Echeveria succulents are prized for their beautiful rosette shapes and wide range of colors. Two popular Echeveria varieties that are commonly compared are the Echeveria Purple Pearl and the Perle von Nürnberg. Both varieties showcase stunning hues, but there are some key differences between them that may influence which one you might want to choose for your garden or indoor display.
Echeveria Purple Pearl plants are known for their striking purple color and silver-bordered leaves, creating an eye-catching and elegant appearance. On the other hand, Echeveria Perle von Nürnberg plants boast a larger rosette size and show an attractive grayish-purple hue with touches of pink when exposed to full sun. Just like other succulents, both these varieties require specific care and environmental conditions to thrive and maintain their unique characteristics.
When deciding between the Echeveria Purple Pearl or the Perle von Nürnberg, factors like size, color preference, and care requirements should all be taken into consideration. Whichever variety you choose, you’ll surely be captivated by the mesmerizing beauty that these succulents bring to your space.
Echeveria Purple Pearl Overview
Distinct Features
One notable aspect of Echeveria Purple Pearl is its stunning coloration. Compared to the Perle Von Nurnberg, the Purple Pearl exhibits a more intense purple hue, along with silver edges that make it stand out among its Echeveria relatives. The rosettes of this variety can reach up to 12 inches across, which is larger than that of the Perle Von Nurnberg. Another unique feature of Purple Pearl is its propensity for sending up 1 ft. tall flowering spikes with coral pink flowers in summer, adding an extra touch of beauty to this already striking plant.
In addition to its attractive appearance, Echeveria Purple Pearl is versatile and features low maintenance care requirements. Compared to the Perle Von Nurnberg, the Purple Pearl may be an even more adaptable addition to garden arrangements, combination planters, or mono pots. Its distinctive features make it a sought-after cultivar among succulent enthusiasts and those looking to add a touch of vibrant beauty to their garden or indoor space.
Origins
Echeveria Purple Pearl is a stunning succulent with an eye-catching appearance. This variety is a tissue culture release of the well-known Echeveria ‘Perle von Nürnberg’, but it boasts a deeper purple tone. The more sun the plant receives, the richer the color becomes, making it an incredibly attractive addition to any succulent collection or garden.
Growth and Care
Caring for Echeveria Purple Pearl involves understanding its growth habits and preferences. Typically, this succulent will reach full maturity in just 2 years. It thrives in well-draining, sandy soil mixes and requires exposure to 4-6 hours of sunlight daily to maintain its vibrant color. The plant is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, which makes it a perfect addition to any outdoor garden or xeriscaping project. Like other succulents, it’s essential to avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Perle Von Nurnberg Overview
Distinct Features
The Perle von Nurnberg succulent is an exquisite plant that:
- Reaches 8-10 inches tall and 6-8 inches wide
- Forms unique, solitary rosettes of fleshy leaves
- Displays beautiful purple and green tones in its leaves
- Has a pastel grey color with purple-ish-pink highlights on its leaves
Though similar, the Perle von Nurnberg is distinguishable from Echeveria Purple Pearl plants by their size, as they tend to have a larger rosette size. Additionally, the Echeveria Purple Pearls exhibit a more purple color and distinctive silver borders along their leaves.
Origins
A magnificent evergreen succulent plant that is part of the extensive Echeverias family is Echeveria ‘Perle von Nurnberg’. This popular ornamental plant is a hybrid created by crossing two Echeveria species, which can be grown in container gardens or in landscaping displays, both indoors and outdoors.
Growth and Care
Perle von Nurnberg plants flourish in 4-6 hours of sunlight daily, intensifying their color when exposed to appropriate lighting. A crucial aspect of caring for these succulents is selecting the right soil, with sandy soil mix being ideal for their growth.
Follow these guidelines for optimal care:
- Water sparingly and let the soil dry out between watering sessions
- Provide 4-6 hours of sunlight daily
- Use a well-draining sandy soil mix
- Protect them from freezing temperatures in winter
- Treat any mealybug infestations with 70% isopropyl alcohol
Comparing the Two Varieties
Appearance
Echeveria Purple Pearl and Perle Von Nurnberg are both popular and stunning varieties of the Echeveria genus, known for their rosette-like growth patterns. The Echeveria Purple Pearl is an eye-catching evergreen succulent with large rosettes of the plant’s leaves are slightly rounded and pointed, with hues ranging from olive green to lavender-rose, and they have pink borders. Meanwhile, the Perle Von Nurnberg plant is recognizable by its single rosette, which consists of dusty, pastel leaves shaped like paddles. When grown in low light, the leaves appear grayish and subdued, but they transform into vivid shades of pink and purple when exposed to direct sunlight.
Growth Requirements
Although both varieties have similar light preferences, they do differ in their ideal growing conditions. The Perle Von Nurnberg prefers to grow in locations where it receives 4-6 hours of sunlight daily, allowing the plant’s color to intensify. It is essential to choose a sandy soil mix for this variety to ensure proper drainage and prevent root rot. On the other hand, the Purple Pearl displays more rosy colors when exposed to more sunlight. There isn’t much information on specific soil requirements for the Purple Pearl, but it is safe to assume that, like other echeverias, it would also benefit from a soil mix that is able to drain efficiently.
Propagation
Propagation for both the Echeveria Purple Pearl and Perle Von Nurnberg is quite similar. They can be propagated through leaf cuttings, stem cuttings, and division. To propagate through to obtain leaf cuttings, carefully pluck a healthy leaf by twisting it gently from the mother plant, allow it to callus over after drying it out for a few days, place it onto soil that is able to drain efficiently. Maintain the soil’s moisture level at a slightly damp state, and soon, roots and new growth will begin to emerge. For stem cuttings, use a clean pair of scissors or pruning shears to cut the stem, allow it to callus, and then plant it directly into the soil. Division involves separating offshoots or “pups” from the mother plant and repotting them into individual containers. While both varieties can be propagated using these methods, the success rate varies, so it’s always a good idea to try multiple methods or have multiple cuttings to increase the chances of successful propagation.
Popular Combinations
Echeveria Purple Pearl and Perle von Nurnberg are two stunning varieties of echeveria that can be used together or with other succulents to create visually appealing arrangements. Both of these varieties showcase vibrant colors and interesting textures, making them perfect choices for popular combinations.
Echeveria Purple Pearl is known for its significantly more purple leaves compared to Perle von Nurnberg, as well as its silver leaf borders. On the other hand, Perle von Nurnberg stands out with its pastel gray leaves adorned with purplish-pink highlights, forming a eye-catching rosette.
A great pairing for these two echeverias is the addition of a taller, more structural succulent, such as a Senecio or Crassula. This will provide a natural height contrast and complement the rosette shapes of both the Echeveria Purple Pearl and Perle von Nurnberg.
Another option is to combine them with other echeverias exhibiting different colors and textures. Some examples include:
- Echeveria ‘Black Prince’: It has dark purple to nearly black leaves, providing a striking contrast to the lighter colors of Purple Pearl and Perle von Nurnberg.
- Echeveria ‘Lola’: With its pearlscent, pale green leaves, it adds a soft touch to any arrangement.
- Echeveria ‘Topsy Turvy’: Its unique, twisted leaves add an interesting texture and depth to the combination.
Lastly, incorporating succulents of varying sizes, shapes, and colors can create a harmonious arrangement. Consider adding Graptopetalum or Sedum varieties, which come in a wide range of colors and forms, to round out your design and make it more dynamic.
By mixing and matching Echeveria Purple Pearl and Perle von Nurnberg with other succulents, you can create beautiful, eye-catching combinations that showcase the diverse shapes and colors of these popular plants.
Conclusion
The Echeveria Purple Pearl and Perle Von Nurnberg are beautiful succulents that offer unique features, suitable for brightening any garden or indoor space. While both have similar care needs, such as thriving in sandy soil and requiring 4-6 hours of sunlight daily, there are distinctions in their appearances that set them apart.
Echeveria Purple Pearl boasts a vibrant purple color with silver borders on its leaves, making it stand out among other Echeverias. Although both Purple Pearl and Perle Von Nurnberg can reach the same heights, the Perle Von Nurnberg sports a larger rosette size.
On the other hand, Echeveria Perle Von Nurnberg showcases soft lilac and pearlescent tones in its rosettes, resembling the charm of roses. It also produces pink flowers with yellow interiors that bloom during summer, adding a delicate touch to its overall appearance.
In terms of maintenance, it’s essential to remove any dead leaves from Perle Von Nurnberg’s rosettes as these can attract pests. Both succulents can be planted in rockeries, container gardens, or pathways, where their radiant colors can create eye-catching displays.
Ultimately, the choice between Echeveria Purple Pearl and Perle Von Nurnberg depends on personal preference in terms of appearance, as both plants share similar care requirements and make equally stunning additions to homes and gardens. Regardless of your choice, these succulents will surely thrive with proper care and attention.
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My name is Daniel Elrod, and I have been houseplant love ever since I was 17. I love how much joy they bring to any room in the home. I’ve always been amazed at how a few pots of flowing leaves can turn a drab and sterile office into an inviting place where people love to work at.
