The ‘Purple Haze’ succulent is a popular choice for plant enthusiasts due to its striking coloration and relatively straightforward care. Its vibrant purple hues add a distinct aesthetic to any collection, and with proper attention, this plant can thrive.
Understanding Purple Haze Succulent
Graptopetalum ‘Purple Haze’ is a hybrid succulent, a cross between Graptopetalum paraguayense and Graptopetalum superbum. This clump-forming succulent produces sprawling stems with rosettes of plump leaves, up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. The leaves are typically glaucous grey with subtle raspberry blotches, especially in winter. A powdery coating, called farina, covers each leaf, providing natural protection against sunburn. Its distinctive purple coloration intensifies significantly when exposed to strong sunlight, creating its characteristic ‘haze-like’ appearance.
Purple Haze Succulent Care
Light Requirements
Adequate light is essential for the ‘Purple Haze’ succulent’s vibrant coloration and healthy growth. This plant thrives in full sunlight, ideally receiving at least six hours of direct exposure daily. Outdoors, a south-facing garden or balcony provides optimal conditions. Indoors, a bright, southern-facing window is best. While it tolerates partial sun, prolonged lower light may result in stretched, paler leaves.
Watering Practices
The ‘Purple Haze’ succulent prefers a ‘soak and dry’ watering method. Water thoroughly until liquid drains from the pot, then allow the soil to dry completely before rewatering. Watering approximately once every three weeks is often sufficient, though this varies with environmental conditions. Overwatering is a common issue leading to root rot, so ensure the soil is dry between waterings.
Soil and Potting
Well-draining soil is essential for ‘Purple Haze’ succulents. A suitable mix includes a cactus or succulent potting blend amended with 50% to 70% mineral grit, such as coarse sand, pumice, or perlite. This gritty composition prevents water from lingering around the roots, which can cause rot. Containers must always have drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
Temperature and Humidity
‘Purple Haze’ succulents prefer mild temperatures, thriving in spring and autumn. They are not tolerant of extreme cold and should be protected from freezing temperatures. If temperatures are expected to drop below 5°C (41°F) or 30°F (-1.1°C), bring potted plants indoors. The plant may enter dormancy if temperatures consistently exceed 30°C (86°F) in summer.
Fertilizing
‘Purple Haze’ succulents do not require much fertilization due to their adaptation to nutrient-poor environments. If desired, apply a small amount of slow-release fertilizer in early summer during its active growing season. Alternatively, use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to one-quarter strength once during the growing period. Avoid fertilizing during the plant’s dormancy to prevent harm from excess nutrients.
Propagating Purple Haze Succulent
Propagating ‘Purple Haze’ succulents is done through both stem and leaf cuttings. For leaf propagation, gently twist a healthy, whole leaf from the stem, ensuring a clean break. Allow the detached leaf to callous for one to two days before placing it on slightly humid, well-draining soil. New plantlets will emerge from the leaf’s base.
For stem cuttings, use a sterile, sharp knife or scissors to remove a stem section. Allow the cut end to dry and form a callus over several days to a week. Once calloused, insert the stem cutting into well-draining succulent soil. Roots will develop from the stem.
Common Problems and Solutions
Etiolation
Etiolation is a common succulent issue where the plant stretches and becomes leggy with paler leaves due to insufficient light. Moving the plant to a brighter location and gradually acclimating it to increased light prevents further stretching, though existing etiolated growth will not revert. Severely etiolated plants can be beheaded, and the healthy top portion re-rooted to create a more compact plant.
Watering Issues
Overwatering frequently causes rot, making the plant’s tissues soft and mushy, often starting at the roots. Using well-draining soil and strictly adhering to the ‘soak and dry’ watering method prevents this. Conversely, shriveling leaves can indicate either underwatering or overwatering if root rot prevents water uptake. If leaves are wrinkled and dry, the plant needs water; if soft and mushy, it suggests too much moisture.
Pests
Pest infestations can also occur, particularly if the plant is stressed or overwatered. General succulent pests, such as mealybugs, can be addressed by isolating the affected plant and treating with horticultural sprays or by wiping them away with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab. Prompt identification and treatment help maintain plant health.