String of pearls care is all about giving them plenty of light and not overwatering…
String Of Pearls Care Summary
| Light needs: | Lots of bright indirect sunlight. |
| Watering needs: | Check it once a week, but only water if the soil is completely dry. |
| Fertilizer: | Well diluted balanced fertilizer in Spring and Summer. |
| Soil: | Regular cactus and succulent mix. |
| Humidity: | They do no need any extra humidity requirements. |
| Temperature: | 20°C-28°C (68-86°F) |
| Where to buy: | Try our list of Rare Plant Shops. |
| Other names: | Senecio Rowleyanus. |
| Common issues: | Overwatering is a real issue for succulents, lets it dry out fully before watering. |
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Intro
Welcome to our article on String of Pearls care. The String of Pearls aka Senecio Rowleyanus is a succulent originally from South West Africa. A trailing/hanging plant with striking round ball/like leaves that has become very popular in the last few years. It is relatively easy to care for.
See also: Sansevieria Sayuri, Agave Desmettiana, Anacampseros Rufescens, Sansevieria Samurai, Silver Lace Fern, Sempervivum Arachnoideum, Senecio Serpens.
Tip: we recommend Etsy for buying plants. Look for the best rated seller you can, and try to buy as close to your home as possible so the plant does not travel too far.
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String Of Pearls Light Needs
String of Pearls like a lot of light, but indirect sunlight is best. Too much midday sun can burn it. A nice sunny window sill or terrace with a little shade is ideal.
How Often to Water…
Water about every two weeks in the hotter months and less in the colder dormant months. Let these succulents dry out between watering, as root rot can be a common issue with SOP plants.
String Of Pearls Fertilizer
You can use a balanced fertilizer in the growing (hot) months, but dilute it down to about half what is recommended for normal houseplants.
String Of Pearls Soil
Use a regular cactus and succulent potting mix for your string of pearls plant.
For more on which cactus and succulent compost to buy or how to make you own, see our guide: Succulent Soil.
When To Repot
Repot your string of pearls every year if you can. I take cuttings from mine and pot them back in the top when re-potting to make the plant fuller. Cut the most leggy stems to make the plant look as full as possible.
String Of Pearls Humidity
String of pearls plants do not need any special humidity requirements, they will do well in normal household humidity levels.
String Of Pearls Temperature
These plants are fine with normal household temperatures as well as relatively low temps, they are often grown outside, as long as the temperature does not go below freezing.
String Of Pearls Propagation
Cut one of the branch or ‘strings’ from the plant, then make a cut between each pearl. Scatter them onto a pot of moist soil or moist sphagnum moss to root. Keep them humid (with a bag or cover, but not totally sealed) and plenty of in indirect sunlight. It should root in a couple of months.
See also: Succulent Propagation, Propagating Succulents In Water.
Why Is My String Of Pearls Sticky?
They sometimes excreet a sticky sap, it is totally normal and nothing to worry about.
String Of Pearls USDA Zone
Zones 9-12.
Where To Buy A String Of Pearls Plant
Try your local plant shop, otherwise, I got mine from Plants.com or you can try Etsy. Always support your local plant shop when you can!
Other Names for String Of Pearls
Senecio Rowleyanus.
For more on succulents and cacti, see our succulents category with all our care guides.
String Of Pearls Care FAQs and Common Issues
I killed my first string of pearls to be honest! I watered it too much. Over watering is a very common issue – always test the soil with your finger, it should be dry to the touch for a finger depth at least before watering. Also make sure you have a cactus and succulent potting mix to ensure the plant’s roots have adequate drainage.
Linked to the over watering issue – it is a good idea not to plant up the SOP in too big a pot as the soil can retain too much water and lead to root rot.
Some other common issues are burning from the sun, in which case give the plant a little more shade. Also burning from over feeding – make sure the feed is well diluted. Both of these cause browning of the leaves.
Do String Of Pearls Flower?
They produce small flowers in summer when mature, and given the right care needs.
Can String Of Pearls Grow In Water?
Yes you can root a ‘string’ in water, just strip the leaves from the lower part so there leaves out of the water but none in the water. It is best to do this with a few strings as not all of them may root. Keep it warm and give it indirect sunlight until it roots. You can keep it in water indefinitely if you like.
Can String Of Pearls Grow Outside?
They can grow outside as along as the temperatures do not get too cold, try to keep them above 10°C (50°F).
Can String Of Pearls Grow In Low Light?
They do well in many low light environments. Just keep an eye out in case they grow ‘leggy’.
When Do String Of Pearls Go Dormant?
When the temperature drops down to almost at freezing the plant’s growth can slow down a lot, and they can go dormant until warmer weather arrives. They will need much less water in this time, so be careful and check the soil is dry before watering again.
Where Do String Of Pearls Grow Naturally?
They grow naturally in South Africa.
Is String Of Pearls Toxic To Cats?
It is toxic if eaten, so keep it up high out the way of cats. And seek vets advice if consumed by your pet.
String Of Pearls Vs String Of Tears
They are very similar species of senecio, but the spring of pearls have round leaves, and the strong of tears are similar but the leaves have a pint at the end, giving them a ‘tear’ shape.
Why Is My String Of Pearls Shriveling?
This is due to too much or too little water. The ‘pearls’ will shrivel up if they do not get enough water, and they can also burst when given too much, and then shrivel. The most common of these is underwatering, but if the soil is wet then it is due to over-watering. The best thing to do is to water them regularly, but let the soil dry out completely between watering.
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