Christmas Cactus turning pink.

by Ben
(Port St. Lucie, Florida USA)

Notice the pinkish leaves

My Christmas Cactus i noticed that the leaves are turning pinkish. The plant itself seems very healthy otherwise. Is this a problem or is the plant lacking anything. I keep it on my terrace in indirect sun light.I also provided a photo for you to see.

Thanks in advance for your help,
Ben

Hi Ben, thank you for the picture! This trait does seem to be quite variable; it is a seasonal change, and might be related to temperature, so I really don't think you need to worry about it.

I would hazard a guess that this one has pink or red blooms - that generally is a hint of the flower color coming out in the foliage.

You're doing exactly what I most recommend with these plants; they develop the flower buds in response to cooling temperatures in the fall (I know, you don't have fall, right?) but if the night temperatures are at least four or five degrees cooler than in the daytime, this is what triggers it, as well as the shortening daylight hours.

When you take it back inside for the winter, they will (depending on the exact genetic background) start to bloom, some as early as Thanksgiving, others at Christmas time and some will wait until Easter - this is why as a group, these are known as Holiday Cactus.

See more about Schlumbergera here.

Happy Growing!
Jacki

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