---
title: "My Christmas cactus isn’t looking well at all. It’s supposed to be…"
description: "My Christmas cactus isn’t looking well at all. It’s supposed to be green (more of a red colour) and some of the leaves are damaged. Plus it has little roots…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/vOLjreBcQ-OpqrHIhVSc4w/rHZbsAriRuyqDsDYUiK2nw"
community: "The Cactus & Succulent Circle"
author: "Jenny"
published: "2024-02-16T08:18:59.599343Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/N24B0JrzztRKGLSxT3uTpFKL3mBVQjcc6TO-QIQfHLw/QOY9zm9mQY6mFzwhthVgJg.webp?size=large"
---

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# My Christmas cactus isn’t looking well at all. It’s supposed to be…

_Posted by Jenny on 2024-02-16_

My Christmas cactus isn’t looking well at all. It’s supposed to be green (more of a red colour) and some of the leaves are damaged. Plus it has little roots growing around it. Dr plant says underwated but I’m not too sure on that. Any suggestions would help?

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/N24B0JrzztRKGLSxT3uTpFKL3mBVQjcc6TO-QIQfHLw/QOY9zm9mQY6mFzwhthVgJg.webp?size=large)

## 7 comments

### DanishGramma commented on 2024-02-16

Mine started to get red when I moved it to a sunnier spot and it was getting the air roots also so I put it back where it was and it’s much happier now. I only water when the leaves are thin and flimsy and then I water until it flows out the bottom.

### Sunny commented on 2024-02-16

The standard stem color is green. The red color is sun stress from being in full sun too long. It turns red and dries out more quickly. Thanksgiving cactus thrive in bright indirect sunlight or direct sunlight filtered through a shade screen or sheer curtains.  
(This is a Thanksgiving cactus based on the pointy edges. )

Signs of extreme dryness are the crispy white edges, flatness and aerial roots growing while trying to find water. Plus the soil is too dry. This type of cactus likes moist soil that does not completely dry out. Water when the soil dries out half way.

### Klein commented on 2024-02-16

Christmas cat is in my experience are much more tolerant to watering then some other succulents. Definitely much easier to underwater than overwater it.

### Jes commented on 2024-02-16

This is actually a false Christmas cactus. I’ve had one for three years and only found out last month that it’s not a true Christmas cactus. 🤭 Oops!! A true Christmas cactus has rounded edges vs ours with their points. I agree with the sun damage! Another oops I’ve experienced. They love humidity though. Pretty hardy too considering I’ve kept one alive as long as I have. 🤷🏼‍♀️😅

#### Jes replied on 2024-02-16

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/ez4J8aMPgGOBFYDD2m357bS2vPSLieIxpbXE5pL7Gm0/qXVt0gsVSgWmu2xttBA-4Q.webp?size=large)

#### Jes replied on 2024-02-16

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/ez4J8aMPgGOBFYDD2m357bS2vPSLieIxpbXE5pL7Gm0/4luP3NJfSrKlFT6fj9sEIQ.webp?size=large)

### Shelbop commented on 2024-02-19

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/BVyths_c0ekAqNT-pPjGbReKaJet3-GNpKiqAbHg5uY/feY4orNTSHiHaDE0lQTBJQ.webp?size=large)

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