How to Grow and Care for Pearl Echeveria

The Echeveria ‘Perle von Nürnberg’ is a popular succulent known for its rosette shape and coloring. Its plump, fleshy leaves display a blend of muted purple, pink, and gray tones, creating a pearlescent appearance. The plant’s compact size and simple care needs make it a suitable feature for windowsills and succulent gardens.

Essential Care Guide

Light

This succulent requires at least six hours of direct sun per day to maintain its vibrant colors and bring out the deepest pink and purple hues. If grown indoors, a south-facing window provides the necessary intense light. Without enough sun, the colors may fade to a pale green. Consistently rotating the pot ensures all sides of the plant receive even light exposure.

Soil

The ‘Perle von Nürnberg’ thrives in gritty, well-draining soil that prevents water from accumulating around its roots. A commercial cactus or succulent mix is suitable, as these blends provide the necessary aeration and drainage. This soil composition mimics the plant’s natural arid habitat.

Water

This succulent stores water in its leaves, making it drought-tolerant. Use the “soak and dry” method: drench the soil thoroughly, then allow it to dry out completely before watering again. During its winter dormancy, the plant requires significantly less water. Check the soil with your finger; if the top few inches feel dry, it is time to water.

Temperature and Fertilizer

‘Perle von Nürnberg’ prefers temperatures between 60°F and 85°F (15°C to 23°C). It is not frost-tolerant and must be moved indoors if temperatures drop below 30°F (-1°C). This plant does not have high fertilizer demands. If you choose to fertilize, use a diluted, low-nitrogen liquid fertilizer for succulents once during the spring or summer growing season.

Propagating New Plants

New ‘Perle von Nürnberg’ plants can be created through leaf propagation. Gently twist a healthy, full leaf off the stem, ensuring it comes off cleanly, as a partial leaf will not sprout. Set the leaf in a dry, shaded spot for several days to allow the cut end to form a callus, which prevents the leaf from rotting.

After the callus forms, lay the leaf flat on top of a well-draining succulent mix. In about a month, new roots and a small rosette should begin to form at the base of the leaf.

Another method is beheading, which is useful when a plant becomes “leggy.” Use a clean knife to cut the top rosette from the stem, leaving a few inches of stem attached. Allow the cutting to callus for a couple of days before planting it in fresh soil. The original stem will often sprout new rosettes.

Repotting Instructions

Repot ‘Perle von Nürnberg’ every two to three years or when it outgrows its container, preferably during summer when the soil is dry. Repotting refreshes the soil and allows you to check the roots for rot. Gently remove the plant from its old pot and brush away the old soil from the roots.

Select a new pot that is slightly larger than the previous one and has a drainage hole. Fill the new pot with a fresh, well-draining succulent mix. After placing the plant in its new container, wait a few days before watering to allow the roots to settle.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Mushy, yellowing, or translucent leaves are a sign of overwatering, which can lead to root rot. To fix this, reduce watering frequency and ensure the soil dries out completely between waterings.

If the plant stretches out with increasing space between the leaves, it is experiencing etiolation. This “leggy” growth occurs when the succulent is not receiving enough light. Move the plant to a location with more direct sunlight to encourage compact, colorful growth.

Mealybugs are a common pest and appear as small, white, cotton-like insects in the rosette’s crevices. Dab the pests with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to remove them. For larger infestations, an insecticidal soap may be necessary.