Crassula atropurpurea
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Crassula atropurpurea

Tier 2 Difficulty: hard Water: high Light: full_sun
Temperature
20–37 °C
0
Hardiness
Zone 9–11
Click count
25
Observations
9

Description

Source: leafsnap

Crassula atropurpurea (Purple Crassula) is a succulent plant, very common and widespread in the southern Karoo regions of South Africa and Namibia.

Care Guide

💧 Water

Crassula atropurpurea needs thoughtful watering, which depends on several factors: weather, the plant's condition, soil moisture, and the type of pot being used. During its dormancy period, you should water less frequently, about once every one to two weeks. In the summer, it's best to water in the evening to prevent root rot. Always keep an eye on the soil's condition to avoid overwatering.

☀️ Light Full sun

Crassula atropurpurea, native to dry regions, does best in full sun, since its natural habitat has strong sunlight and little shade. It can also tolerate partial sun, giving it some flexibility in how it grows.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C

Crassula atropurpurea tolerates some heat but mainly does best and grows during cooler seasons, becoming dormant in summer. In hot summer conditions, provide shade to prevent scorching from intense sunlight. Watering should be reduced or stopped during the hottest period to avoid root rot. Winter and spring are when Crassula atropurpurea grows most vigorously. As long as temperatures do not fall too low, it will continue to grow steadily.

Ideal temperature: 20–37.8°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 0-0
Soil pH: 0-0
🌱 Fertilizer

For Crassula atropurpurea, light applications of fertilizer once or twice a year during the growing season are sufficient. Do not fertilize in winter or in summer when it is dormant. Cut back on fertilizer for repotted plants and wait a couple of months after repotting before fertilizing. Fertilizing supports healthy growth and encourages blooms.

🪴 Pot & Repot Every 3 years
Suggested frequency: Every 3 years
✂️ Pruning

Crassula atropurpurea is a succulent known for its fleshy leaves with a purple tint. To keep the plant healthy and well-shaped, it's best to prune it in early spring. Remove any leggy or damaged stems, ensuring that you make clean cuts with sterilized tools. This practice encourages new growth and helps manage the plant's size. For optimal health, moderate pruning is recommended.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Succulent
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Crassula
Family
Crassulaceae
Hardiness Zone
9-11
Mature Height
15 cm to 30 cm
Mature Spread
20 cm to 40 cm
Leaf Color
Dark Green, Purple
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
White, Pink
Flower Size
0.51 cm to 0.76 cm
Bloom Time
Mid spring, Late spring
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Early summer, Mid summer
Native Area
South Africa, Namibia

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