Purple Succulents

If you want to add a pop of extraordinary color to your home or garden, look no further than purple succulents. These vibrant and easy-care plants are perfect for both beginners and experienced collectors. Their stunning hues range from soft lavender to deep, almost black violet, making them living jewels. Best of all, they thrive with the simple care routines that all succulents love.

This guide will show you how to choose, grow, and maintain these beautiful plants. You’ll learn which varieties to start with and how to keep their color bright. Let’s get your purple collection started.

What makes a succulent turn purple? It’s not magic—it’s science and a bit of stress. These plants produce pigments called anthocyanins. This is a natural sunscreen that protects them from strong sunlight and cold temperatures. When you provide the right conditions, you encourage this colorful display. It’s a sign your plant is healthy and adapting.

Top Purple Succulent Varieties for Your Collection

There are dozens of types to choose from. Here are some of the most popular and reliable purple succulents you can find.

Echeveria ‘Perle von Nurnberg’: This is a classic. It has a beautiful rosette shape with a dusty pink-purple hue. It’s widely available and a fantastic centerpiece.
Sedum ‘Purple Emperor’: This one offers dark, plum-colored foliage on upright stems. It’s excellent for adding height and drama to container gardens.
Graptopetalum ‘Murasaki’: Known for its chunky, lavender-colored leaves that form a loose rosette. It’s very forgiving and propagates easily.
Sempervivum ‘Raspberry Ice’: A hardy hen-and-chicks variety. It shows deep purple tips, especially in cooler weather, and can survive frost.
Aeonium ‘Zwartkop’: This is a showstopper. It forms large, dark purple, almost black, rosettes on woody stems. It’s perfect for a architectural statement.
Tradescantia pallida ‘Purple Heart’: While technically a tender perennial, its trailing purple stems and leaves make it a perfect companion in succulent pots.

Essential Care Guide for Vibrant Color

Keeping your purple succulents healthy and colorful is straightforward. Follow these core principles.

1. Light: The Key to Purple Hues

Light is the most important factor. To maintain or intensify purple tones, your plants need plenty of bright, indirect light. Some direct sun is usually necessary.

Indoors: Place them in a south or east-facing window. If the leaves start stretching or turning green, they need more light. A grow light can help during dark winters.
Outdoors: Aim for morning sun and afternoon shade in hot climates. Full sun in cooler coastal areas is often fine. Acclimate them slowly to prevent sunburn.

2. Watering: The “Soak and Dry” Method

Overwatering is the fastest way to lose a succulent. These plants store water in there leaves.

Wait until the soil is completely dry. Stick your finger in the top inch.
When dry, water thoroughly until it runs out the drainage hole.
Let the pot drain completely. Never let the plant sit in a saucer of water.
Wait for the soil to dry out again. This could be every 1-2 weeks in summer, and every 3-4 weeks in winter.

3. Soil and Potting: Drainage is Everything

Succulents hate wet feet. Use a well-draining soil mix. You can buy a pre-made cactus & succulent mix. For even better drainage, amend it with perlite or pumice (about a 50/50 mix). Always use a pot with a drainage hole. Terracotta pots are excellent because they breathe and help soil dry faster.

4. Temperature and Stress Colors

Cooler temperatures can enhance purple pigmentation. Many purple succulents will show their best color in the spring and fall. A slight chill (but not a freeze) tells the plant to produce more anthocyanins. Protect them from extreme frost unless you know the variety is cold-hardy.

Common Problems and Simple Solutions

Even easy-care plants can have issues. Here’s how to spot and fix them.

Stretching or Pale Leaves: This is called etiolation. It means your plant isn’t getting enough light. Move it to a brighter location gradually.
Soft, Mushy Leaves (Often Brown/Black): This is root rot from overwatering. You must act fast. Cut away all rot, let the plant callous, and replant in fresh, dry soil.
Dry, Shriveled Leaves: Underwatering. Give the plant a good soak. The lower leaves will sometimes dry up naturally as the plant grows.
Pests: Watch for mealybugs (white cottony spots) or aphids. Wipe them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Neem oil is a good organic treatment.

Propagating Your Purple Succulents

One of the joys of succulents is making more plants for free. Here’s two easy methods.

Leaf Propagation

Gently twist a healthy, plump leaf from the stem. Get the whole base.
Let the leaf end dry and form a callous for 2-3 days.
Place the calloused leaf on top of dry succulent soil.
Mist the soil lightly every few days once tiny roots appear. Wait for a new baby plant to grow.

Stem Cuttings

Cut a healthy stem with a clean, sharp knife.
Remove a few leaves from the bottom of the cutting.
Let the cut end callous over for several days.
Plant the calloused stem in dry soil. Do not water for about a week, then water lightly.

Design Ideas with Purple Succulents

Their color makes them fantastic design elements. Try these ideas.

Monochromatic Pots: Group several different purple succulents together for a stunning tonal display. Add textures with spiky or rounded forms.
Color Contrast: Pair purple succulents with bright green, orange, or yellow varieties. The contrast makes the purple really stand out.
Living Wreaths: Use a wire frame and sphagnum moss to create a living wreath of purple and green succulents.
Vertical Gardens: Many purple trailing types, like ‘Purple Heart’, are perfect for adding color to a vertical succulent frame.

Seasonal Care Tips

Your care routine should change with the seasons.

Spring & Summer (Growing Season): Water more regularly, fertilize lightly with a diluted succulent fertilizer once at the start of the season. This is the best time to repot or propagate.
Fall: Reduce watering as growth slows. Enjoy the vibrant colors brought on by cooler nights.
Winter (Dormant Season): Water very sparingly, just enough to prevent shriveling. Keep plants away from cold drafts and provide as much light as possible indoors.

FAQ About Purple Succulents

Why is my purple succulent turning green?
This is usually due to insufficient light. The plant is reducing its protective pigments. Gradually move it to a brighter spot to bring the color back.

Can purple succulents live indoors?
Yes, absolutely. Choose a very bright window, preferably south-facing. Rotate the pot regularly for even growth. Consider a grow light if your home is dark.

How often should I water my purple succulent?
There’s no set schedule. Always check the soil. Water only when it is completely dry all the way through. The frequency depends on your climate, season, and pot type.

Are purple succulents rare?
While some specific cultivars can be, many beautiful purple varieties are common and affordable at garden centers or online shops. ‘Perle von Nurnberg’ is a great starter plant.

What’s the best fertilizer for them?
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. Apply it only once at the beginning of the growing season (spring). Too much fertilizer can cause weak growth and reduce color intensity.

Adding purple succulents to your space is a simple way to enjoy vibrant, low-maintenance beauty. By providing strong light, careful watering, and the right soil, you’ll be rewarded with stunning colors year-round. Start with one or two easy varieties and watch your collection grow.