Echeveria purpusiorum

Botanical identity and natural origin of Echeveria purpusiorum

Echeveria purpusiorum is endemic to Mexico from Puebla into Oaxaca, where it grows on exposed rocky ground in dry shrubland. The species occupies small pockets of freely draining ground with intense light and little soil around the roots.

It is listed as endangered in Mexico.

Care for Echeveria purpusiorum

• Slow growth and watering: Because this species grows slowly, the pot can stay moist for a while after watering. Water again after the deeper mix has dried and the pot feels light.
• Light and mottling: Very bright conditions keep the rosette dense and the red-brown mottling distinct. Introduce direct sun gradually so the thick leaves have time to adjust.
• Pot and mix: A small pot and a loose succulent mix suit this compact species. The mix should drain quickly and stay loose.
• Feeding: Feed lightly with a complete fertiliser while the plant is making new leaves or a flower stalk. Pause when growth slows.
• Temperature and airflow: Normal indoor temperatures are suitable as long as the plant stays frost-free. Keep air moving around the tight rosette after watering and whenever humidity is high.
• Repotting: Use fresh mix once the roots have filled the pot or drainage has slowed, choosing a pot only slightly larger.
• Propagation: Healthy leaves and offsets can be rooted when available, and the species can also be grown from seed. Let any cut surface dry and seal before you root the cutting.

Troubleshooting Echeveria purpusiorum

• The rosette loosens and new leaves emerge with much weaker mottling: The plant needs stronger light. Move it into brighter conditions gradually. New leaves should form a tighter centre and develop darker mottling.
• Leaves wrinkle even though the mix remains damp: The roots may be damaged and unable to supply the leaves properly. Inspect them before watering again. Remove soft brown roots with a clean tool until the remaining roots are firm and healthy. Discard the removed roots and let any fresh cuts dry. Repot the plant in fresh succulent mix if firm roots remain.
• The stem base turns soft and brown-black: Rot has entered the stem. With a disinfected blade, cut above all affected tissue until the cut surface is firm and shows only healthy tissue. Discard the rotten base, let the cut dry and seal, then set the healthy rosette in fresh mix to form new roots.
• Dry pale marks appear after a sudden jump in direct sun: The leaves have scorched. Reduce direct sun while the plant adjusts, then increase direct sun gradually.
• Mealybugs appear between the tightly packed leaves: Check the whole rosette and roots because insects can hide deep between the leaves or below the soil line. Remove visible pests and use a mealybug treatment labelled for ornamental plants. Follow the label if repeat treatment is required.

Echeveria purpusiorum is non-toxic to cats and dogs

• This plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs.
• Its effects on people are unclear, so keep it away from young children who may chew it.
• Eating a large amount can still cause an upset stomach. Seek medical or veterinary advice if symptoms continue.

What does Echeveria purpusiorum mean, and who first published it?

Echeveria commemorates Atanasio Echeverría y Godoy. Purpusiorum commemorates the German plant collectors Carl Albert Purpus and Joseph Anton Purpus.

Augustin Pyramus de Candolle established the genus Echeveria in 1828 in Prodromus Systematis Naturalis Regni Vegetabilis, volume 3, page 401.

Alwin Berger first described Echeveria purpusiorum in 1930 in Nat. Pflanzenfam., edition 2, volume 18a, page 476.