The Echeveria ‘Purple Pearl’ is a captivating succulent known for its vibrant coloration. A hybrid of Echeveria gibbiflora ‘Metallica’ and Echeveria elegans, it was further developed from Echeveria ‘Perle von Nürnberg’ for deeper purple tones. Its rosettes of fleshy, olive-green to lavender-rose leaves, often with pink edges, make it a popular ornamental choice.
Essential Care Requirements
Light
Echeveria ‘Purple Pearl’ thrives in bright, indirect light to full sun. Sufficient light maintains its purple coloration, intensifying hues. Indoors, a south or east-facing window provides adequate light.
Insufficient light causes etiolation, leading to a spindly appearance and dulling color. Harsh midday sun, especially in summer, can scorch leaves. Gradual exposure to increased light prevents burning and promotes compact growth.
Watering
Proper watering is essential for Echeveria ‘Purple Pearl’ health; overwatering is a common issue. The “soak and dry” method is recommended: water thoroughly until drainage, then allow soil to dry completely before rewatering. This mimics its arid habitat and prevents root rot.
Watering frequency depends on season and climate; typically every two to three weeks, reduced in dormant winter. Check soil moisture by feeling if the topsoil is completely dry. Avoid letting water sit in the rosette to prevent rot or fungal diseases.
Soil
A well-draining soil mix is necessary for Echeveria ‘Purple Pearl’ to prevent waterlogging and root rot. A commercial succulent or cactus potting mix is suitable. For improved drainage and aeration, add coarse sand, perlite, or pumice.
An ideal mix is equal parts potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite or pumice. This gritty mix allows water to pass quickly, mimicking their natural rocky habitat. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes.
Temperature
Echeveria ‘Purple Pearl’ thrives in warm temperatures, ideally 18-29°C (65-85°F). It tolerates 0-43°C (32-109°F), but is sensitive to frost and does not survive freezing. In colder climates (outside USDA Zones 9-11), bring plants indoors before frost.
Overcooling causes leaf discoloration and softening; excessive heat can cause scorching and wilting. Protecting plants during extreme temperatures with frost cloths or shade maintains health. It prefers low humidity, so good air circulation is beneficial.
Feeding and Maintenance
Echeveria ‘Purple Pearl’ has minimal fertilization needs, adapted to nutrient-poor environments. If desired, apply a diluted, balanced succulent fertilizer during its active growing season (spring and summer). A slow-release fertilizer once a year in spring is sufficient, or a liquid feed every two to three weeks during growth.
Avoid fertilizing during fall and winter dormancy, as excess nutrients can harm growth. Routine maintenance involves removing dead lower leaves. This improves air circulation and prevents pests.
Repotting Your Echeveria Purple Pearl
Repot Echeveria ‘Purple Pearl’ when it outgrows its container or the soil degrades. Signs include roots circling drainage holes or the plant becoming top-heavy. The ideal time is spring or early summer, allowing the plant to establish.
Before repotting, stop watering a few days in advance to dry the soil. Gently remove the plant, carefully knock away old soil, and trim dead or rotted sections with sterile tools. Choose a new pot only slightly larger, ensuring drainage holes. After repotting in fresh, well-draining succulent soil, avoid watering for a day or two to allow disturbed roots to callus and prevent rot.
Common Problems and Solutions
Etiolation, a stretched, leggy appearance with loss of vibrant color, results from insufficient light. To remedy, gradually increase light exposure by moving it or supplementing with a grow light. Stretched growth will not revert, but new growth will be compact and colorful under improved light.
Root rot is a common problem linked to overwatering and poor soil drainage. Symptoms include mushy stems or leaves, indicating root decay. To address, unpot the plant, trim black, mushy roots, and allow it to dry for a day or two before repotting in fresh, well-draining soil with good drainage. Proper watering, ensuring soil dries completely between waterings, is the primary preventative measure.
Echeveria ‘Purple Pearl’ can be susceptible to common succulent pests like mealybugs, aphids, and vine weevils. Regularly inspect the plant, especially where leaves meet the stem and under foliage, for early detection. For minor infestations, remove pests manually with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or treat with neem oil. For widespread issues, apply insecticidal soap, ensuring thorough coverage.
The Echeveria ‘Purple Pearl’ is a succulent known for its vibrant coloration. A hybrid of Echeveria gibbiflora ‘Metallica’ and Echeveria elegans, it was developed from Echeveria ‘Perle von Nürnberg’ for deeper purple tones. Its rosettes of fleshy, olive-green to lavender-rose leaves make it a popular ornamental.
Essential Care Requirements
Light
Echeveria ‘Purple Pearl’ thrives in bright, indirect to full sun. Sufficient light maintains its purple coloration, intensifying hues. Indoors, a south or east-facing window provides adequate light.
Insufficient light causes etiolation, leading to a spindly appearance and dulling color. Harsh midday sun, especially in summer, can scorch leaves. Gradual exposure to increased light prevents burning and promotes compact growth.
Watering
Proper watering is essential for Echeveria ‘Purple Pearl’ health; overwatering is a common issue. The “soak and dry” method is recommended: water thoroughly until drainage, then allow soil to dry completely before rewatering. This mimics its arid habitat and prevents root rot.
Watering frequency depends on season and climate; typically every two to three weeks, reduced in dormant winter. Check soil moisture by feeling if the topsoil is completely dry. Avoid letting water sit in the rosette to prevent rot or fungal diseases.
Soil
A well-draining soil mix is necessary for Echeveria ‘Purple Pearl’ to prevent waterlogging and root rot. A commercial succulent or cactus potting mix is suitable. For improved drainage and aeration, add coarse sand, perlite, or pumice.
An ideal mix is equal parts potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite or pumice. This gritty mix allows water to pass quickly, mimicking their natural rocky habitat. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes.
Temperature
Echeveria ‘Purple Pearl’ thrives in warm temperatures, ideally 18-29°C (65-85°F). It tolerates 0-43°C (32-109°F), but is sensitive to frost and does not survive freezing. In colder climates (outside USDA Zones 9-11), bring plants indoors before frost.
Overcooling causes leaf discoloration and softening; excessive heat can cause scorching and wilting. Protecting plants during extreme temperatures with frost cloths or shade maintains health. It prefers low humidity, so good air circulation is beneficial.
Feeding and Maintenance
Echeveria ‘Purple Pearl’ has minimal fertilization needs, adapted to nutrient-poor environments. Apply a diluted, balanced succulent fertilizer during its active growing season (spring and summer). A slow-release fertilizer once a year in spring is sufficient, or a liquid feed every two to three weeks during growth.
Avoid fertilizing during fall and winter dormancy, as excess nutrients can harm growth. Routine maintenance involves removing dead lower leaves. This improves air circulation and prevents pests.
Repotting Your Echeveria Purple Pearl
Repot Echeveria ‘Purple Pearl’ when it outgrows its container or soil degrades. Signs include roots circling drainage holes or a top-heavy plant. Ideal time is spring or early summer for establishment.
Before repotting, stop watering a few days in advance to dry soil. Gently remove the plant, knock away old soil, and trim dead or rotted sections with sterile tools. Choose a new pot only slightly larger, ensuring drainage holes. After repotting in fresh, well-draining succulent soil, avoid watering for a day or two to allow disturbed roots to callus and prevent rot.
Common Problems and Solutions
Etiolation, a stretched, leggy appearance with dull color, results from insufficient light. Remedy by gradually increasing light or supplementing with a grow light. Stretched growth won’t revert, but new growth will be compact and colorful.
Root rot is common from overwatering and poor drainage. Symptoms include mushy stems or leaves. To address, unpot, trim black/mushy roots, dry for a day or two, then repot in fresh, well-draining soil with good drainage. Proper watering, ensuring soil dries completely, prevents this.
Echeveria ‘Purple Pearl’ can get pests like mealybugs, aphids, and vine weevils. Inspect regularly for early detection. For minor infestations, remove manually with rubbing alcohol or treat with neem oil. For widespread issues, apply insecticidal soap.