Echeveria Perle von Nurnberg (ech-eh-VER-ee-ah) is an evergreen succulent, with parents native to Central America, Mexico belonging to the Echeveria plant family.
It is a very popular hybrid succulent of Echeveria gibbiflora ‘Metalica’ and Echeveria elegans (formerly Echeveria potosina).
The hybrid Echeveria Perle von Nurnberg was created by Richard Graessner in Germany during the 1930s.
It is popular among succulent lovers due to its unique two-toned, pink highlights and white powdery dusting appearance.
This beautiful succulent plant goes by the common name: Pearl of Nurnberg
Echeveria Perle von Nurnberg Care
Size and Growth
This Echeveria variety has a moderate growth rate but isn’t a very tall plant. It grows to be up to 3” to 5” tall with a spread of 6” in ideal light conditions.
The rosettes on individual flowers can be about 6” wide.
Perle grows well indoors when kept in bright light near a sunny windowsill or under grow lights. Outdoors, it is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 10.
Flowering and Fragrance
The Echeveria Perle von Nurnberg succulent is extremely popular due to its attractive two-toned appearance. The rosettes are thick, fleshy with pointed leaves.
While the foliage is a nice frosty pale grayish brown, with a light pink to purple tint all over.
There is also a thin white powder along the leaves which only increases the frosted effect.
During the summer it will bloom with coral pink flowers and a yellow interior that are generally fragrance-free.
Light and Temperature
These plants have moderate light needs. It can handle partial shade to full sun (gives best color) and should ideally get at least six hours of sun a day.
This Echeveria is not very cold hardy, or frost resistance so ideal temperatures are above 40° degrees Fahrenheit.
However it can tolerate some cold temperatures from 25° to 30° degrees Fahrenheit.
Watering and Feeding
This plant doesn’t have very high watering needs. It is also known to be mildly drought tolerant.
Perle von Nurnberg Echeveria enjoys more water when it’s in its growth phase.
Once established, decrease the frequency of watering.
However, if you live in an extremely hot climate or are growing in a container, continue with regular watering.
The best way to water Echeveria Perle is to allow the soil to dry out between waterings. More in our article Watering Echeveria Succulents – How To and How Often.
Well Draining Soil and Transplanting
Nurnberg Echeveria enjoys a loose, well-drained and fast draining porous soil.
Add natural pumice and lava rocks to the soil to help increase extra drainage. However, you can also use a commercial cactus soil mix.
Transplant every few years to avoid compacted soil. When repotting Nurnberg Echeveria perle:
- Remove it from its current spot
- Knock away the old soil
- Remove and clean any rotting roots or leaves
- Repot it in its new home with fresh soil
Grooming and Maintenance
Nurnberg Echeveria perle does not generally require a lot of maintenance, however, make a point to remove all dead leaves as they shed during the plant’s growth.
This is where little white bugs on succulents (mealybugs) like to hide.
Every three to four years, you can revive your plant’s luster with clippings and by re-rooting the solitary rosettes.
How to Propagate Echeveria Perle von Nürnberg
This is a notoriously easy plant to propagate and can be done in a number of ways.
Leaf Cuttings
When using leaves cuttings in spring to propagate Echeveria Perle von, don’t cut them off. Instead, gently pull the leaf away by twisting it away from the stem.
This will increase the chances of successful propagation.
Allow the leaf to dry out a few days and callous over before you plant it.
Once dried, place the leaf cuttings (stem cuttings root too) in well-draining soil and water them consistently whenever the soil dries out. As the leaves begin to take root began regular succulent watering practices.
Top The Plant
While this sounds quite sinister, it’s actually quite simple. Take a sharp pair of scissors and cut off the top of the plant, leaving a few inches at the base.
Once the base of the cut head has dried out, plant the rosette in fresh soil.
Follow suggested watering instructions from above for leaf cuttings.
Mother Plant Offsets
Remove offsets in spring from the mother plant. Allow the cut to dry out, plant the offset in fresh soil.
Follow the above suggested watering instructions for leaf cuttings.
Pearl of Nurnberg Pest or Disease Problems
Echeveria Perle von Nürnberg can experience attacks from mealybugs. Inspect plants regularly and remove dead leaves left at the base of the plant.
In addition to this, it is also important to never let this plant stand in water or else the chances of root rot and other fungal diseases will increase.
While it’s rare, you should also keep an eye out for vine weevil and aphids just in case.
Learn more in our article on controlling succulent Echeveria pests.
Suggested Uses for Pearl of Nurnberg
Apart from being a gorgeous addition to rock gardens, you’ll love to see Echeveria Perle von Nürnberg in a stunning addition to a succulent dish garden or wedding bouquets or as part of a wide floral pot arrangement.