Last Updated on April 3, 2024 by Real Men Sow
String of pearls (Senecio Rowleyanus, also known as Curio Rowleyanus), is a highly sought-after hanging succulent houseplant. The plant’s trailing stems are pea-shaped and look almost like beads. The plant can produce small, white, cinnamon-scented flowers in spring.
String Of Pearls Are Easy To Grow
A string of pearls spreads across rocky, gravelly terrain in West Africa’s wild. It looks great hanging from a shelf or planter in the home. The tendrils can grow to 1m long and are fast-growing. This plant is a great choice for lazy or beginner indoor gardeners. The beads store water so it can withstand a little neglect and only requires watering once every two weeks. If ingested, all parts of the plant can be mildly toxic so avoid children and pets.
How To Grow String Of Pearl Plants
Your string of pearls plants should be located in an area that receives plenty of indirect, bright light. As the plant stores water, it is better to keep it submerged than overwatering. You should water your plant only after the top few centimeters of the compost have dried. This can be done by placing it in a dish or saucer for about half an hour to prevent the crown from getting too wet. If your plant is weak, you can feed it during the growing season. Then, repot in spring every few years.
Does String of Pearls need direct sunlight?
Your string of pearls should be grown in bright, indirect sunlight for the majority of the day. Although it can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C, spring flowers will be encouraged by keeping it between 13-16°C in winter. Avoid putting it in drafty areas.
How To Plant String Of Pearls
Place the roots in a pot slightly smaller than the root ball. Use cactus compost or a mixture of soil-based compost with sharp sand to plant. Hanging planters should be handled with care as the leaves may fall.
How To Take Care Of String Of Pearls
String of pearls can be fragile plants so take care. It’s easy for the leaves to fall off. Once the top 2-3 cm of compost has dried, water thoroughly. You can water the plant from the bottom by placing it in a shallow dish. This will allow the water to soak in and ensure that the top of the plant doesn’t become wet. Any excess water should be allowed to drain. Winter: Use water sparingly
Use a half-strength liquid food once a month, in spring, summer, and autumn. Mist your plants regularly. To keep your plant neat, trim any straggly branches. Strings of pearls are rooted in shallow roots so they only need to be repotted every few years.
How To Propagate String Of Pearl Plants
It is simple to make a string of pearls from spring or summer cuttings.
- You can trim a healthy 10 cm from the end of the tendril. If you are giving your plant a trim, you can use the trimmings. Let the tendril heal for a few days.
- You can fill a pot with cactus or compost with sharp sand. Then, moisten it so that it is not too dry.
- You can either curl the tendril over the compost and pin it down so it touches the soil or you can remove the lower leaves to insert the bare stem in the compost.
- To stop the soil drying out, place the cuttings in a sunny spot.
Problems When Growing String Of Pearls
- Shriveled beads – happens because there’s a lack of water
- Dropping beads – It is likely that the plant is too cold.
- Yellow, brown or mushy leaves (‘pearls’) or brown or black stems – The string of pearls stems are thin and susceptible to rot due to overwatering. Allow the compost to dry thoroughly before removing any damaged parts. Also read more on how to save an overwatered string of pearls.
Advice On Buying String Of Pearls
- Make sure you have the right spot to hang a string of pearls, they like bright spots and tendrils that reach 1m.
- It can be difficult to find a string of pearls. You should carefully unpack your online order of a plant as the beads can easily fall off.
