Do you want to know how to grow string of pearls? This beautiful succulent would go so well in your home, office, or even in your garden.
But you may wonder, when to water string of pearls? Do they need fertilizer? These are just some questions that you will have when planning to grow string of pearls.
For starters, did you know that aside from their beauty, they could also stand extreme heat during summer? They don’t require extra care during this season, amazing isn’t it?
So, if you are a fan of succulents, then you would definitely want to know about ‘string-of-pearls’. Here are some easy-to-remember care tips for string of pearls.
Hang them
Given the natural body structure of string of pearl plant, it’s best for this type of plant to be put in a hanging basket. It’s the most complimenting way to have your string of pearls.
Hanging them will allow their tendrils to crawl downwards; it’s an easy way for them to avoid breaking.
Avoid crown rotting
When growing this succulent, learning how to repot string of pearls is a must.
When repotting or transferring plants, particularly string of pearls, one common mistake by plant growers is planting them far beneath the soil surface.
You do not want your plant’s crown/root to rot because it’s one of the easiest ways to kill an entire stem. Remember to just dig around 1.5 to 1 inch deep beneath the soil surface to avoid crown rotting.
How to grow string of pearls: Give them enough sunlight
To get your string of pearls blooming, it’s best to put them where they get a daily dose of bright, unfiltered sunlight for around 2 to 3 hours.
Their location must also give them indirect light for the rest of the day.
If that’s something unattainable, you might consider exposing them to 14 – 16 hours of artificial light, like a fluorescent grow light bulb. This works too.
Keep them away from windows
Even though they need sunlight, it’s not recommended to place them beside windows. Why?
It’s because glasses can amplify the bright light coming from the sun and once that happens, it can damage or scorch the exposed parts.
Pick the container with the right size
Succulent plants like the string of pearls have small root systems. When repotting string of pearls it’s best to get small containers.
The soil in larger containers requires a longer time to dry up and this plant doesn’t like that.
Potting soil mix for succulents
These types of plants are more likely to grow better in fast-draining soil. You may wonder, why this is so.
The reason is that succulents like this are better when their roots are dry. You may also want to add extra drainage for your succulent potting soil in order to maintain a fairly dry mix.
Let them drink moderately
The next question we want to address is how to water string of pearls.
Remember not to flood them with water; succulents have plenty of water inside them and they prefer sunlight.
However, unlike other plants of its species, string of pearls doesn’t hold that much water compared to others. Hence, make it a habit to let its soil dry out first before giving them another gulp.
Prune to groom them into much fuller-looking plants
Rotten or dead stems or pearls aren’t too pleasing to the eyes, especially for an indoor plant. So don’t forget to prune them.
It’s highly recommended to prune them off if there are any dead pearls or stems. Removing such parts will not just make them healthier but also better looking.
Wintertime is rest time
During this time of the year, you don’t need to force your plants to get more sunlight. Don’t stress about them not getting the sunlight they love.
Let them rest around temperatures ranging from 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Of course, expect their natural growth to slow down during the cold season, don’t fret, and just keep them chilling under the weather.
Refrain from bombarding them with too much fertilizer
How about fertilizers? Well, unlike other plants, succulents like string of pearls don’t depend much on artificial food like fertilizers.
In fact, if you put too much fertilizer, it can only cause root burns which will also affect the way they absorb water and other nutrients.
Takeaway
Now that you know how to grow string of pearls, you can now start growing them and see how beautiful these succulents are.
They are easily maintained and will beautify any place.
Source: Wikipedia/Succulent plant, Wikipedia/Curio rowleyanus, succulentsbox.com