Purpus' Echeveria

echeveria purpusorum

Also known as: ["Purpus' Echeveria","Echeveria purpusorum"]

Family: Crassulaceae Genus: Echeveria Category: Succulents & Cacti

Overview

A compact, rosette-forming succulent with fleshy, ovate leaves that are green with reddish edges and covered in a powdery bloom.

Benefits & Perks

["low maintenance","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage","rare/collector’s item"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Saxifragales
Family: Crassulaceae
Genus: Echeveria
Botanical Name: Echeveria purpusorum

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Succulents & Cacti
  • Suitable Location: indoor pot with bright, indirect light or outdoor in a sheltered, sunny spot
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Collectors & Enthusiasts Indoor Plant Lovers Outdoor Landscapers
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogged roots.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or coarse sand.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: very low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 6–12 months or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily. Can tolerate direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun, especially in summer.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to prevent scorching. Indoors, place near an east or south-facing window with sheer curtains. Outdoors, provide filtered shade during peak sun hours.

Warning Signs: Wilting despite moist soil, black or mushy roots, prolonged yellowing leaves, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to diffuse intense light; avoid direct afternoon sun in summer.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce to every 3–4 weeks in winter

Water deeply but infrequently; ensure soil dries completely between waterings; avoid wetting the leaves or crown.

Soil

well-draining succulent or cactus mix

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Use pots with drainage holes; avoid heavy garden soil; ensure soil dries between waterings.

Temperature

Ideal range 65–80°F (18–27°C). Tolerates mild frosts but prefers warmer conditions. Reduce watering in cooler temperatures.

Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from drafts; adjust watering with temperature changes.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring to fall), none in winter

Fertilize only when actively growing; use a cactus/succulent-specific formula; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or leaf cuttings.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Select healthy leaf/stem.
  2. Let cuttings callus for 1–2 days.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Water sparingly until roots form.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm (70–75°F), high humidity (60–70%), indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of cactus soil and perlite or sand.

Hormone

Optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Leaf cuttings: 4–6 weeks for roots; stem cuttings: 2–4 weeks for roots, 2–3 months to establish.

Tools Needed

Clean knife or scissors, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining soil mix.

Quick Tips

Do not overwater cuttings; provide bottom heat for faster rooting; use sterile tools to prevent disease.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Snip off dead leaves at the base; trim leggy stems to encourage bushier growth.

Pruning Plan

Remove dead or damaged leaves to improve aesthetics and prevent rot. Light pruning to maintain shape and encourage compact growth.

Tools

Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; remove dead/damaged leaves; trim leggy growth; avoid cutting healthy stems unnecessarily.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot (e.g., +2–3 cm in diameter).

Method

Remove plant gently; trim any dead roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly after repotting.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot. Necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; inspect roots; water sparingly post-repotting; place in appropriate light.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid leaf wetting; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the soil level, ensuring even saturation of the root zone. Allow excess water to drain freely from the pot. Water in the morning to minimize evaporation and prevent fungal issues.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a long spout to deliver water directly to the soil without splashing the leaves.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water thoroughly when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot. Adjust based on humidity and temperature.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite, coarse sand, or pumice to commercial potting soil to enhance drainage and aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Chlorosis (yellowing leaves), stunted growth, bud drop, or leaf shriveling (cold stress); wilting despite moist soil, brown leaf tips (hot stress).

Cold Stress

Low temperatures slow metabolism, reduce water uptake, and increase susceptibility to root rot if soil remains wet.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; ensure soil is dry before cold exposure; use a heat mat if necessary; protect from drafts.

Hot Stress

Excessive heat accelerates water loss, causes leaf scorch, and may lead to dehydration or sunburn.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity with misting or pebble trays; water more frequently but ensure drainage.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding; flush soil periodically.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer). Avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Echeveria purpusorum may indicate overwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pest infestations, leading to reduced photosynthesis and potential leaf drop.

Wilting in Echeveria purpusorum is often a sign of overwatering or root rot, causing the plant to lose turgidity and potentially leading to death if not addressed.

Leaf spots on Echeveria purpusorum may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to unsightly blemishes and potential leaf loss if severe.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Echeveria purpusorum due to excessive moisture, leading to soft, discolored tissues and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Echeveria purpusorum is not considered toxic to cats. It does not produce any known compounds that are harmful when ingested in small quantities.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some cats.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Echeveria purpusorum is not considered toxic to dogs. It does not produce any known compounds that are harmful when ingested in small quantities.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some dogs.
Humans
Non-toxic

Echeveria purpusorum is not considered toxic to humans. It does not produce any known compounds that are harmful when ingested in small quantities.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, it is always advisable to avoid ingesting any non-food plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I water Echeveria purpusorum?

A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings to prevent root rot.

Q: Does Echeveria purpusorum need full sun?

A: Yes, it thrives in bright, indirect light or full sun, but avoid intense afternoon sun in hot climates.

Q: Can Echeveria purpusorum be grown indoors?

A: Yes, it is well-suited for indoor cultivation as long as it receives adequate light.

Quick Reference
Family: Crassulaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","collectors/enthusiasts","indoor plant lovers","outdoor landscapers"]
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