Echeveria purpusorum

Scientific Name

Echeveria purpusorum (Rose) A.Berger

Synonym(s)

Urbinia purpusii

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Echeveria

Description

Echeveria purpusorum is a small succulent that forms tight, usually solitary rosettes of deep olive-green, grey-green, or white-green and mottled with small irregular reddish-brown spots. It occasionally produces a few offsets. The rosettes slowly grow up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) tall and 3.2 inches (8 cm) in diameter. Leaves are ovate or triangular-ovate, sharp-edged, up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long, and up to 1 inch (2,5 cm) wide. Flowers are scarlet red with a yellow tip and appear on an up to 12 inches (30 cm) long stem in late spring.

This species is rare. Most of the plants you see labeled as E. purpusorum are usually hybrids. There are several more or less similar hybrids. One of them is Echeveria 'Dionysos'. E. purpusorum has more slender leaves with a pointier apex, while the leaves of E. 'Dionysos' tend to be plump.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zone 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

Most common Echeveria species are not complicated succulents to grow, provided you follow a few basic rules. First, be careful never to let water sit in the rosette as it can cause rot or fungal diseases that will kill the plant. Additionally, remove dead leaves from the bottom of the plant as it grows. These dead leaves provide a haven for pests, and Echeverias are susceptible to mealy bugs. Finally, as with all succulents, careful watering habits and plenty of light will help ensure success.

Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot a succulent, ensure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, removing any rotted or dead roots. Treat any cuts with a fungicide.

Most Echeverias can be easily propagated from leaf cuttings, although some are better from seeds or stem cuttings. To propagate a leaf cutting, place the individual leaf in potting soil for succulents and cover the dish until the new plant sprouts.

See more at How to Grow and Care for Echeveria.

Origin

This species is native to Mexico (Puebla and Oaxaca).

Hybrids

Photo Gallery

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