How to take care of a String of Pearls (Curio rowleyanus)
Do you have a String of Pearls plant and don't know how to take care of it? Look no further! This guide will tell you everything you need to know about watering, fertilizing, and giving your String of Pearls the light it needs.
String of Pearls is a succulent that is native to southwest Africa. The leaves of this plant are fleshy and green, and the stem is thin and light green or white. This plant produces small, pearl-like flowers that are white or pink. String of Pearls is a popular plant because it is easy to care for and requires very little water. It's perfect for beginning plant owners!
If you are looking for an easy-to-care-for succulent, String of Pearls is a great option. This plant does well in warm climates and can be grown indoors or outdoors. The String of Pearls loves a drought, so it's the perfect plant for those who forget to water their plants all the time.
In this plant care guide, we're going to explore how to take care of your String of Pearls. We'll cover topics like watering, sunlight, and fertilizing your plant. By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly what to do to take care of your String of Pearls!
These are all the topics we're going to look at together in this plant care guide:
Let's dive right in to explore everything there is to know about your String of Pearls to help it thrive in or around your house!
Sunlight for your String of Pearls
Like many other succulents, your String of Pearls loves the warm and intense sunlight! It's very happy to be in direct sunlight for several hours per day. So if you're wondering which spot is best for your plant, put it in the brightest spot in your house!
If you live in a place with not much sun, or if it's winter and the sun isn't as strong, you can still bring this plant home. Your String of Pearls will do just fine in a bright room with indirect sunlight. It just won't grow as quickly as it would if it gets to enjoy bright, direct sunlight all day.
In the winter, when the sunlight isn't as strong, you'll want to move your String of Pearls to the brightest spot in your house if it wasn't already there. You may also want to use a grow light to give your plant some extra light.
Watering your String of Pearls
Your String of Pearls is a succulent, which means it thrives when it's dry most of the time. It loves the drought and prefers to be in dry soil for several weeks before you water it again. If you want to grow your String of Pearls outdoors and you live in a warm climate, you're in luck! The string of pearls loves dry and warm environments.
If you live in a place with a lot of rain, but it's still warm, it's best to grow your String of Pearls in a pot so that you can control the watering. This could be under a roof or if that doesn't work, you can always bring it indoors.
Since the String of Pearls is a succulent, the watering schedule is quite important. You want the plant to dry out completely before you water it again. On average, you should water your plant every 2-3 weeks, or when the soil is dry to the touch.
Watering your String of Pearls in the winter
In the winter, when your String of Pearls is dormant, you won't have to water your plant as often as you did in the spring and summer. Once every month or two should be fine. When spring is coming up in a few weeks, you will want to hold off on watering your String of Pearls, because this promotes extra growth when the spring starts.
Temperature and humidity
Like most succulents, the String of Pearls is native to a warm and dry environment. To give your plant the best chance of success, you should try to give it the same conditions in your house.
The ideal temperature range for String of Pearls is between 15 to 29 degrees Celsius (60-85 F). Be careful not to place your String of Pearls close to drafty windows or air-conditioning units. This can cause extreme temperature changes that will harm your plant.
If your String of Pearls is growing in a spot that gets temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius (50 F) or above 32 C (90 F) it could harm your plant. If this is the case, it's best to move it to a spot that stays within the ideal temperature range.
It's also important to keep the humidity level at a moderate 40-60% range. Luckily, most houses naturally have this level of humidity, so you probably won't have to change anything.
If the humidity is too high it could lead to fungal infestations, so it's better to give it a growing environment that's too dry and water it a little more often.
The perfect soil for your String of Pearls
You've already learned so much about taking care of your String of Pearls, so let's continue that with the best type of soil for your succulent.
The String of Pearls prefers well-draining soil, so it's important to choose a potting mix that will help with drainage. You can add some sand or gravel to your potting mix to help with drainage. If you're looking to get a pre-mixed bag from a garden center, you should look for a general succulent potting soil mix. This will contain a lot more sand than normal potting soil, which is perfect for draining the excess moisture to the bottom of the pot.
It's also important to choose a pot that has drainage holes in the bottom. If you don't have drainage holes in the bottom of your pot, it's much harder to control how much moisture your String of Pearls gets and it's much more likely to get root rot, which can kill the plant.
If you're interested in learning more about choosing a pot for a succulent, have a look at How to pick the right pot for your succulent.
Drainage for your String of Pearls
The String of Pearls plant is a plant that thrives in dry soil, so excellent drainage plays a very important role in keeping your plant healthy.
The roots of the String of Pearls are sensitive to moisture, and can quickly become waterlogged if the soil does not drain well. Overwatering can lead to root rot: the roots start to rot because they can't breathe because the wet soil doesn't let oxygen through easily. This can cause the plant to wither and eventually die.
This is where well-draining soil and a pot with a drainage hole come in. The well-draining soil will only hold onto a small amount of water, just enough to water your plant. Any excess moisture will drain to the bottom of the pot, where it leaves the pot through the drainage hole.
After the moisture leaves the pot, it might stay behind in a saucer under the pot. Make sure to remove this moisture from the saucer, because standing water can still overwater your plant and cause root rot.
Fertilizing your String of Pearls
Like many other plants, a String of Pearls needs fertilizer to keep growing and stay healthy throughout the year. However, you don't need to fertilize your String of Pearls as often as most other plants.
The best time to fertilize your String of Pearls is in the spring and summer when the plant is actively growing. You can use a general succulent fertilizer or a cactus fertilizer for this plant. Just be sure to dilute the fertilizer to half-strength before using it on your string of pearls.
You should fertilize your String of Pearls once at the beginning of spring and once at the beginning of summer. This will boost the growth at the beginning of the growing season and help it sustain its energy throughout the summer.
You don't need to fertilize your plant in the winter, because the String of Pearls is dormant during this time and doesn't need the extra nutrients. Also, any extra nutrients could make your soil acidic or salty, which could kill your plant.
If you'd like to learn more about the best type of fertilizer for your houseplants, have a look at What is the best type of fertilizer for houseplants?.
Pruning and Shaping your String of Pearls
Should you prune your String of Pearls plant? The answer to this is yes: pruning is important for healthy growth and to make sure the plant stays in good shape.
When it comes to pruning your String of Pearls, it's important to know that this plant grows quite quickly and can become quite long and leggy if you let it grow without maintaining it. If your plant has outgrown its current spot, you can prune it to promote new growth and to keep its size in check.
Pruning a String of Pearls is quite simple. All you need to do is use a sharp, clean pair of scissors or pruning shears to cut off any unwanted, leggy growth. Be sure to cut just above a set of leaves as this will encourage new growth in that area.
Can a String of Pearls be shaped in a particular way?
One of the great things about the String of Pearls, but really any succulent, is that it can be shaped in all sorts of ways. You can encourage your plant to grow in a particular direction by training it along a trellis.
If you're looking to create a more compact, bushy plant, then you can encourage branching by topping the plant. Simply cut off a vine just above a set of leaves, and watch as new vines and leaves grow from that area.
One thing to remember is to take it easy with your pruning and shaping efforts. The String of Pearls is a delicate plant and can be easily damaged while handling it.
Propagating your String of Pearls
The best part about taking care of plants is when you can propagate them. You're getting free plants with just a little bit of work! The easiest plants to propagate are succulents, so you're in luck with your String of Pearls.
To propagate your String of Pearls, you'll need to take a cutting from the plant. The best time to do this is in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. You'll want to choose a cutting that has at least 2-3 leaves/balls on it. Once you have your cutting, remove the bottom leaves so that you have a bare stem.
Next, you'll need to let the cutting callous over for a few days. This is when the plant starts to heal itself and form a protective layer over the cut. You can do this by placing the cutting in a dry, well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight.
After a few days, the cutting should be calloused over. At this point, you can plant the cutting in a potting mix designed for succulents. Be sure to water the soil lightly and allow it to dry out completely before watering again.
It can take a few weeks for your String of Pearls cutting to start growing roots, so be patient. Once you see new growth, you'll know that the cutting has taken root and is on its way to becoming a new plant. You've now successfully propagated your String of Pearls!
Repotting your String of Pearls
On average, you should repot your String of Pearls every 2 to 3 years. However, if it's a young plant growing in a small pot, you might need to repot once per year to give it a bigger pot and fresh potting mix.
Speaking of potting mix, the best one for your String of Pearls is a well-draining cactus or succulent mix. This will make sure that the soil doesn't hold onto excessive moisture, which can lead to root rot. You can also add perlite or sand to the mix for even better drainage. It's important to use a pot with drainage holes to prevent water from building up in the pot, which can also cause root rot.
Signs to look out for when it's time to repot
Now, let's talk about signs that indicate it's time to repot your String of Pearls! Look out for roots growing out of the drainage holes or circling at the bottom of the pot. The plant may also look a little top-heavy, or the soil may dry out faster than usual.
The soil dries out more quickly because when the plant is rootbound, there is very little space for soil, so it can't hold onto moisture as easily.
If you notice any of these signs, it's time to give your String of Pearls some extra space to grow.
Steps to take when repotting your String of Pearls
Now let's look at how to repot your String of Pearls:
Step 1: Choose the right pot
Select a pot that is one to two sizes larger than the current pot. The pot should have proper drainage holes to prevent the roots from becoming waterlogged.
Step 2: Prepare the soil
String of Pearls prefer a well-draining soil mixture. You can make this mixture with perlite, coarse sand, and regular potting soil. This mixture will make sure that excess water doesn't stay behind in the pot, leading to root rot. You can also use pre-mixed soil made specifically for succulents and cacti to avoid having to mix in sand or perlite.
Step 3: Remove the plant from the old pot
Gently remove the plant from its old pot by carefully loosening the soil around the root ball. Be cautious not to damage the plant's delicate stems. You will lose some leaves during this process, so don't feel bad if you see some falling off. The plant is just very sensitive.
Step 4: Prepare the plant for its new pot
Place a small amount of soil in the new container, just enough to cover the bottom. Then, carefully place the String of Pearls in the pot, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the top of the pot.
Step 5: Add soil
Add more soil around the root ball, making sure it is well-distributed within the pot. Gently press down on the soil around the roots to remove air pockets. You can also use chopsticks or skewers for this if you feel like that gives you more control.
Step 6: Water your newly repotted String of Pearls
Give the plant a good soak but make sure not to overwater. Wait for the soil to dry out slightly before watering again. Watering your plant after repotting helps the soil to settle in the new pot.
Toxicity for your pets
Like many other succulents, the String of Pearls is unfortunately toxic to your pets. Make sure to place the plant in a spot where your cats and dogs can't reach it.
The little leaves or balls are quite sensitive, so if you move your plant and some of the leaves fall off, make sure to keep your pets, but also small children, away from them. They're toxic when eaten and you'll have to contact your veterinarian or GP when you notice that your pets or children have eaten from this plant.
Flowers on your String of Pearls
A String of Pearls plant can grow beautiful flowers. If you've read plant care guides about flowering plants before, you might have heard that it's important to prune the flowers. Some flowers are a sign of distress, like flowers on a Sansevieria.
The flowers on a String of Pearls have a different reason, and that's simply: reproduction. The flowers are usually pollinated by bees, but they can also self-pollinate. These flowers are "good" and you don't have to trim them when they start to grow.
Winter care for your String of Pearls
While watering is important during the winter months, there are a few other things to keep in mind when caring for your String of Pearls during this time of year.
You should make sure that your plant is placed in a warm spot in your home where it can receive plenty of bright, direct sunlight. While String of Pearls can handle lower light levels than some other succulents, they still need a good amount of light to photosynthesize and stay healthy.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the air in your home is likely to be drier in the winter due to central heating, which can cause your String of Pearls to dry out more quickly. Because of this, you'll have to regularly check the moisture levels of the soil to check if it should be watered.
Finally, be sure to keep an eye out for any signs of pests or disease, as these can thrive in the warmer, drier conditions of indoor spaces during the winter. If you notice any issues with your plant, it's important to address them quickly to prevent further damage.
Troubleshooting common plant problems
When caring for a String of Pearls plant, it's important to keep an eye out for any signs of stress or problems. By catching these problems quickly, you can prevent damage and help your plant recover more easily.
Some common signs of stress or problems in a String of Pearls plant include wilting, yellowing/browning of leaves, stunted growth, and a lack of pearls on the stems. These issues can show up for a few different reasons like watering too much or too little, inadequate lighting, improper soil conditions, or pest infestations.
Yellow or brown leaves
To help your plant with these problems, you should first identify what's wrong with your plant. If the plant has yellow or browning (and soft) leaves, this is a sign it's getting too much water. Wilting leaves mean your String of Pearls is being under-watered or it's suffering from root rot. If the leaves of your plant are brown and crispy, it's too dry and should be watered a little more often.
Stunted growth
If your plant has stunted growth or isn't growing pearls on its stems, this is caused by improper lighting. Consider moving the plant to a brighter spot or investing in a grow light. If the soil is not draining properly, repot the plant with well-draining soil. If pests are present, treat the plant with a pesticide or try natural pest control methods such as neem oil or vinegar.
Common pests and diseases
The String of Pearls plant is a stunning and unique succulent but isn't immune to pests and diseases, unfortunately. Here are a few common pets that your String of Pearls may encounter and what you can do to prevent or treat them.
Mealybugs
These pests are small and white, and they like to feed on the sap of your plant. If you notice tiny cotton-like dots on your String of Pearls, you likely have mealybugs. You can remove them by wiping them off with a damp cloth, or you can use a solution of one part rubbing alcohol and one part water to get rid of them.
To learn more about treating mealybugs, have a look at How to get rid of mealybugs on houseplants.
Spider Mites
These tiny insects love to suck the juices out of your String of Pearls plant and can cause it to wilt and die. Signs that you may have spider mites are fine webbing on the leaves or yellowing dots on the leaves. You can get rid of spider mites by spraying your plant with a mixture of water and dish soap. Alternatively, you can use an insecticide.
To learn more about treating spider mites, have a look at How to get rid of spider mites on your houseplants.
Root Rot
Root rot is a disease that can affect your String of Pearls if it's over-watered or stays in moist soil for too long. Symptoms of root rot include yellowing leaves and wilting stems. To prevent root rot, make sure your plant gets enough sunlight, and only water it when the soil is completely dry. If you notice signs of root rot, remove the plant from the soil and cut away the damaged roots. Repot it in fresh, well-draining soil.
To learn more about root rot and what you can do when it happens, have a look at How do you recognize root rot on your houseplant?.
Conclusion
In this plant care guide, we've looked at how you can take care of your String of Pearls.
We've looked at how to water your String of Pearls, the perfect sunlight exposure for your String of Pearls, the best soil, how to properly feed your String of Pearls, and whether your String of Pearls is toxic for your pets and kids.
To summarize, this is how you keep your String of Pearls the happiest:
- The best way to water a String of Pearls plant is to let the soil dry out between waterings
- String of Pearls plants need plenty of sunlight - place them in a spot where they will get at least six hours of direct sunlight each day
- Fertilize your String of Pearls plant with a diluted liquid fertilizer every 14 days in the spring and summer
That's it! You're now ready to take care of your String of Pearls like a pro!
Share this guide with your family and friends so you can help them take care of their String of Pearls as well!
Thank you for reading this post! I hope it helps you to keep your plants healthy and beautiful! If you're looking for more guides on specific plants, you can always request a plant guide to get a guide for the plant you have trouble with.
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