Echeveria purpusorum: Characteristics and Care
Echeveria purpusorum is a gorgeous succulent from Mexico. It grows in a pretty rosette shape with thick, oval leaves colored greyish-green with reddish edges. In summer, it produces red flowers. The rosettes grow slowly to about 4 inches across. Let’s learn how to keep this charming plant thriving!
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Contents
Echeveria purpusorum Care Guide
Bright Light is Key
This succulent craves lots of bright, direct sunlight – at least 4-5 hours per day. Summertime outdoors is ideal. Without enough light, the plant will stretch out and stop flowering. Too much intense sun can cause sunburn though, so aim for bright but not blasting rays. Rotate the pot regularly so all sides get equal light.
If you’re growing Echeveria purpusorum indoors, supplement with a grow light during winter months or if you don’t have a very sunny window. Position the grow light about 6 inches above the plant and keep it on for 12-14 hours per day. This will provide the brightness it needs to maintain compact growth and bloom.
Water When Fully Dry
Like other succulents, Echeveria purpusorum stores water in its thick leaves, so it doesn’t need frequent watering. Allow the soil to completely dry out before watering again. Then soak the soil thoroughly until water drains out the bottom.
In spring and summer, you’ll need to water more often than in winter when growth slows. Overwatering can rot the roots, so err on the dry side if unsure. And always water just the soil – avoid letting it pool around the rosette.
Well-Draining Soil is Essential
This succulent must have a very well-draining, porous potting mix to prevent rot. Look for cactus/succulent soil mixes. Make sure any pots have drainage holes so excess moisture can escape.
Warm and Dry Conditions
Echeveria purpusorum loves warm, dry environments just like its native Mexican home. Ideal temperatures are 65-80°F in spring/summer and a few degrees cooler in winter. It won’t tolerate cold drafts or high humidity well.
A Little Fertilizer Helps
This succulent doesn’t require much fertilizer since it’s used to poor soils. But a weak cactus fertilizer every 2-3 weeks in spring/summer can promote stronger growth. Don’t overdo it though!
Pot Sizing and Repotting
Choose pots just slightly bigger than the rootball to prevent soil staying soggy. Only repot in spring when the plant is gearing up for its growth spurt, using fresh cactus mix. Allow the soil to fully dry before repotting.
Echeveria purpusorum Propagation
One of the best things about this succulent is how easy it is to propagate and multiply your collection! Mature plants sprout offsets from the main stem that can be potted up separately. You can also propagate from leaf cuttings or seeds.
To propagate offsets:
- In May, gently twist the offset rosettes off the mother plant once they’re 2+ inches wide
- Allow the offsets to dry for a day or two so the ends callus over
- Then simply plant the offsets in fresh cactus potting mix, keeping the soil moist until roots form
With its lovely rosettes, easy care and simple propagation, Echeveria purpusorum makes a fun, foolproof succulent for growers of any experience level!
