If you’re looking for a succulent that is going to flow beautifully over the edge of the pot and can grow up to several feet long then the string of pearls or Senecio Rowleyanus is going to be your new best friend. In this article, we’ll be discussing tips and tricks on how to keep String of Pearls alive and thrive. I’ve tried many different methods in the past and I found these the most helpful care tips for String of Pearls. Let’s get into it one by one.
7 Tips to Take Care for String of Pearls plant
1. Light Exposure
The first thing you need to care for the string of pearls plant is light exposure. Compared to other succulents string of pearls has slightly different needs for life.
They perform well in bright light but also prefer some shade hence you can grow them as an indoor plant. Just make sure to put them in a bright spot where they get at least four to six hours of the morning sun.
They don’t like intense sunlight in high heat so they do need protection from the afternoon sun, especially during summer.
The string of pearls won’t suffer from lack of sunlight as much as other succulents but you might notice the newly grown leaves get elongated if they don’t receive sufficient light.
2. Temperature care guide for String of Pearls
The string of pearls prefers temperatures around 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit to thrive. They’re not cold hardy and should be brought indoors if temperatures fall below 40 degrees.
The thing to note about these string of pearls is that they are not frost tolerant, so if you live in a climate where temperatures go sub-zero and it gets icy then be sure to bring your pearls indoors in the winter.
Otherwise, if you live in the tropics or in a moderate climate then you don’t have to worry too much about temperatures.
3. Watering care for string of pearls
Watering the string of pearls plant can be tricky sometimes. The stems and pearls are very fragile so they’re pretty sensitive to water. Just water when the soil is completely dry and remember to give them a real good sip.
Avoid spraying water on their leaves especially if you live in a humid climate. One trick to water string of pearls right is to wait until the leaves get a little deflated, that’s a sign when they need water.
4. Soil Type for string of pearls plant
Like most succulents, the string of pearls prefers gritty soil, they do not like to be sitting in water, they like a really fast-draining soil mix, something where the water can go in and out quickly and the water doesn’t hang around the roots too long possibly rotting out the plant.
You can either make your own by mixing organic soil with perlite and pumice or grab a bag of cactus soil mix. It’s a lot faster, easier.
I would just recommend that you not use a regular potting mix, it’s too heavy, it holds onto moisture too long, it’s not really great for this type of plant.
5. Choosing the perfect pot size
Choosing the perfect pot size is important too. The string of pearls has a shallow root system so you don’t want to put them in a deep pot.
Terracotta pots are recommended since they’re made of breathable material which allows the root system to aerate.
Another important thing is to make sure the crowns of the pearls stay at the same level with the top of the pot or at most half an inch or an inch lower than the top.
6. Propagation care for string of pearls
Propagating the string of pearls plant is pretty easy. First, prepare a pot of well-drained soil and some 4-6 inch healthy clippings of the string of pearls.
If your string of pearls has problems and you want to save them you can also remove the remaining healthy cuttings and try propagating them.
Next, you should remove some pearls at the bottom to further expose the stem. Let those cuttings callus well for two to three days before replanting them.
Slightly mix the soil in advance and lay them on top or stick the stems in the soil. Place the pot in indirect sunlight and the cutting should start to root after two to three weeks.
7. Common problems and how to fix them
The most common problem with a string of pearls is shriveling leaves. Watering issues or inadequate sunlight are the usual causes for this problem. When the string of pearls are underwatered they will start to shrivel and dry up. Too much sunlight can also make these pearls dry up.
If you notice the pearls turn brown and wrinkled, it’s a sign they’re getting sunburned.
Another widely known issue with the string of pearls is overwatering. You can usually tell a string of pearls is overwatered by the puffiness and darkening of its leaves. Those leaves will later become mushy and shoveled up.
Severe cases will eventually lead to root rot and dying succulents. So be careful not to water a string of pearls when the soil is still moist.
Even though succulents are generally pest resistant, you might find mealy bugs appearing on your string of pearls. To fix it use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to remove these insects.
Prepare a mixture of water and neem oil and add a few drops of dish soap. This treatment must be repeated a few times to prevent pests from coming back.
That’s it for this article. Hope you guys find these tips to care for the string of plants useful. Happy Gardening!
