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How To Propagate String Of Turtles Using 3 Methods

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Turtle string is semi-succulent. It is not endemic to dry places like other succulents, although it does have succulent-like leaves that store water.

The trailing plant, String of Turtles, also known as Peperomia prostrata (its scientific name), is recognized for its magnificent variegated patterns on its leaves that mimic a turtle’s shell. This article is a garden guide on How To Propagate String Of Turtles.

The “shell-like” patterns include white, deep purple, brown, and even have a metallic sheen, while the predominant leaf color is green. Although a string of turtles is native to Brazil, they are versatile plants that thrive in various environments.

It gets its common name from the way it develops from its mother plant in long strings, which can be replicated by cutting or pulling off one thread and placing it in damp soil.

It’s a vining, spreading plant that can spill over the edge of a hanging basket. However, it does not encroach on the space of nearby plants or shadow them out. In summary, this is a very well-behaved and attractive plant.

How To Propagate String Of Turtles
Propagate String Of Turtles via Reddit

Things You Need

  • Sterilizing Solution
  • Knife
  • Scissors
  • Potting Mix
  • Perlite
  • Peat Moss
  • Moist Paper Towel

How To Propagate String Of Turtles

Propagate String of Turtles in Potting Mix

Stringing turtles is a simple method that is similar to stringing other “string of” plants. It’s easiest to do in potting soil, but we’ll also talk about water propagation and propagation through seeds.

Method 1: Using Cuttings in the Potting Mix

  • To propagate your string of turtles using this method, snip off a few cuttings right below a node with a pair of clean, sharp scissors (where leaves and roots grow out of the main stem).
  • Remove some of the leaves close to the cutting’s base and place the cutting’s base in a pot with potting mix.
  • Because the nodes are where the new roots will sprout, there should be at least one node beneath the surface of the potting mix.
  • Place the cuttings in a bright, indirect light source.
  • Do not overwater the cuttings, but keep the potting mix moist on top. This can be accomplished by spraying the potting mix as required.
  • You can test your plant in a few weeks by gently tugging on it.
  • If you encounter any resistance, the root system has matured, and you can treat it as a regular plant.

Method 2: Using Cuttings in the Potting Mix (Again)

  • Another approach to propagate string turtles in the potting mix is snip off a cutting and lay the complete cutting on top of the surface, coiling it if necessary.
  • Make sure the nodes are somewhat submerged in the potting mix but not completely buried.
  • Then, like with technique one, continue to care for the cuttings as follows:
  1. Place the cuttings in a bright, indirect light source.
  2. Do not overwater the cuttings, but keep the potting mix moist on top. This can be accomplished by spraying the potting mix as required.
  3. Roots will develop from those nodes and grow down into the potting mix after a few weeks.

Method 3: Using Leaves in the Potting Mix

  • Instead of using a full cutting, a third method for spreading string turtles in the potting mix is to use leaves.
  • Remove a few leaves that still have their petioles attached—the leaf’s little stem connects it to the main stem.
  • Place the leaf petiole in damp potting mix and follow the same processes as before:
  • Place the leaves in a bright, indirect light source. Do not overwater them, but keep the potting mix moist on top. This can be accomplished by spraying the potting mix as required.
  • This method isn’t flawless and may take a few months to root, but why not give it a shot?

Propagate String of Turtles in Water

  • Strings of turtles can also be propagated in water. Although the cuttings will usually root faster in potting mix, it’s always exciting to watch the roots grow in water!
  • Snip a few cuttings just below a node with a pair of clean, sharp scissors (where leaves and roots grow out of the main stem).
  • Place the cutting’s base in a jar of water.
  • Remove any leaves that have become submerged in the water.
  • There should be at least one node beneath the surface because it is from the nodes that new roots will develop.
  • Replace the water every week when it becomes a little dirty, and fill it up when the water level gets low.
  • Place the jar in bright, indirect light.
  • You can move the cuttings into a potting mix and care for the plant as usual until the roots are a few inches long, which may take a few months.

Propagating String of Turtles Using Seeds

A string of Turtle plants can be propagated from seeds. A string of Turtle seeds has a limited germination rate in the wild, especially if they are more than two years old.

This succulent plant can also be propagated via cuttings. To effectively grow string turtles from seed, follow these steps:

  • In a sterile potting mixture, sow the seeds.
  • Mix equal quantities of sand, peat moss, and perlite or vermiculite with a little water until it’s wet.
  • Fill a pot to within an inch of the top rim with this soil mix, then plant each seed approximately one inch apart from the others. Cover them loosely with extra soil to prevent them from being disturbed when they are watered later.
  • Place the pots in a warm spot that isn’t in direct sunshine but gets plenty of light.
  • Keep the soil moist but not drenched.
  • Wait for seeds to germinate and water lightly to avoid overwatering.
  • The ideal technique is to wait until new growth emerges from the soil surface or roots emerge on top of it before watering. This could take up to a month.
  • Seedlings that haven’t emerged after two months are almost certainly dead.

How to Care for String of Turtles

  • Make sure there’s bright enough, indirect light
  • Between waterings, allow the potting mix to dry out.
  • Use a potting mix that is well-draining and aerated.
  • Humidity and average temperatures should be provided.
  • During the growing season, use a half-strength liquid houseplant fertilizer.
  • Repot only when the plant has outgrown its current container. If not, refill the potting mix once a year.

Final Remarks

A string of Turtles is an easy plant to care for. Not only does it tolerate neglect, but it can even be suspended in mid-air without any potting mix when you use the right method. Someday if you’re lucky, you might find a young string of turtle plants that can mature into a whole string.

Strings of turtle plants are very popular as ornamental plants and can even be found in some Southwestern gardens! With a little bit of luck, you might find a String of Turtles plant that’s tall enough to propagate into a beautiful succulent wall!

A string of Turtles is a fantastic plant to start with because they produce a lot of fruit. They’re compact and low-maintenance, making them ideal for first-time gardeners.

A string of Turtles can be readily replicated by dividing the plant or taking cuttings from a healthy mother plant. This succulent thrives in strong light and a moderate amount of water. They look excellent, don’t require any maintenance, and last for years.