Why Is My Christmas Cactus Turning Yellow? | Gardener's Path

The Christmas cactus, Schlumbergera spp., is a tropical ornamental plant that thrives in indirect sunlight with moist, organically-rich soil that drains well.

These conditions replicate its natural setting beneath rainforest canopies in South America, where it grows as an epiphyte attached to trees and rocks.

In our guide to growing Christmas cactus, we talk about how to cultivate this easy-care houseplant.

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This article focuses on why the green segmented stems of Schlumbergera may turn yellow, and what you can do about it.

Here’s what’s in store:

With an understanding of why the stem segments of a Christmas cactus may shade to yellow, you can evaluate it and take action.

Schlumbergera are characterized by fleshy segmented stems, called cladodes, that are often mistaken for leaves. New growth may start out red and gradually turn green.

When a plant’s color changes, something’s up. Yellow coloration typically results from five possible causes, or a combination of one or more of the following: inappropriate light, inadequate moisture, nutrient deficiencies, pests and disease, and poor drainage.

Let’s take a look at each:

In their natural habitat, Schlumbergera plants grow in the dappled sunlight that penetrates a rainforest canopy. At home on a sunny windowsill, it may be exposed to direct, rather than indirect sunlight.

This overexposure may cause the green stems to look pale and yellowish. When it’s exposed to intense sunlight, a Christmas cactus may turn purple.

Even in winter, direct sunlight through window glass can be too intense for this tropical