Succulent Turning Purple: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

If you are a succulent enthusiast, you might have noticed your beloved plant turning purple. While some species might have naturally purple hues, sudden color change could indicate underlying problems. In this article, we will explore the possible causes of succulent turning purple, prevention measures, and treatments.

Succulents are known for their low-maintenance nature, making them an ideal plant for busy individuals. They are versatile, come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. However, when succulents to turn purple, it could be an indication that something is not right. The color change could happen on different parts of the plant, such as leaves, stems, or flowers.

In most cases, purple hue in succulents is caused by stress factors like sunlight, temperature changes, or insufficient water. On the other hand, there could be more severe underlying issues that need immediate attention. Let's dive into the possible reasons why your succulent might be turning purple.

1. Sunburn

Succulents are sun-loving plants, but they can still get sunburnt. When exposed to intense sunlight for extended periods, the leaves could develop a purple tint. This is because the succulent produces anthocyanin, a pigment that helps protect the plant from harmful UV rays.

To prevent sunburn, ensure that your succulent gets enough shade during the hottest parts of the day. You can do this by moving the plant to a shaded area or providing shade cloth. If the leaves are already purple, move the succulent to a shadier spot and avoid direct sunlight until the plant recovers.

2. Temperature Stress

Succulents thrive in warm temperatures, but extreme heat or cold can cause stress, leading to purple leaves. High temperatures could make the plant lose more water than it takes in, leading to dehydration and purple hues. On the other hand, cold temperatures could cause frost damage, leading to purple leaves or entire plants dying.

Ensure that your succulent is in an environment with optimal temperatures between 60°F (15°C) and 80°F (27°C). In colder months, move the plant indoors or to a warmer location to prevent frost damage. Additionally, avoid exposing the plant to sudden temperature changes, as this could also cause stress.

3. Overwatering

Overwatering is a common mistake succulent owners make. When the soil stays too wet for extended periods, the roots could rot, leading to purple or brown leaves. The color change is usually accompanied by soft, mushy leaves or stems.

To prevent overwatering, ensure that your succulent's soil is well-draining and water only when the top inch of soil is dry. It would be best if you also were careful not to let the plant sit in standing water, as this could lead to root rot.

4. Underwatering

Underwatering can also cause your succulent to turn purple. When the plant does not get enough water, it will to conserve water by producing anthocyanin, leading to purple leaves.

To prevent underwatering, ensure that your succulent gets enough water. You can do this by watering thoroughly and allowing the soil to dry out before watering again. However, be careful not to overwater, as this could lead to root rot.

5. Nutrient Deficiency

Succulents require nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to grow healthy. When the plant lacks these essential nutrients, it could develop purple leaves or stunted growth.

To prevent nutrient deficiency, ensure that your succulent gets enough fertilizer. You can feed your plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, every four to six weeks during the growing season.

6. Pests and Diseases

Pests like mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids could cause stress to your succulent, leading to purple leaves. Additionally, diseases like powdery mildew or root rot could also cause discoloration.

To prevent pests and diseases, ensure that your succulent is in a clean environment, free from debris or dead plant material. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests. For diseases, it's best to remove infected parts of the plant and treat with a fungicide.

7. Genetics

Some succulent species have naturally purple hues due to their genetic makeup. These include Echeveria purpusorum, Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop,' and Graptopetalum amethystinum.

If you have one of these species, the purple hue is nothing to worry about and adds to the plant's beauty.

8. Environmental Factors

Environmental factors like air pollution or exposure to chemicals could also cause your succulent to turn purple. This could be because the plant produces anthocyanin as a response to protect itself from the harmful elements.

To prevent environmental factors from affecting your succulent, ensure that it's in a clean environment, away from pollutants or chemicals.

9. Aging

As succulents age, they develop various colors and textures depending on the species. Some species like Sempervivum or Haworthia develop purple hues as they mature.

If your succulent is aging, the purple hue is nothing to worry about. Instead, appreciate the changes the plant goes through as it matures.

10. Overcrowding

Overcrowding your succulent pot could lead to competition for nutrients and space, causing stress to the plants. This could lead to purple or brown leaves.

To prevent overcrowding, ensure that your succulent has enough space to grow and gets enough nutrients. You can also repot the plant into a bigger pot to give it more room.

11. Light Spectrum

The light spectrum of the light source you use could also cause your succulent to turn purple. Some artificial lights emit blue or purple light, which could cause the plant's pigments to change.

To prevent this, ensure that the light source you use provides a full spectrum of light or switch to natural sunlight.

12. Water Quality

Water quality could also affect your succulent's color. Hard water with high levels of minerals like calcium or magnesium could cause the soil to become alkaline, leading to purple leaves.

To prevent this, use distilled or rainwater to water your succulent. Alternatively, you can treat the water with an acidic fertilizer to balance the pH.

13. Humidity

Low humidity levels could cause your succulent to turn purple. This is because the plant produces anthocyanin as a response to protect itself from dehydration.

To prevent low humidity levels, place a humidifier near your succulent or mist it regularly with water.

14. Overfertilization

Overfertilization could cause nutrient burn, leading to purple or brown leaves. This is because the excess salts in the soil could build up and cause root damage.

To prevent overfertilization, ensure that you follow the recommended dosage on the fertilizer package. You can also flush the soil every few months to remove excess salts.

15. Soil pH

Succulents prefer well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If the soil's pH is too high or too low, the plant could develop purple or brown leaves.

To prevent soil pH issues, ensure that your succulent's soil is well-draining and has the optimal pH. You can also use a pH tester to monitor the soil's pH levels regularly.

In conclusion, succulent turning purple could be an indication of various underlying problems. However, with proper care and attention, you can prevent or treat the issue. Ensure that your succulent is in an environment with optimal conditions, including sunlight, temperature, water, nutrients, and soil pH. Additionally, monitor the plant for pests, diseases, and aging.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Why is my succulent turning purple?

A1. Succulent turning purple could be caused by various factors like sunburn, temperature stress, overwatering, underwatering, nutrient deficiency, pests and diseases, genetics, environmental factors, aging, overcrowding, light spectrum, water quality, humidity, overfertilization, and soil pH.

Q2. How do I prevent my succulent from turning purple?

A2. To prevent your succulent from turning purple, ensure that it's in an environment with optimal conditions, including sunlight, temperature, water, nutrients, and soil pH. Additionally, monitor the plant for pests, diseases, and aging.

Q3. How do I treat my succulent if it turns purple?

A3. The treatment for your succulent depends on the underlying cause. If the issue is due to sunburn, move the plant to a shadier spot. For temperature stress, ensure that the plant is in a suitable environment. For overwatering, reduce watering frequency. For underwatering, increase watering frequency. For nutrient deficiency, feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer. For pests and diseases, use insecticidal soap or fungicide. For aging, appreciate the changes the plant goes through. For overcrowding, repot the plant into a bigger pot.

Q4. Is it normal for some succulent species to have purple leaves?

A4. Yes, some succulent species have naturally purple hues due to their genetic makeup. These include Echeveria purpusorum, Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop,' and Graptopetalum amethystinum.

Q5. How often should I water my succulent?

A5. You should water your succulent only when the top inch of soil is dry. This could range from every two weeks to every two months, depending on various factors like temperature, humidity, and soil type.

Q6. Can artificial light cause my succulent to turn purple?

A6. Yes, some artificial lights emit blue or purple light, which could cause the plant's pigments to change. Ensure that the light source you use provides a full spectrum of light or switch to natural sunlight.

Q7. What type of fertilizer should I use for my succulent?

A7. You can feed your succulent with a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, every four to six weeks during the growing season.

Q8. Can low humidity levels cause my succulent to turn purple?

A8. Yes, low humidity levels could cause your succulent to turn purple. Place a humidifier near your succulent or mist it regularly with water.

Q9. How do I know if my succulent is overfertilized?

A9. Overfertilization could cause nutrient burn, leading to purple or brown leaves. Symptoms include leaf tip burn or brown patches on the leaves.

Q10. How do I test my soil's pH level?

A10. You can test your soil's pH level using a pH tester, available at most gardening stores.