Why people love it
Perle von Nürnberg (“Pearl of Nuremberg”) has some of the prettiest colors of any succulent. Its leaves are gray-green at the base and blush pink and purple toward the tips, all under a pale, powdery coating. In summer, it sends up tall stems of coral-pink, bell-shaped flowers.
Care in a nutshell
- More sun, more color. In strong light, the pinks and purples deepen. In low light, the rosette opens up and fades to green.
- Don’t rub the leaves. The powdery coating is farina. It protects the plant from sun, and fingerprints leave marks that don’t heal.
- Water the soil, not the rosette. Water sitting in the center can cause rot.
Watch out for
- A stretched, open rosette means it needs more light. Behead it in spring and root the top, and the old stem will sprout new rosettes.
- Dry, shriveled bottom leaves are normal. The plant uses old leaves up as it grows. Pull them off gently so pests can’t hide there.
Fun fact: Every leaf you gently twist off can root and grow a whole new rosette.
