it a great holiday gift and an easy houseplant to care for.

Unlike other species of cacti native to arid deserts, this flowery succulent originated in tropical rainforests and can often be found clinging to tree branches. It loves humid conditions, dappled sunlight, and warmer temperatures.

However, sometimes these plants can develop problems, such as Christmas cactus leaves turning purple. This article will explore the five reasons why this might happen and provide solutions to help you restore the Christmas cactus’s health.

Is There a Purple Christmas Cactus?

Christmas cacti come in a stunning array of shades, ranging from pink and scarlet to gold, orange, white, and cream. Many varieties also feature bicolored flowers, boasting multiple hues in a single bloom. But there is no such thing as a purple Christmas cactus.

5 Reasons for Christmas Cactus Leaves Turning Purple

Since the Christmas cactus does not come in a purple hue, if you start to notice that your plant’s foliage is turning purplish, it can be concerning. There are five main reasons why this might be happening, and they include:

1. Nutrient Deficiency

Nutrient deficiency is one of the most common causes of the leaves of this cactus turning purple. Like all plants, Christmas cacti require key macronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to thrive. If your plant’s soil lacks these essential elements, it can result in a purplish hue on the leaves.

To address this issue, you can give the Christmas cactus a nutrient boost by feeding it a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the spring and summer. Make sure to follow the instructions on the packaging for proper application. Additionally, you can give it a nutrient-rich compost tea boost by brewing some homemade tea leaves.

2. Rootbound

When a Christmas cactus is rootbound, its roots have outgrown the pot and become crowded; it can lead to purplish leaves. This is because the plant will not be able to take in enough nutrients due to the lack of room for growth.

To solve this issue, repot the Christmas cactus into a larger pot with fresh soil. Make sure to carefully remove any old soil or roots wrapped around the rootball, as this can cause damage.

You should also clean the pot thoroughly and use clay-based potting soil, which is best for cacti and succulents. Moreover, make sure to water the soil thoroughly before and after repotting.

3. Excessive Sunlight

Another reason why Christmas cactus leaves may be turning purple is because of excessive sunlight. While the Christmas cactus does need some sunlight for photosynthesis, it can become sunburned if exposed to too much direct sun.

When a plant is over-exposed to UV rays, it will start to turn purplish as a sign that something is wrong. To prevent this from happening, you should place it in a spot with indirect sunlight, such as near a window or other natural light source.

Additionally, you should avoid placing it too close to any artificial heat or light sources, as this can also cause sunburn.

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4. Temperature Fluctuations

Christmas cacti are tropical plants, which means that they prefer warm and humid temperatures. If your Christmas cactus is exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations, such as sudden drops or spikes in temperature, this can also cause its leaves to turn purple.

To prevent this, you should keep your plant’s environment as consistent and stable as possible. You should also avoid sudden environmental changes, such as drafts or large shifts in temperature.

To help maintain a consistent temperature, you can place it in a location that is away from any direct sources of heat and cold, such as near an air conditioning unit or a sunny window.

5. Improper Watering

Being succulents, Christmas cacti require less water than other houseplants. If the soil stays too wet for extended periods, the roots can start to rot, so it’s important to allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions.

An overwatered Christmas cactus usually shows signs of stress, such as wilting and yellowing leaves. If left unchecked, this can cause a purplish hue on the leaves. To fix this issue, you should water it less frequently and only when the top one to two inches of soil are dry.

Additionally, you should water the plant until it is thoroughly soaked and allow the excess water to drain out of the pot. Remember to empty any water that collects in the saucer underneath the pot, as standing water can cause root rot.

Furthermore, if it is kept in a container without drainage holes, you should water it more sparingly to prevent the soil from becoming soggy or compacted.

Related Post:
How Much Water Does a Christmas Cactus Need?

How Do You Revive a Purple Christmas Cactus?

If the Christmas cactus is already showing signs of purple discoloration, there are several steps you can take to revive it. First, start by assessing the reason for the discoloration. If it’s due to too much sunlight, try moving the plant to a spot with indirect light.

You should also ensure that the environment’s temperature and humidity levels are consistent. If it’s due to improper watering, try letting the soil dry out more between sessions and water until the top two inches of soil are thoroughly wet.

If none of these measures seem to work, you can try repotting the Christmas cactus in fresh potting soil. This will give it a boost of nutrients and provide more space for its roots to grow. Additionally, you can apply a fertilizer designed for cacti and succulents to your plant once every two weeks. This will help provide it with the necessary nutrients to recover from its purple discoloration.

Finally, keep an eye on it and act as soon as you notice signs of discoloration. With proper care and attention, you should be able to revive it and keep it healthy for years to come.

Is It Normal for Christmas Cactus Leaves To Turn Purple?

Yes, it is normal for Christmas cactus leaves to turn purple. This can result from too much direct sunlight, extreme temperature fluctuations, or improper watering. If any of these issues are causing discoloration on your plant, you should take steps to address them and revive them. With proper care and attention, you should be able to keep it healthy and green for years.

Will A Purple Christmas Cactus Turn Green Again?

A purple Christmas cactus may be able to turn green again. This will depend on the cause of the discoloration and how quickly you take action to address it. If your plant is suffering from too much direct sunlight, moving it to a place with indirect light can help revive it.

If improper watering is causing the issue, try letting the soil dry out more in between sessions and water it until the top two inches of soil are thoroughly wet. If you take these steps quickly, your Christmas cactus may be able to recover its green color.

Additionally, applying fertilizer specifically designed for cacti and succulents can also help provide the necessary nutrients for your plant to revive itself.

How Do You Keep a Christmas Cactus Green?

You need to provide a Christmas cactus with the appropriate conditions to keep it green. This includes giving it enough water and nutrients, maintaining it in a place with indirect light and steady temperatures, and more.

When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry, water your Christmas cactus, and drain any extra water that accumulates in the saucer beneath. Additionally, you can fertilize your plant once every two weeks with a fertilizer made specifically for cacti and succulents. This will assist in giving it the nutrition it needs to stay strong and healthy.

Finally, watch your Christmas cactus closely and act as soon as you see any discoloration.

Conclusion

Christmas cacti can add a touch of beauty to your home, but they require the right care and conditions to stay healthy. Here’s what you should remember: too much direct sunlight can cause purple discoloration, while improper watering or extreme temperature fluctuations can also lead to issues.

If you take measures such as moving it to places with indirect light, ensuring consistent temperatures and humidity levels, letting the soil dry out more between sessions, and watering it until the top two inches of soil are wet, you may be able to revive your Christmas cactus from its purple discoloration.

Additionally, fertilizing it once every two weeks with a fertilizer made specifically for cacti and succulents can help provide it with the necessary nutrients to stay healthy. Finally, pay close attention to your plant and act as soon as you notice any signs of discoloration. With the right care and attention, you should be able to keep your Christmas cactus looking its best for years to come.