Purple dewplant (Disphyma crassifolium)
Care, watering, light and tips for Purple dewplant on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Aizoaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 14 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Purple dewplant
The 'Purple Dewplant' (Disphyma crassifolium) is a perennial, creeping succulent from the Aizoaceae family, recognized for its bright green to reddish fleshy leaves and its purple or pink flowers that open in the sun. It forms a dense, attractive mat, ideal for ground cover in rock gardens, slopes, or as a trailing plant in pots and hanging baskets. Its hardiness and low maintenance make it perfect for coastal landscapes and Mediterranean climates.
Native range
Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa
Care tips
It requires full sun for optimal flowering and vibrant foliage color; although it tolerates partial shade, it will bloom less. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot, as it is very drought-tolerant once established. It prefers well-drained, sandy or stony soils, with low organic matter content. A common mistake is overwatering, which can be fatal for this succulent.
How to save a dying Purple dewplant
- Warning signs
- Soft, wrinkled, or yellowing leaves, rotting stems at the base. Indicates overwatering or lack of light.
- First aid
- Remove plant from pot, inspect roots. Cut rotten roots, air dry for a day. Repot in dry soil.
- What kills it
- Overwatering is its demise. Needs very well-drained soil and infrequent watering.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes! It's very resilient. Cut healthy stems, let them callus, and plant. Roots easily.