Succulent Turns Purple: A Complete Guide to Understanding Why and HowConclusion

Oleh Santiago Nader Juni 18, 2023 Posting Komentar

Are you worried about your succulent turning purple? Don't worry; it's not as bad as it seems. In fact, it's a natural and common phenomenon observed in succulents. But, before we get into the details of why succulent turns purple, let's understand what makes succulents unique.

Succulents are plants that store water in their leaves, stems, or roots, making them well adapted to survive in arid climates. They come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, making them popular among gardeners and houseplant enthusiasts. However, no matter how carefully you care for your succulent, it can still turn purple due to several reasons.

In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to know about succulent turning purple, including the causes, types of succulents that turn purple, and how to prevent it from happening.

What Causes Succulent to Turn Purple?

There are many reasons why succulents turn purple, and some of them include:

Sunlight Exposure: Succulents require a lot of sunlight to thrive, but too much exposure to sunlight can cause them to turn purple. This is because they produce anthocyanins, which protect them from the harmful UV rays of the sun.
Temperature: Temperature changes can also affect the color of your succulent. For instance, if your succulent is exposed to cold temperatures, it may turn purple as a result of stress.
Watering: Overwatering or underwatering your succulent can also cause it to turn purple. If your succulent is not getting enough water, it will to show signs of dehydration, including turning purple.
Nutrient Deficiency: Your succulent needs nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to grow healthy. If it's not getting enough of these nutrients, it may turn purple as a sign of stress.

Types of Succulents that Turn Purple

Not all succulents turn purple, but some are more likely to than others. Here are some common types of succulents that turn purple:

Echeveria: These rosette-shaped succulents are popular for their stunning colors, including shades of purple.
Kalanchoe: Kalanchoes are known for their vibrant colors, and some varieties, like the "Flapjack" or "Paddle Plant," turn purple when exposed to sunlight.
Graptopetalum: Graptopetalums are another type of rosette-shaped succulent that can turn purple in response to sunlight or temperature changes.
Aeonium: These succulents have a unique shape and can change color depending on the amount of sunlight they receive.

How to Prevent Succulent from Turning Purple

Preventing your succulent from turning purple requires proper care and maintenance. Here are some tips to keep your succulent healthy and prevent it from turning purple:

Provide Adequate Light: Make sure your succulent is getting enough sunlight, but isn't exposed to direct sunlight for long periods.
Watering: Water your succulent regularly, but don't overwater it. Make sure the soil is well-draining so that excess water doesn't accumulate around the roots.
Temperature: Keep your succulent in a place where the temperature is consistent, and avoid exposing it to cold drafts.
Fertilizer: Use a balanced fertilizer to provide your succulent with the necessary nutrients it needs to stay healthy.

FAQs About Succulent Turning Purple

Q1. Is it normal for succulents to turn purple?

Yes, it's normal for succulents to turn purple. It's a natural phenomenon that occurs due to various reasons like sunlight exposure, temperature changes, or nutrient deficiency.

Q2. Can I save my purple succulent?

If your succulent has turned purple due to stress, you can save it by providing it with proper care. Make sure it's getting enough water, light, and nutrients.

Q3. Does purple succulent mean it's dying?

Not necessarily. A purple succulent may indicate that it's under stress, but it doesn't necessarily mean it's dying.

Q4. How long does it take for a succulent to turn purple?

It depends on the type of succulent and the cause of its discoloration. Some succulents can turn purple in a matter of days, while others may take weeks or months.

Q5. What is the best way to prevent succulent from turning purple?

The best way to prevent your succulent from turning purple is by providing it with adequate light, water, temperature, and nutrients.

Q6. Can I remove the purple leaves from my succulent?

Yes, you can remove the purple leaves from your succulent if they're dead or damaged. However, make sure not to remove too many leaves at once as it can stress the plant.

Q7. How do I know if my succulent is dehydrated?

A dehydrated succulent will have wrinkled or soft leaves and stems. The leaves may also turn yellow or brown.

Q8. Can I use tap water to water my succulent?

It depends on the quality of your tap water. If your tap water is hard or has a high concentration of minerals, it may harm your succulent. Consider using filtered or distilled water instead.

Q9. Can I propagate my purple succulent?

Yes, you can propagate your purple succulent by taking stem or leaf cuttings and planting them in well-draining soil.

Q10. How often should I fertilize my succulent?

You should fertilize your succulent once every two to three months during the growing season.

In conclusion, succulent turning purple is a natural and common phenomenon observed in succulents. It can occur due to various reasons like sunlight exposure, temperature changes, or nutrient deficiency. However, by providing proper care and maintenance, you can prevent your succulent from turning purple and keep it healthy. Remember to provide adequate light, water, temperature, and nutrients, and your succulent will thrive.