Light
Full sun brings out the color, deepening the purplish-pink tones on the gray leaves. Indoors, give it your sunniest window. In weak light the color is duller and the rosette opens up and stretches toward the glass.
Water
Water moderately while it's growing. Soak the mix, let it drain, then wait until it's dry before the next drink. In winter keep it almost dry. Water the soil rather than the rosette, because water left sitting in the center can cause rot.
Soil & pots
Use cactus mix, which is gritty and drains fast, in a pot with drainage holes. Don't overpot. Extra soil stays wet for too long and invites rot, so move it up only one size, in spring.
Temperature
It isn't frost hardy. The RHS rates it as able to take cool nights but not being frozen, and a cool, nearly dry winter suits it. It can spend summer outdoors, but bring it back in well before the first frost.
Is Perle von Nürnberg safe for pets?
Non-toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA doesn't list this hybrid by name. It does list one of its parents, Echeveria elegans, as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses, and NC State Extension tags echeverias in general as non-toxic to cats, dogs and horses.
Propagation
Separate offsets in spring, or take stem or leaf cuttings in spring and early summer.
- Twist off a healthy lower leaf whole, or cut off a rosette with a short stem.
- Let it dry for a few days until the end calluses.
- Set it on or in gritty mix in bright, indirect light.
- Keep the mix only slightly moist until roots form.
Common problems
FAQ
Is Perle von Nürnberg safe for cats and dogs?
As far as we can tell, yes. The ASPCA doesn't list this hybrid by name, but it lists one of its parents, Echeveria elegans, as non-toxic to cats, dogs and horses, and NC State Extension tags echeverias as non-toxic.
What are the parents of Perle von Nürnberg?
NC State Extension gives its parentage as Echeveria gibbiflora 'Metallica' × Echeveria elegans. Both parents are Mexican species, and Kew now treats the old name Echeveria metallica as part of Echeveria gibbiflora.
Is Duchess of Nuremberg the same plant?
Yes. The RHS lists 'Duchess of Nuremberg' as another name for 'Perle von Nürnberg'.
Why is my Perle von Nürnberg losing its color?
Usually not enough light. The purplish-pink tones are strongest in full sun, and in a dim spot the rosette also stretches. Move it into more sun gradually so it doesn't scorch.
Does Perle von Nürnberg flower?
Yes. In summer it sends up branched stalks up to about 18 in. (45 cm) tall, with light red flowers.
Sources
- Echeveria 'Perle von Nürnberg': RHS
- Echeveria: North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Echeveria gibbiflora DC.: Plants of the World Online, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Echeveria elegans Rose: Plants of the World Online, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Hens and Chickens (Echeveria elegans): ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants
- Echeveria: RHS
- How to grow houseplant cacti and succulents: RHS
- Echeveria: UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions