Echeveria 'Perle von Nürnberg'

🌿 The Echeveria 'Perle von Nürnberg' is a stunning succulent hybrid belonging to the Crassulaceae family. This cultivar was created by German nurseryman Richard Graessner in the 1930s by crossing Echeveria gibbiflora var. metallica with Echeveria elegans. Native to the arid regions of Mexico where its parent species originate, this succulent has adapted to dry conditions with thick, water-storing leaves arranged in perfect rosettes. It's an excellent choice for beginners due to its forgiving nature and minimal care requirements. Fun fact: the plant's dusty purple coating, called farina or epicuticular wax, acts as natural sunscreen and helps protect it from intense sunlight and moisture loss.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This compact succulent forms tight, symmetrical rosettes that typically reach 10 to 15 centimetres across. The spoon-shaped leaves are plump and fleshy, displaying gorgeous pastel hues that shift from soft lavender-grey to peachy pink depending on sun exposure and season. Each leaf has a subtle powdery coating that gives the entire plant an almost ethereal, dusty appearance. The rosette grows upright at first, though mature plants may produce offsets or pups around the base, creating charming clusters over time.
FLOWER DETAILS
In late spring to early summer, the Perle von Nürnberg sends up tall, arching stems that can reach 30 centimetres in height, topped with coral-pink to orange-red bell-shaped flowers. The blooms have a waxy texture and appear in clusters along one side of the stem. While not heavily fragrant, they add a cheerful pop of warm colour that contrasts beautifully with the cool-toned foliage. The plant flowers reliably once established, typically once per year. To encourage blooming, provide bright light during winter months and allow the plant to experience a slight temperature drop, mimicking its natural seasonal cycle. The spent flower stalk can be trimmed after blooms fade.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS

🌞 Light: Bright, direct sunlight for at least 4 to 6 hours daily. A south or west-facing window works perfectly. Morning sun is ideal to intensify the pink and purple tones.
💧 Water: Water deeply but infrequently. Allow soil to dry completely between waterings. In summer, water every 10 to 14 days. In winter, reduce to once a month or less. Use the soak-and-dry method, ensuring excess water drains away.
🌡️ Humidity: Thrives in low humidity, around 30 to 40 percent. Average household air is perfect. Avoid placing near humidifiers or in bathrooms.
🪴 Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix. Add extra perlite or coarse sand if needed to improve drainage.
🏺 Potting: Use a shallow terracotta or ceramic pot with drainage holes. Pot should be just slightly larger than the rosette. Repot every 2 to 3 years in spring.
🌱 Growth rate: Slow to moderate. Expect a few centimetres of growth over 6 months. Full maturity reached in 2 to 3 years. Mature size remains compact at 10 to 15 centimetres wide.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed once in spring and once in summer with diluted succulent fertilizer at half strength. Do not fertilize in fall or winter.
🐾 Pet friendly: Yes, this Echeveria is non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it a safe choice for homes with curious pets.

WHERE TO PUT IT
The Perle von Nürnberg thrives in bright spots like sunny windowsills, sunrooms, or covered patios during warmer months. It's perfect for kitchens, home offices, or living rooms where it can receive ample light. Display it on a shelf, desk, or as part of a succulent arrangement. This plant does well in modern, minimalist spaces and pairs beautifully with other drought-tolerant plants. Avoid placing it in dim corners, bathrooms with high humidity, or areas without direct sunlight, as insufficient light will cause the rosette to stretch and lose its compact shape and vibrant colouring.