IN THIS ARTICLE
The String of Pearls plant gets its popular name due to its spherical, bead-like leaves that make it look like a string of pearls. It can thrive without water for days. This drought-tolerant plant is often planted in hanging pots, which showcase its cascading vines and also keep it away from children and pets, who might accidentally ingest it. The String of Pearls plant is toxic and may cause vomit or diarrhea if consumed.
Lately, have you started noticing your beloved String of Pearls plant losing pearls and going bald from the top? Do you wonder if your String of Pearls plant is dying? Or are you observing that your String of Pearls plants sap like stickiness all over?
We have covered these topics and more in this comprehensive guide to plant and care for String of Pearl plants. It will assist you in identifying common problems with the String of Pearls plant and their tried and tested solutions.
| Botanical Name | Senecio rowleyanus |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Plant Type | Succulent |
| Mature Size | 1-2 feet long |
| Sun Exposure | Bright indirect sunlight to partial shade |
| Soil Type | Well-drained, sandy or cactus soil |
| Soil pH | Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0) |
| Bloom Time | Summer |
| Flower Color | White |
| Hardiness Zones | 9-12 (USDA) |
| Native Area | Southwest Africa |
Types of String of Pearls Plant
| Name | Grown Indoors? | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|
| Common String of Pearls aka Senecio rowleyanus | Both | Iconic round, pearl-like leaves on hanging stems. |
| Variegated String of Pearls aka Senecio rowleyanus variegatus | Both | Green and white variegated leaves Slower growth. |
| String of Beads aka Senecio herreianus | Both | Oval shaped bead-like leaves compared to pearls. |
| String of Watermelons aka Curio herreanus | Both | Leaves with darker green stripes that look like watermelons. |
| String of Raindrops aka Senecio citriformis | Both | Tear-drop shaped leaves with a somewhat pointed tip. |
How to choose the right String of Pearls Plant?
| Look for | Comments |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Always choose a plant with firm leaves and vibrant colors, which is a sign of a healthy plant. So if you are planning to buy a unique looking String of Watermelons or Variegated String of Pearls, look for those with healthy colors. The same logic applies to other classic looking String of Pearl plants. |
| No damage | Take a good look at the entire plant, particularly the roots. The branches and roots must be healthy. Check if the roots are not rotted. |
| No disease | Take a closer look and check the stems and underneath the leaves. Check for pests like mealybugs, aphids, scale insects or spider mites. Mealybugs: White, cotton-like lumps on leaves and stems Aphids: Small, green or black insects Scale insects: Brown or black bumps on stems and/or leaves Spider Mites: Webbing on leaves and stems |
| Size | Size is not a usual concern with the String of Pearls plant. It will usually be kept on stands, high shelves or any other location which allows the stems to hang down freely. |
| Shape | The String of Pearls plant shape will depend on the pot size. |
| Environment | Indoors: Light: Ensure bright, indirect sunlight indoors. Temperature: 70-80°F (21-27°C) Humidity: 40-50% which is a low to moderate humidity level Outdoors: Light: African Milk Trees can survive full sun outdoors. Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C) Humidity: Dry to moderate humidity along with good air circulation |
Choosing the Right Pot and Soil for String of Pearls Plant
Best Pot for String of Pearls Plant
| Pot | Specification | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Terracotta | Propagation: Width: 2-4 inches Growth: Width: 4-6 inches or 6-8 inches | Preferred for indoors due to its ability to drainage and airflow properties. One can choose to have terracotta pots in an outdoor setting if the plants are not of large size. |
| Plastic | same | Should be used for heavy plant setup outdoors where it helps to retain the moisture for longer time especially in hot and dry climates. |
Best Pot for String of Pearls Plant - Additional Tips:
- Do not use terracotta pots outside in colder temperatures. Terracotta pots can crack in colder weather.
- Ensuring there is good drainage in a pot is mandatory whether terracotta or plastic.
Best Soil Mix for String of Pearls Plant
| Soil | Mix | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Propagation Mix | 50% Cactus Mix 25% Perlite 25% Coarse Sand | Check out recommendations for the best cactus potting mix, perlite, and coarse sand. |
| Potting Mix for Indoors | 60% Cactus Mix 20% Perlite or Pumice 20% Coarse Sand | Check out recommendations for the best compost and peat moss. |
| Soil Mix for Outdoors | 50% Native or Garden Soil 30% Pumice or Perlite 20% Perlite or Pumice | Check out recommendations above to purchase the best quality products. |
Best Soil Mix for String of Pearls Plant - Additional Tips:
- String of Pearl’s soil mix should be a little acidic or neutral. The pH level for the mix should be between pH 6.6-7.6 but should not be below 6.6.
- Avoid using vermiculite or standard potting soil since they both hold too much moisture and can cause root rot in the String of Pearls plant.
- Make sure that the soil is clean before using it. Always check for pathogens and pests and remove them.
- We recommend making a raised bed to increase water flow and drainage if growing the String of Pearls outside outdoors.
Propagating String of Pearls Plant
| Propagation Method: | Recommended | Difficulty | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stem Cutting | ✔ | Easy | |
| Leaf Cutting | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | The leaves do not have enough tissue to produce new plants. |
| Seed | ✘ | Moderate | Less commonly used method because the stem cutting method is faster. |
| Bulb | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | No bulbs produced by the String of Pearls plant. |
| Division | ✔ | Easy | Division is usually done when the String of Pearls plant has outgrown the pot. |
| Layering | ✘ | Hard | Layering is possible in nature when hanging stems touch the ground and develop roots. |
| Grafting | ✘ | Hard | Not regularly used because stem cutting is faster and reliable. |
Preparation for propagating the String of Pearls:
| Topic | Items | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | Gloves & Scissors | |
| Source | Stem Cutting | Use the sharp, sterilized pruner or knife to cut a 4-6 inch long stem. |
| Soil | Propagation Mix | |
| Pot | Terracotta Pot | |
| Others | Repotting Mat | Repotting mat constraints the mess created during the procedure. Buy it from here. |
Propagating String of Pearls from the Stem Cutting:
Planting: Create a hole in the soil with a chopstick or pencil and then plant the cut end of the stem.
Watering: Water gently using a spray bottle. Light and
Rooting: Keep the pot in bright, indirect sunlight for the roots to develop. It takes weeks for the stems to develop new roots and a few more weeks for new growth, so please be patient.
How to Grow the String of Pearls Plant Indoors
Although there are many ways to grow a String of Pearls plant indoors, the best method for beginners and experts alike is to propagate by stem cuttings.
Another propagation method will be the division of the grown and mature String of Pearls. Steps to propagate will be similar to the stem cutting method.
To learn more about the propagation, check out our comprehensive guide to propagate String of Pearls plants.
How to Grow String of Pearls Plant Outdoors
String of Pearls plants outdoors will add a unique charm to your garden and anywhere else. Because of its trailing nature one can plant the String of Pearls in hanging pots, wall planters, garden vases or garden urns.
Make sure that the position of the plant is such that it gets direct sun and partial shade during some part of the day. Using the appropriate soil mix for outdoors to facilitate drainage and healthy growth.
To move your plant to a larger wall planter, garden vase or urn, follow the repotting steps and post repotting care.
How to Care for the String of Pearls Plant
| Needs | Ideal State | Avoid | Frequency (if applicable) | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light | Indoors: Bright indirect sunlight Outdoors: Full sun to partial shade |
Too much direct sunlight and completely avoid the harsh afternoon sun | Everyday | Indoors: Place it near the east window to get the morning sun Outdoors: Direct morning sunlight and partial shade in afternoon |
| Air Circulation | Keep in a well distanced space | – Stagnant and busy spaces if indoors. – Avoid overly windy spots if outdoors. |
Indoors: Use a fan or keep the windows open to improve air circulation | |
| Watering | Thorough watering until water drains from the drainage hole | – Overwatering – Leaving the excess water in the pot saucer – Watering on a fixed schedule |
Only water when the top inch of the soil is dry. | |
| Fertilizer | Diluted fertilizer in growing season of spring and summer | Fertilizing in fall and winter | Monthly, avoid fertilizing in winters | Use organic fertilizer or options like compost tea. Or buy a water soluble or liquid fertilizer of NPK 10-10-10 ratio. Buy it from here. |
| Temperature | 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C) | 10°C or below | ||
| Humidity | Low humidity preferred | Average outdoor humidity Avoid keeping in the bathroom, kitchen or high humidity areas. |
Occasionally mist the plant in dry weather. | |
| Pruning | Not necessary to prune but trim the leggy vines when necessary | Only needed to maintain shape | Impromptu | Remove dead leaves or stems |
| Repotting | Use correct repotting soil mix for indoors | Indoors: 3-4 years Outdoors: As needed, depending on growth Prefer a growing season of spring/summer for repotting |
||
| Pest Control | Keep checking for aphids, mealybugs, scale insects and spider mites | Don’t ignore pests or abnormalities for a long time | Weekly | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat infestations. |
How to Care for String of Pearls Plant - Additional Tips:
Organic Compost Tea for the String of Pearls Plant:
Banana Peels Organic Fertilizer for String of Pearls Plant:
How to Prune for String of Pearls Plant
How to Repot String of Pearls Plant
Signs that indicate the need for repotting of String of Pearls
Growth: String of Pearls plant usually grows throughout the growing season and if you observe a stunted growth even with proper watering and lighting conditions, it is a time for repotting.
Poor Soil: Check if soil dries too fast after waterting or stays damp all the time. Both the conditions suggest that it is a time to repot your plant.
Choosing a new pot and soil for String of Pearls Plant
- Do choose a pot that is one size larger than the current one. The unsaid rule is to select a pot that is 1-2 inches bigger in diameter than your existing pot. Check out our pot recommendations here, if you don’t already have a pot.
- The best soil mix for the String of Plant is a mix ensuring proper drainage. Use our soil guide to know the right proportions.
Repotting steps and post-repotting care of String of Pearls Plant
Unpotting: First wear protective gloves and remove the plant from the pot and check the roots for any damage. Remove dead or damaged ones.
Planting: Fill soil mix in the pot and then place the cleaned String of Pearls plant in the center of it. Fill the gaps with soil mix and press it gently to remove the air pockets.
Watering: Water to settle the soil.
Lighting: Let the water drain out completely. Place the plant where it can receive bright indirect sunlight.
Common Problems and Solutions
Why is there a white powdery coating on leaves and stems of String of Pearls plant?
Root Cause: White powdery coating could be mealybugs cotton-like egg nests. First thing first, immediately isolate this infected String of Pearls plant. Tiny white flies could be another reason for this white substance.
Solution: To control the mealybug or tiny white flies infestation, spray the neem oil or the soap water over the affected areas.
Why are brown or black spots on leaves of String of Pearls plant?
Root Cause: Fungal or bacterial infection due to overhead watering.
Solution: Pull out the affected leaves and treat the plant with fungicide. You can buy fungicide from the nearby nursery or buy our recommended fungicide online.
Why is there a gray fuzzy mold on my String of Pearls plant?
Root Cause: Lack of ventilation and high humidity.
Solution: If indoors, improve the air circulation by opening the windows for a good part of the day. Treat the plant with the fungicide. Buy it from a nursery or our recommended fungicide online.
Why String of Pearls plant leaves are turning yellow despite proper watering?
Root Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage or root rot due to overwatering.
Solution: Stop watering immediately until the soil dries out. Check if the pot is able to drain the water properly. If not, fix the holes at the bottom.
Remember when waterting, the key is to water only when soil dries out completely. Once watered, let the soil completely drain out the remaining water. In case of root rot, pull the plant after the soil has dried and remove the rotten and dead roots. Repot the plant if necessary.
Why do the pearls of the String of Pearls plant wrinkled/shriveled?
Root Cause: Underwatering.
Solution: Water the plant immediately and let the water drain out completely. The rule is to water the plant everytime the soil is completely dry.
Conclusion
The unique trailing pearls of the String of Pearls plant adds visual interest to anyone visiting your home and garden. These low-maintenance drought-tolerant plants are ideal plant decorations as hanging baskets in balcony or high wall planters to give the trailing curtain effect.
Keeping the String of Pearls healthy is really easy provided that it is exposed to the bright, indirect light and potted using well-draining soil. Water the plant sparingly, let the pot soil dry between waterings.
Not only this plant but we also have the guides on other succulents like Aloe vera, Burro’s Tail Plant, and Christmas Cactus etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does String of Pearls plant need fertilizer?
Yes, fertilize the String of Pearls plant in the growing season of spring and summer preferably using homemade organic fertilizers. If purchasing the regular fertilizers from outside make sure to buy NPK 10-10-10 liquid fertilizer.
What are the pearls in the String of Pearls plant?
Is the String of Pearls plant poisonous to pets?
Can one propagate a String of Pearls plant in water?
Yes, you can propagate String of Pearls plants in water, although soil propagation is often more effective.
To propagate in water, cut 4-6 inch stem segments just below the pearl (leaf). Place the cuttings in a small narrow pot of water, making sure approximately one centimeter of the stem is immersed. Roots should start to grow after a few weeks.
_(31772262164).jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}