String of Pearls, also known as String of Beads, is a captivating succulent with enchanting, pearl-like leaves cascading on viney stems. This plant is a showstopper in any collection, especially when showcased in a hanging basket where its vines can elegantly drape.
Though it looks like a high-maintenance plant, String of Pearls thrives on neglect and can be easily overwhelmed by too much attention. Our head grower shares essential tips to keep your String of Pearls looking its best. If your plant is already thriving, keep up the good work! But if you’re encountering issues, these tips might be just what you need.
Tips From A Grower:
Sun Secrets
String of pearls like bright but indirect light. When growing outside in the summer, it’s best to shade them from midday sun. Indoors, east or west facing windows without obstruction are ideal placements. This plant may also grow well in a north facing window, but would need to be close to it, and yet also kept away from cold drafts.
Watering Wisdom
Overwatering is a common issue with this plant. As it is a succulent, the soil needs to dry before it is watered again. Our suggested irrigation method is to thoroughly water the plant, allowing excess water to drain from the bottom of the pot. This ensures water is making it to the root system and will enable you to go up to two weeks before a subsequent watering.
Important! While the soil may look dry on top, it could still be wet under the surface. It’s best to put a finger into the soil to feel if it is dry under the top couple of inches of the surface before watering again.
As with most plants, less frequent watering is needed during the winter.
Temperature TLC
String of pearls thrive in warmer temperatures. Keep it indoors during autumn and winter and be sure that it is far from cold drafts.
Soil Savvy
Opt for well-draining soil. When repotting, choose a peat moss-based mix with perlite or sand to ensure proper drainage.
Fertilizer Facts
Less is more with fertilizer. During the late spring and summer, when the plant is putting out extra growth, a shot of all-purpose fertilizer once a month is enough. All fertilizer products are different so be sure to follow the label instructions before using.
Shedding
While it is normal for this plant to lose the occasional pearl, keeping it mostly stationary helps maintain as much foliage as possible. As a young plant, it can be a little brittle; however, as your string of pearl matures, it becomes strong and durable. Throughout its life span, string of pearls has shallow roots. It’s easy to uproot the plant when moving it around so care should be taken.
Should you have any other questions, stop by our Garden Centre to chat with one of our customer service plant representatives.
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