Echeveria Rainbow, also known as Echeveria 'Perle von Nürnberg' Variegata, shows its colors from green through pink to yellow. That makes it a real eye-catcher in any succulent collection. And it is uncomplicated as long as you give it light, well-draining substrate and sparing watering.
The Rainbow in profile
- 🌈Play of colorsFleshy leaves in a compact rosette, ranging from green through pink to yellow. In bright light the pink and yellow areas become more intense.
- 🌎OriginThe genus Echeveria comes from the dry regions of Mexico as well as Central and South America. The Rainbow is a cultivated variety.
- 🌸FlowersUnder good conditions, orange or pink flowers appear on long stalks.
- 👍Easy careAdaptable and easy to keep with little effort.
Care at a glance
| Topic | How to get it right |
|---|---|
| Light | Bright and sunny, as a rule of thumb about six hours of direct light, for example at a south-facing window. With too little light the colors fade and the plant becomes leggy. |
| Temperature | Growing season about 20 to 27 °C, cooler in winter at about 10 to 15 °C. Not frost-hardy. |
| Watering | Sparingly and only onto the substrate. In summer about every two to three weeks, in winter once a month or even less often. Let the substrate dry out completely between waterings. |
| Air | Low humidity and good air circulation, but no drafts. |
| Fertilizing | About monthly from March to August with a weakly dosed cactus fertilizer, no more from September. |
Substrate and repotting
The Rainbow needs a loose, mineral substrate that lets water drain quickly. A practical mix consists of about 50 % cactus soil, 25 % coarse sand or perlite and 25 % pumice or lava granules. Alternatively, take a ready-made mix from our substrate mixes category. Repot in spring, about every one to two years, or when the roots grow out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the previous one, with drainage holes.
Growth and rest phase
- Spring and summer (growth): bright and warm, water evenly but sparingly, fertilize once a month
- Autumn and winter (rest): water much less, do not fertilize, keep cool (about 10 to 15 °C) and still bright
Propagation
The Rainbow can be propagated from leaf cuttings and top cuttings. Since it is variegated, the colorful pattern is better preserved with top cuttings than with single leaves. You will find a detailed step-by-step guide in our article How Do I Propagate an Echeveria?
Common problems
- Overwatering: Soft, mushy leaves and root rot. Let the plant dry out, remove rotten roots and repot in fresh substrate.
- Too little water: Shriveled, dry leaves. Water thoroughly.
- Lack of light: Pale, stretched rosette. Move it somewhere brighter.
- Pests: Aphids, spider mites and mealybugs. Check regularly, wipe off with alcohol-soaked cotton swabs or use neem oil.
- Temperature fluctuations: If leaves fall off, the plant was usually in too much of a draft or too close to the heating.
In your interior
The Rainbow looks especially good with neutral or pastel interiors and in Scandinavian style. As a single plant on a shelf, table or windowsill, or in groups together with green plants, it sets color accents. Simple terracotta or ceramic pots underline its look.
Conclusion
With plenty of light, well-draining substrate and sparing watering, Echeveria Rainbow stays healthy in the long term and keeps its colors. You can read everything else about Echeveria care in The Art of Echeveria Care.
