Porphyridium is common in stagnant fresh or brackish water, but also exists in puddles, damp trees or walls. Nevertheless, it depends on light for photosynthesis. Under these conditions, it can be found all over the world.

The red alga performs photosynthesis, but is coloured red instead of green, similar to some tree species with dark red leaves.

For economic production and subsequent phycoerythrin extraction, the alga is cultivated in photo-bio-reactors in glass tubes or hoses. Here, the medium must meet certain conditions and light incidence is necessary.