Echeveria Purple Pearl vs. Perle Von Nürnberg: Key Differences

Written by Em Casalena
Updated: November 28, 2022
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One genus of fantastic eye-catching succulents with rosette-like growth patterns are called echeverias. They are frequently used as ornamental plants since they are so aesthetically pleasing, and are often kept with succulent favorites such as gasterias and haworthias. The Purple Pearl and Perle von Nürnberg are two common varieties of the echeveria genus. These two succulents are frequently confused with one another because of how similar they appear to be. The Echeveria Purple Pearl vs. Perle von Nürnberg, however, differ greatly from one another.

In this guide, we will explore the different attributes of the Echeveria Purple Pearl and Echeveria Perle von Nürnberg. The differences are few and far between, but they are worth knowing if you plan to grow either of these beautiful succulents.

Comparing Echeveria Purple Pearl vs. Perle Von Nürnberg

Echeveria Purple PearlPerle Von Nürnberg
ClassificationEcheveria ‘Purple Pearl’Echeveria ‘Perle von Nürnberg’
Alternative NamesN/APearl of Nürnberg
OriginCentral America, Mexico, South AmericaCentral America, Mexico, South America
DescriptionAn evergreen succulent that grows a 12-inch rosette in an olive-lavender hue. A propagation of Perle von Nürnberg.An evergreen succulent with pastel and grey leaves rimmed with pink and purple highlights.
UsesOrnamental, can also be used as a skin poultice.Ornamental, can also be used as a skin poultice.
Growth TipsRequires well-draining soils with sand and should be grown in full sun or partial shade.Requires full sun in order to boost the plant’s color.
Interesting FeaturesIs often used for floral arrangement.Is almost completely immune to all diseases.
Closeup of an Echeveria Purple Pearl plant

The Echeveria Purple Pearl (pictured) has a richer purple color to its leaves when compared to the Perle Von Nürnberg.

©hilmawan nurhatmadi/Shutterstock.com

The Key Differences Between Echeveria Purple Pearl and Perle Von Nürnberg

Some might be surprised to know that Echeveria Purple Pearl and Echeveria Perle von Nürnberg are the same plants. The Perle von Nürnberg Purple Pearl is a tissue culture variation that has the same traditional size and form but a richer purple hue. Pink blooms are produced by each of these plants throughout the summer. Echeveria Purple Pearl and Echeveria Perle von Nürnberg both have fleshy leaves that tend to take on a pointed appearance. They have basically the same growth conditions, but there are some additional differences between these plants as well.

Compared to Echeveria Purple Pearl plants, Echeveria Perle von Nürnberg plants are a little bit bigger in size. They have the same height, while the Perle von Nürnberg has a larger rosette size. Echeveria Purple Pearls are significantly more purple than Echeveria Perle von Nürnberg succulents and have silver borders on their leaves. Other than these differences, Echeveria Purple Pearl and Perle von Nürnberg are virtually identical.

Echeveria Purple Pearl vs. Perle Von Nürnberg: Classification

As mentioned previously, the Echeveria Purple Pearl and Echeveria Perle von Nürnberg are the same plants. The Purple Pearl is a tissue culture creation based on Perle von Nürnberg and would be the result of the propagation of that plant. It is classified as echeveria ‘Purple Pearl’. Echeveria Perle von Nürnberg plants are a hybrid of the echeveria potosina and the echeveria gibbiflora metallica. They are classified as echeveria ‘Perle von Nürnberg’. As members of the echeveria genus, Purple Pearl and Perle von Nürnberg are closely related to lipstick echeveria, chapetona, and the plush plant.

Echeveria Purple Pearl vs. Perle Von Nürnberg: Description

Echeveria Purple Pearl is a type of small succulent that has a colorful rosette and purple to pink leaves. Despite having deeper purple tones, this cultivar has a classic shape similar to Echeveria Perle von Nürnberg. Farina, the powdery coating on the leaves that shields the plant from direct sunlight. This plant can only grow in hardiness zone 10. The Purple Pearl may grow as tall as five inches and as wide as six inches.

Echeveria Perle von Nürnberg is a beloved classic hybrid succulent that has shades of blue-green and iridescent pink and purple. Its leaves have a smooth shine and an attractive curvature thanks to that farina coating we mentioned earlier. It grows best in hardiness zone 10. The Perle von Nürnberg may grow as tall as five inches and has a maximum rosette size of eight inches.

Echeveria Purple Pearl vs. Perle Von Nürnberg: Uses

Most echeveria species are well-liked as attractive garden plants. Although they thrive with frequent thorough watering and fertilizer, they are drought-resistant and are great for plant parents who have a tendency to kill their plants. Outside of ornamental uses, Echeveria Purple Pearl and Echeveria Perle von Nürnberg have been used in traditional medicine to treat foot ailments, though there is no scientific research to support their efficacy.

Echeveria Purple Pearl vs. Perle Von Nürnberg: Origin

Succulents in the echeveria genus are indigenous to Central America, Mexico, and South America. This genus is typically found on mountain terrain as high as 4,000 feet.

Both the Echeveria Purple Pearl and Echeveria Perle von Nürnberg are man-made hybrids or cultivars. Alfred Craser developed the hybrid Echeveria Purple Pearl in 1930. Richard Grassner created the hybrid plant Echeveria Perle von Nürnberg in Germany sometime around 1930.

Echeveria Purple Pearl vs. Perle Von Nürnberg: How to Grow

Echeveria Purple Pearl and Perle von Nürnberg have very similar growth requirements, but there are some slight differences worth knowing before planting your own succulent.

Avoid letting the Echeveria Purple Pearl sit in water while watering the succulent since it is susceptible to rot and fungus illnesses that can kill the plant. Likewise, avoid overwatering! To help the water drain more effectively, you must choose soil that drains well and a clay container with drainage holes. To preserve the plant’s beauty and encourage healthy growth, remove any dead leaves at the base of the plant. The decaying leaves can also be used as a hiding spot by pests. Mealybugs can harm succulent echeveria plants. Make sure to water it carefully and give it ample sunshine each day. Repot your Purple Pearl succulent in the spring or summer. Before repotting the plant, make sure the soil is dry.

If given lots of sunlight and excellent drainage, the Perle von Nürnberg may spread pretty widely. Choose containers with drainage holes, then fill them with sandy soil, such as succulent potting mix. While it does require protection from frost, if grown next to a window with natural light or under a grow lamp, it will thrive inside. Plants that are Perle von Nürnberg require full to partial light. A day with six hours of light is optimal. The richest hues this succulent has to offer will be brought out by regular exposure to direct sunlight. If your Perle is indoor-only, put it in a south-facing window and, if necessary, apply a grow lamp. In order to endure droughts, succulents like the Perle von Nürnberg keep water inside of their voluminous leaves. Give your Perle von Nürnberg a thorough soaking, and then allow the soil to totally dry up to mimic its natural environment. Allow your succulent to rest in dry soil for a few days before watering it once more to truly simulate a drought.

Keep in mind that both of these succulents can start to turn green if they fall into ill health. In order to correct the coloring, ensure that you are providing enough sunlight, watering it enough, and repotting it when it becomes too large for its pot.

Echeveria Purple Pearl vs. Perle Von Nürnberg: Special Features

Echeveria Purple Pearls grow in a rosette-like formation that is very aesthetically pleasing. They are frequently used as ornamental plants since they are so beautiful. The pink tone of the Echeveria Purple Pearl’s leaves can become even more intense with more exposure to sunshine, which is why we recommend planting them in full sunlight, though they can survive in partial shade.

Due to its two-tone coloring, Echeveria Perle von Nürnberg succulents are among the most well-known succulents among gardeners. Fortunately, their balanced bloom sizes are still another important reason to include them in your garden collection.

Ultimately, the differences between Echeveria Purple Pearl and Echeveria Perle von Nürnberg are quite negligible. They are very similar plants, and both would do beautifully as pieces in your succulent collection.

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The photo featured at the top of this post is © Inthemood/Shutterstock.com


Sources

  1. Gardenia, Available here: https://www.gardenia.net/plant/echeveria-purple-pearl
  2. Gardenia, Available here: https://www.gardenia.net/plant/echeveria-perle-von-nurnberg
  3. Dr. Chamika, Available here: https://succulentthrive.com/care/amazing-echeveria-purple-pearl-vs-echeveria-perle-von-nurnberg/
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About the Author

Em Casalena is a writer at A-Z Animals where their primary focus is on plants, gardening, and sustainability. Em has been writing and researching about plants for nearly a decade and is a proud Southwest Institute of Healing Arts graduate and certified Urban Farming instructor. Em is a resident of Arizona and enjoys learning about eco-conscious living, thrifting at local shops, and caring for their Siamese cat Vladimir.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Is there a difference between Echeveria Purple Pearl vs. Perle Von Nürnberg?

Yes. Purple Pearl tends to develop bright yellow or orange flowers, making it much more vibrant than the Perle von Nürnberg. Purple Pearl also has larger and thicker leaves.

Do Echeveria Purple Pearl succulents get very large?

Echeveria Purple Pearl succulents can reach six inches in height easily with proper care, but it is not known to grow much larger.

Do Echeveria Perle von Nürnberg succulents get very large?

Echeveria Perle von Nürnberg succulents can generally reach about ten inches tall, but not much larger.

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