This species is quite rare, and most plants labeled as Echeveria purpusorum are usually hybrids. There are several similar hybrids, one of which is Echeveria 'Dionysos'. Echeveria purpusorum has more slender leaves with a pointier apex, while those of Echeveria 'Dionysos' tend to be plumper.
Scientific Name
Echeveria purpusorum (Rose) A.Berger
Synonym(s)
Echeveria purpusiorum, Urbinia purpusii
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Echeveria
Etymology
The specific epithet "purpusorum" (pronounced "pur-puss-OR-um") honors Carl Albert Purpus and Joseph Anton Purpus, German plant collectors who discovered this species in 1909 near San Luis Atolotitlán in Puebla.
Origin
Echeveria purpusorum is native to southern Mexico. It grows in quite hot and dry conditions in Puebla and Oaxaca.
Description
Echeveria purpusorum is a small succulent plant that forms a compact, usually solitary rosette of deep olive-green, grey-green, or whitish-green leaves mottled with small, irregular, reddish-brown spots. The rosette grows slowly, reaching up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) in height and diameter, and can occasionally produce a few offsets. The leaves are triangular-ovate, tapering to a sharp point, and can measure up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) in length and 1.2 inches (3 cm) in width at the base.
In late spring, Echeveria purpusorum produces somewhat urn-shaped flowers in few-flowered clusters on slender reddish stalks that can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) long. The flowers are scarlet red with a yellow tip on the outside and a yellow interior, measuring up to 0.5 inches (1.2 cm) in length.
How to Grow and Care for Echeveria purpusorum
Light: Echeveria purpusorum requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. Therefore, place it near the brightest window in your home. Additionally, if you plan to move the plant outside in the spring, do so gradually and avoid exposing it to intense afternoon sun.
Soil: Having soil that drains quickly is most important for growing a healthy succulent. While many growers prefer to create their own soil mix, commercial soil for succulents is also suitable.
Temperature: High temperatures are not a problem as long as there is plenty of fresh air. However, Echeveria purpusorum is a tender succulent that must be brought indoors if there is a risk of freezing temperatures. It grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 30°F to 50°F (-1.1°C to 10°C).
Watering: During the growing season, the "soak and dry" method is the preferred schedule for this plant. Water deeply, then allow the soil to dry completely before watering again. Water sparingly during the winter, only enough to keep the plant from shriveling. Above all, if you have a saucer under the pot, be sure to empty the excess water.
Fertilizing: Although the plant can grow well without fertilizer, it may benefit from additional nutrients. Feed only during the growing season and use a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength.
Repotting: If growing in a container, repot as needed in spring or early summer, but ensure the soil is dry before repotting. Also, always use a container with drainage holes.
Propagation: Echeveria purpusorum is usually propagated from leaves but can also be grown from seeds. The best time to take leaf cuttings is spring, while spring or summer are ideal for sowing seeds.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Echeveria.
Toxicity of Echeveria purpusorum
Echeveria purpusorum has no reported toxic effects and is considered safe for growing around children and pets.
Hybrids of Echeveria purpusorum
- Echeveria 'Belle Etoile'
- Echeveria 'Ben Badis'
- Echeveria 'Dionysos'
- Echeveria 'Fabiola'
- Echeveria 'Shamrock'
- ×Graptoveria 'Amethorum'
- ×Graptoveria 'Araluen Gem'
Links
- Back to genus Echeveria
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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