Indoor Succulent Care: 28 Important Tips For Your Purple Succulent

If you’ve come to this article, you likely have a purple succulent and want help identifying it – or you’re trying to learn about the care needs of your specific purple succulent. We’ll help with both in this article and even give you some info now on how and why your succulent got its nifty purplish hue.

What Makes A Succulent Purple?

Have you ever wondered why your succulent has a purple coloring? Well, it all comes down to nature’s palette – anthocyanins.

Anthocyanins are like the paintbox of the plant world, and they’re responsible for all the red, purple, and blue tones we see in many fruits, flowers, and, yes – succulents too! These natural pigments are in plant cells, ready to dazzle us when the time is right.

But what tells the plant when and how much purple to show off? It’s all in the genes, my green-thumbed friends! There are certain genes that act like artists, mixing and dabbing to produce different types and amounts of anthocyanins.

And, like all genes, they can be passed down from parent plants to their babies, so that purple beauty can run in the family.

What Is Purple Succulent?

Purple Succulents are generally a subspecies of some green-leafed variants. They can get their purple color out of stress-induced color transformation. The most popular purple succulent species is the Echeveria variant. They are also referred to as the Purple Heart or Purple Beauty. 

Some green succulents may have a tinge of purple in their leaves. These plants change their colors due to stress caused by light, water, or temperature. 

Considered a perennial, these plants grow well indoors near an east or west-facing window. They’re typically known for their gorgeous color, making them truly stunning houseplants.

Most purple succulents can also be raised outdoors in certain climates, ideally in hardiness zones 9-11.

Succulents Vs. Cacti

In nurseries, succulents and cacti are frequently mixed, which might surprise or confuse people when one turns out to be the other as it grows. You must remember that cacti, a subgroup of the succulent group, typically have a hairy or prickly exterior.

Origin And Family

These lovely succulents may be found in South Africa and Central and South America’s deserts, mountains, and rainforests. 

Christopher Columbus supposedly initially identified this intriguing plant in the 15th century. He was credited as one of the first explorers to bring a cactus plant to Spain and presented it to Queen Isabella. After his discovery, explorer Vasco De Gama was credited for finding succulents throughout Southwest Africa and India. 

Decades and many expeditions later, new variations and species were discovered, and collection and cultivation became rampant. Several succulents and cacti are on the verge of extinction because of habitat destruction and poaching. The Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora has restricted the collection of some of them (CITES). 

Fortunately, over time, methods for growing, cultivating, and caring for these intriguing plants have been developed to help protect and conserve these plants.

Where To Buy

A purple succulent is a beautiful addition to any plant lover’s collection and can be purchased online from Etsy. We usually get excellent plant options and deals there too!

In terms of pricing, you can buy a Purple Succulent for affordable prices between $5 to $20.

Purple Succulent Plant Size

Indoors, a purple succulent can reach a height of up to 12 inches and a width of 6-10 inches. These plants grow fast and beautifully thrive when placed near an east or west-facing window. That said, they can typically handle a little more or less light and are typically very versatile.

Purple Succulent Care Needs

Most plants are easy to grow with the proper care, including purple succulents. Hardy, these gorgeous plants can survive a wide range of conditions, except frost or cold climates, and they prefer humidity and dry soil.

During cold climates or in the winter months, it is recommended to cover these plants with sheets until the winter spell passes through.

When watering your purple succulent, give it a drink when the soil is dry to the touch. Like most plants, you want good drainage holes in your plastic, terracotta, or clay pot.

Read on for more Purple Succulent details.

Care Difficulty

With their light, water, and humidity needs, these succulents are typically considered easy to care for. To grow this plant efficiently, you’ll need to be precise about the amount of light and well-draining soil.

Growth Rate

When grown indoors, these plants grow to a height of up to 12 inches, and it grows the fastest during spring and early summer.

"Colors you will like to pick."
"Pronounce succulent purple& Venus fly trap real." pic.twitter.com/hvZfraFXoC

— KUMAR. K (@KkHimalaya) April 14, 2021

Potting

We recommend using a medium-sized potting container. The majority of materials, including plastic, terracotta, and clay, will perform flawlessly.

Purple succulents are prone to root rot, like other succulents (and really, most houseplants). Make sure the pot has ample drainage holes.

Repotting

Purple Succulent typically needs to be repotted every two years at the beginning of its growing season or when you see its roots pushing out of the drainage holes. When this takes place, carefully remove the plant from its container while making sure not to disturb the roots. The plant can then be moved to a larger pot. When planted on the same substrate as before, the roots will adapt more quickly.

Soil

Cacti and citrus potting soil is the recommended option for purple succulents. To make your soil mix, use components such as perlite, pumice, coarse sand, pine bark, rinsed gravel, or coco coir. Adjust the ratio accordingly, making sure that the final mixture is well-aerated. Remember that this plant prefers a growing medium that stays dry.

The soil type should always support good drainage to avoid rot and other diseases. We suggest choosing potting mixes such as the following:

pH

A soil pH of roughly 5.5-6.5, which is acidic, is ideal for this gorgeous succulent plant. If you’re concerned about the soil’s acidity, you can purchase a simple pH meter device to gauge it.

To reduce pH levels, use sulfur or aluminum sulfate. Otherwise, use baking soda, calcitic or dolomitic lime, or wood ash to increase pH levels.

Water

Purple Succulent plants require regular watering. Overwatering increases the risk of illnesses such as root rot. Watering too little might cause your plant’s roots to dry out, especially on hot days. In general, these plants should be grown in a dry medium.

There is an easy technique to tell if your plant needs to be watered. Push a wooden skewer or a pencil into the pot to examine if moist, muddy soil still adheres to it. Alternatively, you may simply use your finger to feel for dampness. When the soil is dry, it’s time to water your plant.

A porous pot with drainage holes and aerated, chunky soil mix can help eliminate excess moisture. 

Avoid wetting the leaves. Instead, soak the soil directly and allow excess water to drain through the pores on the bottom. Do not mist these plants as excessive moisture can cause moldy leaves and root rot. 

You can try watering these plants from the bottom. Place your succulent pot in a pan and let water seep through the soil. When the top of the soil is damp, remove it from the pan.

Light

This houseplant prefers bright light for approximately six hours a day. Too much light and its leaves will turn yellow and might fall off. Too little light and it may lose its beautiful color. However, this plant can tolerate almost all lighting conditions, from the partial shade and bright sunlight to direct sunlight; this plant can thrive as long as you give it the right temperature and humidity levels.

If you’re worried that your Purple Succulent isn’t receiving enough light, consider moving it near a window or utilizing artificial lighting. Here are some basic ideas to consider:

Fertilizer

Many indoor growers make the mistake of forgetting to fertilize. They believe that water and bright light are both important providers of nutrition. However, the nutrients in the soil are equally as important to the general health of your plant.

In the spring and summer, feed your plant once a month. Your plant will benefit from a water-soluble fertilizer. If you’re using a more concentrated fertilizer, dilute it first.

There’s no need to fertilize throughout the colder months.

Propagating Purple Succulent

Reproducing your Purple Succulent can be done with the right propagation method. Below are several options to consider, as well as thorough instructions to guide you.

Cuttings by Leaf Removal

1. Collect a cutting. Remove a few leaves by twisting them gently off the plant.

2. Callus off. Securely set aside the cuttings in any clean container or tray. No water or soil needed

3. Let it sit. After five days, check if calluses have formed on the cut end; calluses protect the exposed end from bacteria. 

4. Grow roots. Wait for them to grow roots in a couple of weeks.

5. Plant. When roots finally form, plant them in the well-draining soil of your choice. We recommend planting them in a sunny spot early morning or late afternoon when the sun’s rays are not too intense.

6. Water and fertilize. Water sparingly the next day and gently press down the soil. You can also fertilize it with succulent fertilizer.

Cuttings by Beheading

Beheading is best recommended for Purple Succulents that have grown too tall and spindly. 

1. Behead. Cut off the head of the plant from the lengthy stem, leaving about an inch of it attached. Dry it out in a clean container or tray. No watering is needed.
2. Let sit. After five days, check if calluses have formed on the cut end. Calluses protect the exposed end from bacteria. 
3. Grow roots. Wait for them to grow roots in a couple of weeks.
4. Plant. When roots finally form, plant them in the well-draining soil of your choice. We recommend planting them in a sunny spot early morning or late afternoon when the sun’s rays are not too intense.
5. Water and fertilize. Water sparingly the next day and gently press down the soil. You can also fertilize it with succulent fertilizer.

Division

For the Purple Succulents propagation method known as division, you separate the tropical plant at the roots – making two Purple Succulent plants. 

You can split the stem clusters of your Purple Succulents by following these steps: 

1. Dig it up. Take the plant from its container. The natural divisions are pretty straightforward. 

2. Pull apart. With your fingers, gently separate the Purple Succulents at the root. You may need to use pruners or shears to cut any tangled roots.

3. Repot. Plant each section of the Purple Succulents in new pots filled with the same soil they’re used to.

Deep purple succulent with water stains … pic.twitter.com/uioJczSgQ0

— Art Wong (@ArtWong128) March 24, 2022

Humidity And Aeration

Purple Succulent is a stunning plant that loves high humidity. Maintain the humidity level between 60%-70% at all times.

Check the air moisture level in your Purple Succulent area with a simple hygrometer. If the level is too low, the humidity can be increased using the following methods:

• Plants emit moisture from their leaves through transpiration. Keeping houseplants close together will help them.

• Underneath your plant’s pot, place a flat tray of stones and water. The plant receives extra nutrition from the evaporating water.

• Invest in a humidifier for your plants. This continually emits steam and raises the humidity in the room.

Temperature

Like most plants, these purple plants will do best in warm climates. Keep the temperature between 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Houseplants can be sensitive to sudden changes in temperature, so ensure you keep your plant away from heat sources like furnaces, vents, hand dryers, and other appliances. Similarly, avoid exposing your plant to chilly winds and frost periods throughout the winter.

Flowers

If you can give the best conditions for your plant and keep it at its happiest, you might be able to see significant pink or red flowers. You must know, however, that most plants generally bloom in an outdoor environment.

Toxic

Unfortunately, Purple Succulents are toxic to pets (including cats and dogs) and humans. If consumed, you can expect the following symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, or general pain. Most of the time, this plant is not considered hazardous. Other variants are non-toxic, but it’s still best to err caution when you have a purple succulent plant.

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Pests, Diseases, And Other Problems

The Purple Succulent is not resistant to several bugs, issues, and diseases. In the next sections, I’ll lay out some of the common issues for the Purple Succulent, as well as some tips and ways for treating them.

Spider Mites

Spider mites are common pests, particularly among plants. Spider mite damage shows as tiny, brown, or yellow spots on your plant’s leaves at first. You may also observe that your plant has slowed or stopped growing.

First, wash off the lovely rosette of your plants with a pressure sprayer, sink nozzle, or a garden hose to get rid of spider mites. You may also spray the leaves with neem oil or insecticidal soap, but make sure to cover all surfaces, including the undersides!

Of course, natural predators of spider mites such as ladybugs, lacewings, and Stethorus picipes beetles (called the “Spider Mite Destroyer”) can be launched. The spectacular thing about these bugs is that they feed on spider mites while not harming your plant!

Fungus Gnats

Fungus gnat larvae eat up plants’ roots, not the fungus gnats themselves. These pests love moisture, and your plant is particularly vulnerable because it favors dry soil.

Fungus gnats are well called for their tendency to bring fungal illnesses to your plant, in addition to draining nutrients from the roots. You may set up yellow sticky traps to detect these bugs’ emergence and catch them as they fly.

Create a cider-vinegar trap to lure gnats by filling a cup halfway with water and apple cider vinegar. To function as an emulsifier, add a few drops of liquid soap. Set the trap near the affected plant and watch the bugs drown!

Scale Insects

Adult scales are stationary and have a waxy covering on their bodies, yet they give birth to incredibly small crawling bugs.

Armored scales may be removed, but it must be done with absolute care using an old ID card or your fingertips. Take care not to tear your Purple Succulent leaves.

To suffocate scale insects, apply insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, or neem oil. Spray your plant with a general insecticide if you observe active crawlers, then repeat the application process after a week. We propose the following products:

Aphids

Aphids are tiny bugs that will eat your plant’s leaves, resulting in brown and black patches.

To treat an infestation, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Dish detergent in lower concentrations can also eliminate aphids without damaging your plant. Choose fragrance-free products like Ivory Liquid.

Spray a mixture of one teaspoon dish soap and 1 gallon of water (increasing the ratio as necessary) on your affected plant, especially on the underside of leaves where aphids can usually be found.

Mealybugs

Mealybugs can potentially infest your succulent plant. They leave a white powdery film and discharge honeydew, which creates black sooty mold on the leaves. Mealies-infested plants will have yellow drooping leaves.

Adult mealies can be eliminated using a rubbing alcohol-soaked cotton bud. They die instantly and become orange when touched. Distilled alcohol should be sprayed over the remaining leaves.

Root mealies will burrow themselves and feed on the roots. Add Diatomaceous Earth powder to the soil between watering schedules to dehydrate them. You may also drop small amounts of hydrogen peroxide when watering.

What a beauty queen Echeveria 'Perle von Nurnberg' is! Turns the prettiest shade of purple in full sun! Plant in containers and move to your indoor garden for the winter if you live in a cold climate like me.
💜💜💜https://t.co/YVrCK7lzzt #Garden #succulents #planttwitter pic.twitter.com/1C58I26ni6

— Destination Charming (@DestCharming) February 22, 2022

Brown Leaf Tips

Brown leaf tips on your Purple Succulent can be from low humidity, root damage, underwatering, and soil compactness.

Sometimes, you may need to flush out excess minerals, salts, fertilizers, and chemicals in the soil by letting the water run through for a few minutes. You shouldn’t worry about accidentally drowning your plant’s roots if you have a fast-draining substrate and a pot with drainage holes.

Drooping Leaves

Mealybugs and other pests that infest the Purple Succulent can cause leaves to droop. This issue can also be caused by underwatering, lack of humidity, and lack of nutrients.

Yellow Leaves

Yellow leaves on your purple plant might occasionally indicate trouble. Moisture stress, inadequate lighting, nutritional imbalance, variable temperatures, insect infestations, bacterial or viral infections, and other factors all contribute to this condition.

To identify the problem, you must consider recent weather changes or how you care for your plant.

Root Rot

Plant root rot can be due to overwatering, poor drainage, or fungal spores in the soil. Because root rot is difficult to treat, it is essential to be cautious.

The finest strategy to avoid rot is to keep the root system away from damp environments constantly. Before watering your plant, always check the soil’s moisture level. To enable airflow in the roots, use a chunky soil mix. Above all, use a porous container with drainage holes.

Similar Plants

Are you loving Purple Succulents? Here are some of our favorite Purple beauties from our very own collection. In our opinion, these are the best purple succulents to add to your garden:

Purple Beauty (Sempervivum Tectorum) 

This is probably the top favorite of succulent lovers. Imagine large rosette-patterned leaves with the blue-ish-green-ish exterior color and deep purple center, and you have a sought-after Purple Beauty.   

Santa Rita Prickly Pear (Opuntia Santa Rita)

Quite controversial, this plant is known to some as a cactus (Prickly Pear Cactus), while others argue it’s a succulent. No matter what it’s called or its common name, this is one of our favorites because of its unique pear shape and purple undertones that intensify when exposed to bright light. Add to its attraction are the beautiful yellow flowers every spring.

Echeveria Purple Pearl

The Purple Pearl is perhaps the first plant that comes to mind when you think of purple succulents. Best recognized for their distinctively rosette-shaped flat, spherical, light purple leaves. It is popular among succulent lovers since it is simple to propagate by stem or individual leaf cuttings. Additionally, it produces lovely pink flowers annually.

Raspberry Ice (Sempervivum Raspberry Ice)

Densely-packed rosette leaves in a spiral pattern with white cob-web-like hair on its edges set apart this beautiful succulent. If that’s not enough, this plant starts as red and turns to its attractive purple hue as it matures.  

Corsican Stonecrop (Sedum Dasyphyllum)

This one is a must-have if you want succulents with a unique appearance. Its plump, blue-green leaves create that beautiful purple hue. Known as a “spiller” because of its growth habit of spilling out and over. In summer, this small succulent turns bluish pink and blooms dainty white flowers.

Conclusion

With its attractive characteristics, Purple Succulent plants are a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a new houseplant for your succulent garden. Your care efforts for this plant will result in gorgeous exotic flowers that you will appreciate having in your house!

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