Why Is My Christmas Cactus Turning Purple?

Christmas cactus, Schlumbergera spp., is one of the easiest houseplants to grow.

Not a desert cactus, but an epiphyte, it is one of a number of species and hybrids of rainforest plants that cling harmlessly to trees and rocks for support, drawing sustenance from the air, rainfall, and leaf litter in their immediate environment.

In our guide to growing Christmas cactus, we share insight on best practices for cultivation.

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In this article, we talk about why the segmented green stems of a Christmas cactus sometimes turn purple.

Here’s what’s in store:

Plants may not be able to speak, but they can still communicate with us, and let us know they are stressed.

One way a Christmas cactus lets us know it’s in trouble is by putting out thread-like aerial roots from between the stem segments.

You can learn more about why Christmas cactus develops hair-like roots in our guide.

Another is for the stem segments to morph from their natural vibrant green to shades of purple, including red and pink, in response to stressful environmental conditions.

The four most likely reasons for purple-hued discoloration are: bright light, inappropriate moisture, nutrient deficiency, and extreme temperature fluctuations.

Let’s consider these stressors and how to avoid them.

A likely reason for purple coloration is exposure to bright, direct sunlight.

When a plant is genetically wired to grow in the sun-dappled shade of a rainforest canopy, an overabundance of light may trigger a protection response to the ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Instead of presenting with