Purple Christmas Cactus

Selling size: Well rooted plant in a Jiffy bag

The care for a purple Christmas cactus is very similar to that of the more common green variety. The purple color in the stems often indicates that the plant is experiencing some form of stress.

Here’s how to care for your purple Christmas cactus and potentially help it return to a greener hue:   

1. Light:

• Bright, indirect light is ideal. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hot parts of the day, as this can cause sunburn and intensify the purple color. An east-facing window is often a good spot.  
• Too little light can also be a problem, potentially preventing blooms.   

2. Temperature:

• Maintain a comfortable room temperature between 20-27°C (70-80°F) during the growing season and while it’s blooming.
• Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations and drafts from windows or heating/cooling vents, as this can stress the plant.   
• To encourage blooming, provide a cooler period of around 10-13°C (50-55°F) for about 6-8 weeks in the fall.

3. Watering:

• Water thoroughly when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.   
• Reduce watering in the fall to encourage bud formation and again after flowering to allow the plant to rest.   
• Increase watering during the spring and summer growing season, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy.   

4. Humidity:

• Christmas cacti thrive in higher humidity levels, as they are native to tropical rainforests.   
• Increase humidity by:
  • Placing the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water (making sure the bottom of the pot isn’t sitting directly in the water).   
  • Misting the leaves occasionally.
  • Using a humidifier.

5. Soil:

• Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a cactus and succulent mix or a standard potting mix amended with perlite or sand.   

6. Fertilizer:

• Fertilize with a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer diluted to half-strength during the spring and summer growing season (about once a month).   
• Some sources recommend a supplemental feeding of Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) once a month during spring and summer, as Christmas cacti can benefit from extra magnesium. Don’t apply regular fertilizer and Epsom salts in the same week.   
• Stop fertilizing in the fall before blooming and during the blooming period.

7. Blooming:

• To encourage blooming in the late fall/early winter, in addition to cooler temperatures, the plant needs 12-14 hours of uninterrupted darkness each night for about 6-8 weeks. During the day, it can receive indirect light.   

Why is your Christmas cactus purple?

The purple color you’re seeing is likely a sign of stress. Common causes include:

• Too much direct sunlight: The plant produces pigments (anthocyanins) as a defense mechanism against strong UV light.
• Temperature stress: Both overheating and getting too cold can cause the stems to turn purple.   
• Watering issues: Both overwatering and underwatering can stress the plant.   
• Nutrient deficiencies: A lack of essential nutrients, particularly magnesium, phosphorus, or nitrogen, can lead to purple coloration.   
• Root problems: If the plant is root-bound or has damaged roots, it may not be able to take up nutrients properly.

Can a purple Christmas cactus turn green again?

Yes, if the purpling is due to environmental stress that is corrected, new growth should be green. However, heavily purpled older segments might not fully revert. Focus on providing optimal care to encourage healthy, green new growth. You can prune away any excessively purpled sections once the plant has recovered.

By providing the right care and addressing any potential stressors, you can help your purple Christmas cactus thrive and potentially see it produce beautiful blooms in its typical flowering season.