Why Is My Christmas Cactus Turning Purple? 4 Care Mistakes That Can Harm Your Plant — And How You Can Fix It
If your festive houseplant is losing its natural hue, it may be time to make some changes to your care routine


A Christmas cactus' classic colorway includes gorgeous green stems and eye-catching colors cloaked in shades of red, white, pink, and orange. But when you start to spot a purple tinge infecting your houseplant, it's not wrong to assume that something is not quite right. And while giving up on your Christmas cactus, may seem like the only option available, that's far from true.
So instead of throwing your plant away, we recommend playing doctor and adjusting your Christmas cactus care routine as needed. But of course, you can't go into aiding your plant without the necessary knowledge. This is where we come in along with some ace seasoned houseplant professionals.
By taking their advice (to follow) and intentionally implementing them in your daily Christmas cactus maintenance, you can actually reverse this color change and get your houseplant back on the path to blooming. Call it a Christmas miracle or just some good old-fashioned green housekeeping — we've got you covered.
What Are the Common Causes for a Christmas Cactus Turning Purple?
According to Andrew Gaumond, horticulturalist at Petal Republic, several factors can cause Christmas cactus to turn from green to purple. "One of the most common causes is too much direct sunlight which can scorch the leaves and trigger a purple hue," he notes. "While Christmas cacti love bright light, they prefer it to be indirect."
He goes on to explain that a lack of essential nutrients, particularly phosphorus or magnesium, can also cause leaves to turn purple. He finds that magnesium deficiency is especially common and can result in vibrant purpling on older leaves.
"It's also worth remembering that these tropical plants aren’t fans of the cold," he points out. "Prolonged exposure to cold drafts can lead to a purplish discoloration and high heat stress can have a similar effect, too."
Finally, he tells us that poorly draining soil or waterlogged roots can lead to poor nutrient uptake, which may also lead to purpling. "Overwatering is a sneaky culprit in many houseplant woes," he adds. Knowing when to stop watering your Christmas cactus is a crucial lesson to keep them from suffering the consequences of drowning.
How to Stop a Christmas Cactus From Turning Purple?
In conversation with gardening expert Tony O'Neill, he tells us that making some basic changes to your Christmas cacti's environment and routine should do just the trick.
Adjust Lighting: "Firstly, move your Christmas cactus to a location with bright, indirect light," he advises. "Direct sunlight, especially during the hot midday period, should be avoided."
Stabilize Temperature: "Keep the plant in a stable environment where sudden temperature changes are minimized," he suggests. "Ideal temperatures should range between 60-70°F (15-21°C)."
Nutrient Management: Tony also explains that when fertilizing your Christmas cactus, it's important to ensure that your feeding regimen includes a balanced fertilizer that's suitable for flowering houseplants, especially during the growing season.
Can I Save My Christmas Cactus Once It Turns Purple?
"Yes," says Tony. "Typically you can reverse the purpling by correcting the environmental stresses or nutrient deficiencies that caused it."
As with Christmas cacti turning yellow, we find that purpling too is a mere couple of adjustments away from total treatment and Andrew agrees.
"Most Christmas cacti that have turned purple are just stressed and can be revived with appropriate care," he assures. "As long as the roots aren’t completely rotted and the plant hasn’t suffered extreme damage, it will likely recover."
How Do I Make My Christmas Cactus Green Again?
whether your Christmas cactus' buds are falling off or your plant is turning purple, the elementary step is always the same. Andrew tells us that the first step is to identify whether the problem lies in the plant's light, nutrients, water, or temperature and fix the issue.
He explains that if root rot or poor drainage is suspected, it's best to repot the cactus into fresh, well-draining soil after removing any mushy roots. This Rosy Soil Cactus & Succulent Potting Mix is perfect for repotting.
He also recommends using a fertilizer high in phosphorus to support healthy growth but warns against overfeeding. This Christmas Cactus Fertilizer from Amazon is made specifically for these festive houseplants.
"It might take several weeks or even months for new green growth to appear," he notes. "Don't lose hope and keep the plant in a stable environment during this recovery period."
Want to Start Fresh With a New Christmas Cactus?
Price: $27.99
Size: 6-inch Pot
We spotted this American Plant Exchange Christmas Cactus at Walmart and it's pre-grown so you can continue to enjoy the plant's blooms through the winter.
And there you have it. If you've spotted your Christmas cacti sneakily turning purple, it's not yet time to give up on these gorgeous indoor grows. It's almost Christmas after all, and that warrants attempting to help them at the very least.
Plus, with these expert gardeners guiding you through their treatment, you can't go wrong.
But if you try and the purpling persists with no green growth in sight, then treat yourself to one of our favorite Christmas cacti plants and start anew.
Be The First To Know
The Livingetc newsletters are your inside source for what’s shaping interiors now - and what’s next. Discover trend forecasts, smart style ideas, and curated shopping inspiration that brings design to life. Subscribe today and stay ahead of the curve.

Amiya is a Home Wellness Writer at Livingetc. She recently graduated with a Masters Degree in Magazine Journalism from City, University of London, and has lent her words to beauty, fashion, and health sections of lifestyle publications including Harper’s Bazaar and Women’s Health. Her experience as a research analyst has equipped her with an eye for emerging trends. When she’s off the clock, she can be found reading, listening to music, or overanalyzing her latest Co-Star update.
-
The Weighted Blanket That Doesn’t Make You Sweat (and the Eye Mask to Match)
Luxury has weight. And apparently, volcanic minerals
By Julia Demer
-
What Is Biophilic Interior Design? I'm an Actual Biophilic Designer, and This Is How to Apply It to Your Home
A biophilic designer explains the core principles of this practice, and the easy ways you can apply it to your home's design
By Marianna Popejoy
-
These Are the Dos and Don'ts of Bamboo Plant Placement — Follow This to Avoid Bad Feng Shui
By following the experts' guidance on where to place this houseplant you can usher luck, wealth, and prosperity into your home
By Lilith Hudson
-
Is It Okay to Have a Mirror Facing a Door in Feng Shui? The Verdict Is In and It Just Might Surprise You
Decorating your home with mirrors calls for intention if you're dressing your space in accordance with Feng Shui. Here's what you should know.
By Amiya Baratan
-
4 Things to Unpack as Soon as You Move House — For a Comfortable and Organized Fresh Start
If you have a major move in the works and you're looking to prepare in advance, this is the starter kit you need to properly set up your new home.
By Amiya Baratan
-
10 Decluttering Challenges to Have on Your Radar This Year — For a Tidier, More Mindful Home
If you're interested in transforming your home for the better, here are 10 decluttering challenges I recommend for a professionally tidy space.
By Amiya Baratan
-
Biophilic Decluttering — What to Take Out of Your Home (and What to Put in) for a More Natural Home
Try your hand at biophilic decluttering to ground your interiors, connect to the environment, and cure chronic clutter in one go. Here's how.
By Amiya Baratan
-
The 10 Different Types of Kitchen Taps — And the Pros and Cons of Each One to Know Before You Pick
From sleek pull-outs to vintage bridge taps, explore 10 kitchen tap styles that mix function, flair, and a splash of cool
By Linda Clayton
-
How Much Does an Extension Cost in 2025? Renovation and Design Experts Break Down Your Budget
Explore how much different types of extensions cost in 2025 to budget for your project accurately
By Amy Reeves
-
9 Bathroom Storage Mistakes You're Probably Making That Make Using This Space Much Harder — And What to Do Instead
Discover which mistakes are to blame for your overcrowded and cluttered bathroom
By Seraphina Kyprios