Why Do Succulents Turn Red Or Change Colors
Last Updated on July 8, 2023
Succulents are one of the most popular houseplants for their easy care and beautiful colors. While most succulents are green, some varieties can turn red or change colors when they’re stressed. Here’s a look at why this happens and how to help your succulent keep its color.
Change Your Succulent's Color-5 Quick Tips
If you’re a plant lover, you’ve probably noticed that succulents come in a wide range of colors. While some varieties are always green, others can change color depending on the time of year or the amount of sunlight they’re getting. So why do succulents turn red or change colors?
There are a few reasons why succulents might change color. One reason is temperature changes. If a succulent is exposed to colder temperatures, it may turn red or purple as a way to protect itself from the cold.
Another reason is stress. If a plant is drought-stressed, it may produce more carotene, which gives it a yellow or orange hue. Too much sun can also cause stress, and this can make a plant turn red as well.
So if you notice your succulent changing color, don’t be alarmed! It’s likely just responding to its environment in one of these ways. And if you want to encourage more colorful growth, try giving your plant some stress!
Green Succulent Turning Red
If you have a green succulent that’s turning red, there are a few things that could be happening. First, it could be a sign that the plant is getting too much sun. Succulents need bright light to thrive, but too much sun can cause them to turn red.
If your succulent is in a sunny spot, try moving it to a location with indirect sunlight.
It’s also possible that your succulent is getting too much water. Too much water can cause the leaves to rot, which can lead to them turning red.
Make sure you’re only watering your succulent when the soil is dry to the touch.
Finally, some varieties of succulents naturally have red leaves. If your green succulent is turning red and you’re not sure why, it’s best to consult with a knowledgeable nursery or garden center staff member for help troubleshooting the issue.
Succulent Leaves Turning Red And Falling off
If your succulent leaves are turning red and falling off, it’s likely due to one of two reasons. Either the plant is getting too much sun or not enough water.
If the plant is getting too much sun, the leaves will turn red and eventually fall off.
If this is the case, move your plant to a location that gets less sun exposure.
If the plant isn’t getting enough water, the leaves will also turn red and fall off. Make sure you’re watering your succulent regularly and giving it enough moisture.
Succulent Turning Red And Soft
If your succulent is turning red and soft, it’s likely that it’s not getting enough light. Succulents need bright, direct sunlight to thrive. If your plant is placed in a spot that doesn’t get much sun, it will start to stretch out and become leggy in an attempt to reach the light.
This can cause the leaves to turn red or pink.
If your succulent is getting enough light but still turning red and soft, it’s possible that it’s overwatered.Succulents are very susceptible to root rot if they sit in water for too long. Be sure to allow the soil to dry out completely between watering sessions.
If the plant is sitting in water, you may see the leaves start to wilt and turn red or pink.
If you think your succulent might be underwatered or overwatered, take a close look at the roots. Healthy roots should be white or cream-colored.
If they’re brown or black, that’s a sign of root rot caused by too much moisture. Remove the plant from its pot and gently rinse away any rotten roots with water.
Why Do Succulents Change Color
There are many reasons why succulents change color. One reason is due to the amount of light they are receiving. If a succulent is getting too much sun, its leaves will turn red or orange.
This is called “sunburn.” Too little sun can also cause a change in color, usually to a pale green or yellow. Another reason for color change is the season.
Some succulents will change color in the fall as the days grow shorter and the temperature cools down. This is especially common in desert-dwelling plants like echeveria and sedum.
Soil type can also affect a succulent’s color.
Plants that are grown in poor quality soil or that are rootbound often have poorer color than those grown in rich, loose soil. fertilizer can also play a role in coloring, as over-fertilizing can lead to an overall loss of pigmentation (chlorosis). Water stress can also cause some discoloration, particularly if leaves start to shrivel and dry out.
Finally, some plants simply have variegated leaves which means they naturally have different colors on their leaves due to genetics.
Why is My Green Succulent Turning Purple
If you’ve noticed that your green succulent is turning purple, don’t worry – this is perfectly normal! There are a few reasons why this may happen:
1. The plant is exposed to too much sunlight.
Succulents need bright light to thrive, but too much sun can cause the leaves to turn purple or red. If you think this might be the case, move your plant to a spot with less direct sunlight.
2. The plant is stressed.
Sometimes, when a plant is under stress (from being too dry or too wet, for example), the leaves will change color as a way of coping. If your succulent seems healthy otherwise, try changing up its care routine and see if that helps.
3. It’s just the way the plant is.
Some succulents are naturally more purple than green – so if your plant was always on the verge of turning purple, there’s no need to worry! Just enjoy your beautiful little succulent exactly as it is.
Credit: succulentsbox.com
Why is My Succulent Changing Colors?
If you notice your succulent changing colors, it could be due to a number of reasons. One possibility is that the plant is responding to changes in its environment, such as exposure to more or less light. Another reason could be that the plant is under stress from too much or too little water, temperature extremes, or pests.
If your succulent changes color and begins to look unhealthy, it’s important to take action quickly to correct the problem.
One common reason for a succulent to change colors is exposure to sunlight. If a plant that typically grows in shade is suddenly exposed to direct sunlight, it will often start to turn red or orange.
This is because the plant is trying to protect itself from the intense heat and light by producing more pigment in its leaves. If you notice your succulent changing color after moving it into a sunnier spot, simply move it back into a shadier area. The plant should return to its normal color within a few days.
Another reason for color change can be stress from either too much or too little water. When succulents don’t get enough water, their leaves will often start to turn yellow or brown as they begin to dehydrate. On the other hand, if they’re getting too much water (or sitting in soggy soil), their leaves may start to turn red or purple as they start to rot.
If you think your plant might be suffering from drought stress, check the soil before watering and only give the plant enough water so that the soil is damp but not soggy. With overwatering, on the other hand, it’s best to let the soil dry out completely before watering again.
Temperature extremes can also cause succulentsto change coloration.
If plants are exposedto cold temperatures (below 50 degrees Fahrenheit), they may develop frost damage which appears as white spots on their leaves. In extreme cases, an entire plant may turn white if it experiences prolonged cold stress . Onthe other hand , if plants are exposedto excessive heat (over 90 degrees Fahrenheit),they may develop sunburned patches which appearas brownish-red areas on their leaves .
Again ,in extreme cases , an entireplant may turn redifit experiences prolonged heatstress .
Finally , anotherpossible explanationforcolor change issucculent scale insects , whichsuck sapfromtheplantandcauseitsturntoyelloworbrown .Ifyou thinkyourplantmaybeshowing signsofscalecompletelyremoveallofthese pestsbeforethey haveachanceto spreadanddamagehealthy tissue .
How Do You Fix Red Succulents?
If your red succulent is looking a bit lackluster, there are a few things you can do to bring it back to life. First, check to see if the plant is getting enough light. Red succulents need bright light to maintain their vibrant color.
If the plant is in too much shade, it will start to lose its color. Move it to a brighter spot and see if that helps.
Second, make sure you’re watering the plant properly.
Too much water can cause the colors in red succulents to fade, so be sure not to over-water. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering sessions and give the plant a good soak when you do water it.
Third, feed your red succulent with a high-quality fertilizer formulated for cacti and succulents.
This will help the plant get the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and strong. Be sure to follow the directions on the fertilizer package so you don’t over or under-fertilize your plant.
With proper care, your red succulent should soon be looking as good as new!
Why is My Plant Turning Red?
If your plant is turning red, it could be due to a number of reasons. It could be that your plant is getting too much sun, or not enough water. Alternatively, it could be that you’re using too much fertilizer, or that the pH of your soil is off.
If your plant is getting too much sun, you’ll need to move it to a shadier spot. If it’s not getting enough water, make sure to water it more often. If you’re using too much fertilizer, cut back on the amount you’re using.
And finally, if the pH of your soil is off, you’ll need to adjust it accordingly.
Are Red Leaves on Succulents a Sign of Stress or Disease?
Are red leaves on succulents a sign of stress or disease? There are various reasons for succulent leaves turning red, and it’s essential to understand them. Red pigmentation can occur due to excessive sunlight, fluctuating temperature, overwatering, nutrient deficiency, or even natural aging. Monitoring these factors and providing appropriate care will help maintain the health and vibrancy of your succulent’s leaves.
Conclusion
When the days grow shorter and the temperatures cool, many succulents will begin to change color. While some simply become more vibrant, others will actually turn red or even purple. This is nature’s way of preparing these plants for winter.
The extra color helps them absorb more sunlight, which is essential for photosynthesis. So if you see your succulents changing color, don’t be alarmed! It’s just their way of getting ready for the colder months ahead.
