Purple Succulents: The Enigmatic Plants

Oleh Jeremy Glover June 13, 2023 Post a Comment

Are you tired of the same old green succulents? Do you want to add some color to your plant collection? Look no further than purple succulents! These enigmatic plants are a unique addition to any garden or indoor space. Let's dive into the world of purple succulents and explore their beauty and versatility.

Succulents are known for their ability to store water in their leaves, stems, and roots, making them low-maintenance and drought-resistant plants. But did you know that they come in many different colors, including shades of purple? Purple succulents are a rare and fascinating sight that can bring a pop of color to any environment. They are also easy to care for and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. In this post, we will explore the different types of purple succulents, their growing conditions, and how to care for them.

Types of Purple Succulents

Echeveria 'Black Prince': This stunning succulent has dark purple rosettes with a velvety texture. It grows up to six inches in diameter and can be grown both indoors and outdoors. It prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
Graptoveria 'Debbie': This hybrid succulent has fleshy, purple leaves that form rosettes. It produces pink flowers in the summer and can grow up to eight inches in diameter. It is a low-maintenance plant that prefers full sun and well-draining soil.
Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop': Also known as the Black Rose, this striking succulent has deep purple, almost black foliage. It forms a rosette shape and can grow up to two feet tall. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil.
Sedum 'Purple Emperor': This low-growing succulent has purple foliage that turns green in the summer. It produces small, star-shaped flowers in the fall and prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.
Pachyphytum oviferum 'Moonstones': This unique succulent has blue-green leaves with a purple tint. The leaves are thick and fleshy, giving them a waxy texture. It prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
Senecio rowleyanus 'String of Pearls': This trailing succulent has small, round leaves that resemble pearls. The leaves have a purple hue and grow on thin stems that can reach up to three feet long. It prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
Crassula 'Buddha's Temple': This unusual succulent has purple, stacked leaves that form a pagoda-like shape. It grows up to six inches tall and prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
Kalanchoe 'Fantastic': This eye-catching succulent has variegated leaves with shades of purple, pink, and cream. It produces clusters of small, purple flowers in the winter and prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
Haworthia cooperi 'Truncata': This small succulent has plump, triangular leaves with a purple tint. It forms rosettes and can grow up to four inches tall. It prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
Aloe 'Blue Elf': This compact succulent has bluish-green leaves with a purple tint. It produces coral-colored flowers in the winter and prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.

Growing Conditions for Purple Succulents

Purple succulents have similar growing conditions to other succulents. They prefer well-draining soil and pots with drainage holes. They also need bright, indirect light and can become sunburned if exposed to direct sunlight for too long. If you are growing them indoors, place them near a window that receives plenty of natural light.

Purple succulents are drought-resistant but still need to be watered occasionally. Wait until the soil is completely dry before watering and make sure to drain any excess water from the pot. During the winter months, reduce watering to once a month.

How to Care for Purple Succulents

Caring for purple succulents is easy and low-maintenance. Here are some tips to ensure your plants thrive:

Use well-draining soil: Succulents need soil that drains quickly to prevent root rot.
Provide bright, indirect light: Purple succulents need plenty of light but can get sunburned if exposed to direct sunlight for too long.
Water sparingly: Wait until the soil is completely dry before watering and make sure to drain any excess water from the pot.
Fertilize occasionally: Purple succulents don't need much fertilizer, but you can feed them once or twice a year with a balanced fertilizer.
Watch for pests: Mealybugs and spider mites can be a problem for succulents. Check your plants regularly for signs of infestation and treat them immediately if you notice any bugs.

Benefits of Purple Succulents

They add color to your collection: If you're tired of the same old green succulents, purple ones are an excellent way to spice up your collection and add visual interest.
They're versatile: Purple succulents come in many different shapes and sizes and can be grown both indoors and outdoors.
They're low-maintenance: Like all succulents, purple ones are low-maintenance and drought-resistant. They don't require much water or fertilizer and can thrive in a variety of growing conditions.
They're unique: Purple succulents are still uncommon in many areas, making them a unique addition to your plant collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How often should I water my purple succulent?

Answer: Wait until the soil is completely dry before watering and make sure to drain any excess water from the pot.

2. Can I grow purple succulents indoors?

Answer: Yes, purple succulents can be grown both indoors and outdoors. Just make sure they receive plenty of bright, indirect light.

3. Do purple succulents need special care?

Answer: No, purple succulents have similar care requirements to other succulents. They need well-draining soil, bright, indirect light, and occasional watering.

4. How do I propagate my purple succulent?

Answer: Many purple succulents can be propagated by taking stem cuttings and allowing them to dry out for a few days before planting them in well-draining soil.

5. Can I fertilize my purple succulent?

Answer: Yes, you can feed your purple succulent once or twice a year with a balanced fertilizer.

6. What pests should I watch out for with my purple succulent?

Answer: Mealybugs and spider mites can be a problem for succulents. Check your plants regularly for signs of infestation and treat them immediately if you notice any bugs.

7. Are purple succulents toxic to pets?

Answer: Most succulents, including purple ones, are non-toxic to pets. However, it's always best to keep plants out of reach of curious pets.

8. How long do purple succulents live?

Answer: Purple succulents can live for many years with proper care. Some species can even live up to 50 years!

9. Can I plant multiple purple succulents in the same pot?

Answer: Yes, you can plant multiple succulents in the same pot as long as they have similar growing requirements.

10. How do I know if my purple succulent is getting too much or too little light?

Answer: If your succulent is getting too much light, it may become sunburned or develop brown spots on its leaves. If it's not getting enough light, it may become leggy or stretch towards the light source.

Purple succulents are a unique and beautiful addition to any plant collection. They come in many different shapes and sizes and can be grown both indoors and outdoors. With their low-maintenance care requirements and stunning colors, they are a must-have for any succulent enthusiast. Remember to provide them with well-draining soil, bright, indirect light, and occasional watering, and watch out for pests. With proper care, your purple succulents will thrive and bring color and beauty to your space.