Perle von Nurnberg Info
If you are searching for an uncomplaining plant with cherubic appeal and beautiful form and color, look no further than Perle von Nurnberg Echeveria. This little succulent produces pups and will eventually grow as big as a dinner plate with good light and care. Warm region gardeners can add this plant to their landscape, while the rest of us should enjoy them in the summer and bring them indoors for winter. The Perle von Nurnberg succulent is native to Mexico. This Echeveria is said to be a cross between E. gibbiflora and E. elegans by Richard Graessner in Germany around 1930. It has dense rosettes with pointed, thickened leaves in grayish lavender tipped in blush pink. The pastel palette is one of nature’s phenomenal tricks, and as appealing as any flower. Each leaf is dusted with a fine, white powder, adding to the appeal. These little guys grow up to 10 inches (25.5 cm.) tall and 8 inches (20.5 cm.) wide. Each small plant will send up one foot (30.5 cm.) long, reddish stems with spikes of beautiful, coral, bell-like flowers. The Perle von Nurnberg plant will produce smaller rosettes, or offsets, which can be divided away from the parent plant to create new plants.
Growing Perle von Nurnberg Echeveria
Echeveria prefer full to partial sun in well-draining soil and grow well outdoors in USDA zones 9 to 11. In cooler regions, grow them in containers and set them out for summer, but bring them indoors to a bright location for winter. They are remarkably unbothered by pests or disease, but boggy soil will sound the death knell for these xeriscape plants. Once established, the plants rarely need watering and should be kept dry in winter if grown as houseplants. To improve appearance, remove spent flower stems and old rosettes that are past their prime.
Propagation of Perle von Nurnberg Succulent
Separate offsets in spring and every few years replant the rosettes, removing the oldest for a better appearance. Any time you are repotting or removing the plants, make sure the soil is dry before they are disturbed. In addition to separating the offset, these plants propagate easily from seed or leaf cuttings. Seeded plants will take years to approach mature size. Take leaf cuttings in spring or early summer. Prepare a container with succulent or cacti soil that has been lightly moistened. Place the leaf on the surface of the soil and cover the entire container with a clear, plastic bag. Once a new plant sprouts from the leaf, remove the cover.
