One of the most common questions during the holidays is how to care for Christmas cactus when its leaves turn red. While there are many factors that can contribute to leaf discoloration, such as too much sun or lack of water, the most common cause is temperature changes. Christmas cactus are native to the Brazilian rainforest and prefer warm, humid conditions. When temperatures drop, or the plant is exposed to drafts, the leaves will often turn red or pink as a way of conserving water. The good news is that this is usually not a sign of stress or illness, and the plant will usually recover once the weather warms up. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to help your plant stay healthy:
If you notice that your Christmas cactus has red leaves, it is probably due to a lack of light. Move your plant to a location that gets more sunlight and you should see the red leaves start to fade. If the leaves are still red after a couple of weeks, you can try apply a light fertilizer to see if that green.
Should I cut red leaves off Christmas cactus?
If you have a plant that is affected by some sort of disease or pests, it is important to repot the plant into fresh, unused medium. Leave the plant unwatered for two to three weeks to help it recover. Prune off any badly damaged foliage, and slowly return the plant to a normal watering schedule by letting the soil dry out in the top 1 inch between waterings.
If your plant is not getting enough light, you may notice that the leaves are pale and the plant is not growing as vigorously as it should. To fix this, try moving the plant to a location with more light. If you can’t do that, try supplementing with artificial light.
How do you fix purple leaves on Christmas cactus
If your Christmas cactus leaves are turning purple on the edges, it may be due to too much direct light during the summer months. Moving the plant to a more appropriate location may prevent sunburn and solve the problem.
If you notice that your plants are starting to turn purple, it is important to figure out what is causing the stress. 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.
Bright light: If your plants are in direct sunlight, they may be getting too much light. Move them to a location with indirect light and they should start to green up again.
Inappropriate moisture: If your plants are getting too much or too little water, they will start to stress. Make sure you are watering them regularly and not over or underwatering them.
Nutrient deficiency: If your plants are not getting enough nutrients, they will start to turn purple. Make sure you are fertilizing them regularly and giving them the nutrients they need.
Extreme temperature fluctuations: If your plants are experiencing extreme temperature changes, they will start to stress. Make sure you are keeping them in a stable environment and not subjecting them to drastic changes in temperature.
What does an overwatered Christmas cactus look like?
If you notice your Christmas Cactus has yellow leaves and is beginning to go limp, it is likely overwatered. If the soil around your plant is continually moist, it is a sign that the roots are not taking up any water. To correct this, allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
To care for your Christmas cactus, water it every 2 to 3 weeks, but only water when the top one third of the soil feels dry to the touch. For example, if the plant is in 6 inches of soil, water when the top 2 inches feel dry.
Why is my Christmas cactus turning red?
If your Christmas cactus is right next to a window that gets direct sun during the day, move it back. They can take a bit of sun, but they prefer indirect light.
Epsom salts are great for making blooms bigger on a plant, but they won’t necessarily produce more flowers. Your plant could probably use some regular fertilization instead. Generally, you should fertilize in spring and summer, and then let the plant rest in October and November for a while.
Is Epsom salt water good for Christmas cactus
Holiday cacti require more magnesium than many other plants. Fertilize them monthly during the growing season with Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) mixed at a 1:1 ratio. However, do not apply the mixture the same week as the regular fertilizer.
If you have a Christmas cactus that is infested with pests, you can rid it of the pests by applying neem oil or pyrethrin to the leaves. If the infestation is stubborn, you may need to apply a product systemically at the soil level.
Will a purple Christmas cactus turn green again?
Many species of cactus will turn purplish when they have undergone low temperatures. This is their normal way of responding to cold temperatures. As long as the cactus is not mushy when brought inside, it should come back once you water it slightly.
Cacti are a special type of plant that don’t need as much water as other plants. Instead of watering it every day, you should be misting your cactus every day with a few squirts from a spray bottle. The only time you should be watering the base of the plant is when its soil is completely dry to the touch. By following these simple guidelines, you can keep your cactus happy and healthy!
What does an unhealthy Christmas cactus look like
If your cactus is affected by rot, it is important to act quickly. The roots will display blackened tips and the plant may be slimy with black or brown decay. Depending on the severity of the disease, the plant may not be able to be saved.
If your cactus is looking a bit worse for wear, there are a few things you can do to try and revive it. First, cut away any rotting parts – this is generally a sign of overwatering. Then, adjust the amount of daily sunlight it’s getting, and water accordingly. Rinse off any dirt and dust that may be on the plant, and control pests and insects. Use a low nitrogen fertilizer, and let the plant dry out a bit between waterings. Lastly, keep an eye out for any mushy sections or discoloration, as these could be signs of further damage.
How do you trick a Christmas cactus to bloom?
If you want your forest cactus to bloom beautifully for the holidays, start the closet treatment six to eight weeks before you want it to bloom. Put the cactus in a dark closet for 14 hours a night, and bring it back out into a bright location during daylight hours. Once buds begin to form, the closet treatment is no longer needed.
Watering your cactus:
It is important to keep the soil evenly moist while your cactus is blooming. This can be done by misting it frequently.
Lighting your cactus:
Place the cactus in an east-facing window for moderate light and some direct sun.
Fertilizing your cactus:
Apply a high-potassium fertilizer every two weeks once buds form.
Conclusion
The best way to treat red leaves on a Christmas cactus is to remove them from the plant. This can be done by gently twisting the leaves off or by cutting them off with a sharp knife. If the leaves are particularly stubborn, you may need to use a pair of pliers to remove them. Once the leaves are removed, you can either discard them or compost them.
Assuming you would like a concluding sentence:
To keep your Christmas cactus healthy and blooming, treat red leaves with care and appreciation.
