Echeveria succulents are popular for their rosette forms and diverse colors. Among the many varieties, Echeveria ‘Purple Pearl’ and Echeveria ‘Perle von Nurnberg’ are two often confused cultivars due to their similar appearances. This article distinguishes between these two plants, exploring their unique characteristics and shared care requirements.
Key Distinguishing Features
Coloration primarily distinguishes Echeveria ‘Purple Pearl’ from Echeveria ‘Perle von Nurnberg’. Echeveria ‘Purple Pearl’ typically displays a deeper, more intense purple hue across its leaves, often with a waxy, plum-purple appearance and silver edges. This rich coloration intensifies significantly under bright light conditions. In contrast, Echeveria ‘Perle von Nurnberg’ exhibits softer, more pastel tones, ranging from grayish-lavender to pink and purplish-pink highlights. Its color also deepens to pink or coral in full sun.
Leaf shape and rosette structure also provide identification clues. Both varieties feature fleshy, pointed leaves arranged in a rosette. Echeveria ‘Purple Pearl’ has slightly more rounded or slightly pointed leaves. Echeveria ‘Perle von Nurnberg’ leaves are thick and triangular, forming a rosette shape with overlapping leaves.
Farina, a powdery coating, differs in prominence between these two plants. Echeveria ‘Perle von Nurnberg’ is known for a more noticeable, delicate white powdery dusting, which gives it a pearly or soft sheen. While Echeveria ‘Purple Pearl’ also possesses farina, it might be thinner or appear more waxy.
Both cultivars produce coral pink blooms on tall stalks during summer. Echeveria ‘Purple Pearl’ spikes reach about 12 inches. Echeveria ‘Perle von Nurnberg’ flowers, sometimes with yellow interiors, also grow on stalks up to 12 inches long.
Shared Care Requirements
Both thrive in bright, direct sunlight to maintain vibrant coloration and compact forms. Insufficient light can lead to etiolation, causing the plants to stretch and lose their intense color. For indoor cultivation, a south-facing window providing at least six hours of sunlight daily is ideal, and grow lights can supplement natural light.
When watering, a “soak and dry” method is crucial, ensuring the soil dries completely between waterings. Overwatering is a common cause of issues, leading to root rot and mushy leaves. Watering should be reduced significantly during winter months when the plants are less active.
A well-draining soil mix is essential to prevent waterlogging and promote healthy root development. A specialized succulent or cactus mix, amended with gritty materials like perlite or coarse sand, ensures proper aeration and drainage. Pots with drainage holes are also necessary to allow excess water to escape.
These Echeveria prefer warm temperatures and are not tolerant of frost, thriving in temperatures between 60°F and 85°F (15-29°C). If outdoor temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C), it is advisable to bring them indoors to protect them from cold damage. Minimal fertilizing is needed; they benefit from a diluted, low-nitrogen fertilizer during their active growing season in spring and summer.
Growth Habits and Mature Characteristics
Echeveria ‘Perle von Nurnberg’ achieves a slightly larger mature rosette size compared to Echeveria ‘Purple Pearl’. Perle von Nurnberg rosettes can reach up to 6-8 inches in diameter, and the plant can grow 8-10 inches tall. Echeveria ‘Purple Pearl’ rosettes range from 5-8 inches wide, with a height of 3-6 inches.
Echeveria ‘Perle von Nurnberg’ has a medium to fast growth rate under optimal conditions. Echeveria ‘Purple Pearl’ has a moderate or slow growth rate. The growth rate for both can be influenced by light exposure and care.
Echeveria ‘Perle von Nurnberg’ is known to produce “pups” or offsets. This characteristic can lead to a fuller, more clustered appearance over time. Echeveria ‘Purple Pearl’ also produces offsets, which can be removed for propagation.
Both varieties can form a prominent stem as they mature, with the rosette growing up on a slender stem over time. Echeveria ‘Perle von Nurnberg’ can develop a stem, and some growers choose to “behead” the plant to maintain a compact form. This natural stem elongation is a normal part of their growth cycle.
Making Your Identification or Choice
When identifying an existing plant, observe the primary color saturation. Echeveria ‘Purple Pearl’ will consistently display a deeper, more uniform purple across its leaves, often with a distinct waxy or plum-like sheen. Echeveria ‘Perle von Nurnberg’, on the other hand, will exhibit softer, more pastel shades of grayish-pink or lavender, frequently accented by a noticeable powdery coating (farina). Consider the mature size, as Perle von Nurnberg forms a slightly larger rosette.
If selecting a new plant, consider your aesthetic preference for color intensity and leaf texture. Choose Echeveria ‘Purple Pearl’ for a bolder, richer purple statement with a somewhat waxy feel. Opt for Echeveria ‘Perle von Nurnberg’ if you prefer delicate pastel hues and a distinctive powdery finish. Both are beautiful and easy-to-care-for succulents.