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Echeveria Purpusorum pruning

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

I've had this purpusorum for over a year now and it keeps getting taller (as well as wider but that's a little less noticeable).

What is the best method for pruning this baby? The bottoms leaves should probably come off... but the question is then... Should I repot and just place the stem down further into the soil or... behead it? I'm somewhat reluctant to behead this plant because it's my favorite and I don't want to risk losing it.

I have south facing windows from a third floor apartment that only receive partial sun due to neighbors with large trees.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Abigail's ideas · More Info

Featured Answer

ewwmayo

5 years ago

Is the mix sand and no drain hole? Improving the mix and pot may help.

If you're very attached to the pot how it is now then additional care while watering may help.

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Comments (8)

ewwmayo
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Any special reason you want to cut it?

Mine is pretty stacked up (6" diameter and tall?). Eventually I may behead but not yet.
A. Smith
Original Author
5 years ago
I don't particularly want to cut it but I think some of the bottom leaves are starting to become a bit softer. I didn't want to risk an infection or rot.

Oh man that is a gorgeous purpusorum! I wondered how they do outside.
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You could try putting the sprout end of the leaf in dark, i.e under coarse sand or some other substrate. You could also use a rooting hormone, or a branching hormone. You can get both from a hydroponic supply...not recommending this, just saying it is an option. Rooting hormone is something I use a lot. it generally does produce roots in harder to root plants, and faster roots in those that are not hard to root. it also increases root growth on leaf props. But the issue with some reluctant echeveria leaf props is that many will produce roots, and then takes years to produce a plant bud. I have a few that are firmly rooted into their pots, have been for over a year, still waiting to see that little guy poke up.
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A. Smith
Original Author
5 years ago
It's a mixture of sand, soil and a gritty mix. There isn't a drainhole. I'm not particularly attached to the pot- it just helped with knowing when to water when I first started.

Would you suggest plastic, terracotta or glazed ceramic?
rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
I would think that lowest leaves are getting soft because of growing conditions. Glass cup/container without drainage hole, and sand...they do not provide good drainage. That is needed for all succulents. Look at beautiful and healthy plant ewwmayo is showing you - in plastic pot and mostly inorganic mix that doesn't include sand.
ewwmayo
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Clear containers are great for watering. You can drill it (very carefully) or go for a clear plastic pot if you like. That will enable you to water more freely and keep the lower leaves plump.

I would ditch the sand as it doesn't really help. Mostly gritty mix would be best but if soil mixed in works for you then that could be alright. Watch out for having your soil be too water retentive because then the lower leaves can take in too much water and split.
rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
I forgot to mention: when potting plants, they should be higher than yours is. It is too deep in the container. Pls. use more mix when repotting, so plant isn't 'lost' inside of the container. Lowest leaves should be outside of it (above the rim)...
A. Smith
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks for the advice. I will probably repot it this weekend into something more suitable.

I really love purpusorum. Currently trying to grow from seed. Recently had success with sowing E. Lauii (only 1 out of 20 seeds sprouted but it's her about 6 months and going strong).

I have another purpusorum growing from a leaf. Was quite surprised at this, as I've heard they don't normally propagate well from leaf cuttings.

Anyone else have an luck propagating purpusorum?

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