The string of pearls plant is a succulent plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It grows with stems trailing to the ground. When the stem comes in contact with the ground, they begin to take root, forming a dense ground cover or mat. The string of pearls plant has leafy green bubbles that grow on thin stems.
It has small white flowers with bright colored stamens during the winter months. Usually, people say that the flowers have a cinnamon smell.
It is recommended to grow strings of pears plant in the hanging pots and allow the tendrils to cascade over the edge. You can use it as the ground cover if you grow it outdoors.
The String of Pearls Plant Care Tips
1. Light
The string of pearls plant should be put where it receives at least 6-8 hours of direct light every day. But you need to find a partly shaded place to grow the plant outdoors. If you keep it indoors, place it where it will receive enough natural light, such as near a window facing the east.
Growing close to a window facing west or south will also work only if you place it about 5-10 inches far from the window, mainly if you stay in a scorching desert to avoid sunburn.
In the cooler and darker months, consider relocating the string of pearls plant to a brighter place or next to a window to ensure enough light every day.
2. Temperature
The string of pearls plant requires a temperature between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep it at a cool temperature between 55 and 60 ° Fahrenheit during the winter.
Do not store it in the drifty places or air-conditioned rooms and open windows, because cold air can cause the leaves to fall. The string of pearls plant is not frost-resistant, so it should be indoors during winter.
3. Humidity
A low humidity location is the most excellent for the string of pearls plant. Since this plant comes from a dry climate, it still grows and is not affected by desiccated air. Also, it flourishes in normal indoor humidity, about 40 percent relative humidity.
Do not try to spray your string of pearls plant as this may promote the growth of diseases. But you can mist it lightly during propagation until the root structure develops.
4. Soil and pot
Like any succulent plant, a string of pearls plant requires well-drained soil to thrive. Therefore, selecting a well-drained container is the primary step to thriving. Unglazed and terracotta ceramic pots are popular options due to their exceptional drainage.
Choosing the correct pot size is another significant factor for an optimal string of pearls plant growth. The pot should be large enough to load to the brim because if a pot is very big for a plant, the ground will remain wet for a long time, and the plant sitting in the wet soil may rot.
The string of pearls plant has exceptionally shallow roots, and hence it should not require a deep pot.
5. Water
The strings of pearl plant is extremely sensitive to excess water, so give it adequately. The recommended amount is one time every two weeks. To avoid overwatering the plant, a tip is to ensure that the soil is 1/2 inch dry ahead of the next watering. Reduce watering to once a month in winter.
The string of pearls plant is usually grown indoors, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be turned into gorgeous outdoor plants. This depends on how warm the environment is, whether you can regulate the amount of watering, or whether you may let the rain do the work for you.
6. Fertilizer
The string of pearls plant generally does not need several fertilizers, and excess fertilizer can kill the plant. It can be fertilized once every 2-4 weeks during mid-summer and spring during the growing season.
Moreover, no fertilizer is required in winter and the fall. Furthermore, the fertilizer must be weakened not to weigh down the plant.
Propagation methods
i. Propagation by stem cuttings
Stem cuttings are the fastest and easiest way to propagate string of pearls plant. Cuttings must be taken during the active development of plants, preferably starting spring up to late summer. You need to remove 10 cm of the terminal plant material to form new plants.
Then cut between the leaves in the shape of a pea length of 5 cm. Just ensure the stalk is green, flawless, and not damaged or dried in any way. Coil the cuttings in the soil and gently bring the substrate’s contact. Or remove the lower leaves and then cover the cleaned end with soil.
It may take some months for the string of pearls plant before it root. Keep the pot warm and in bright indirect light through this time. Be careful not to overwet the cuttings, as this may cause decay.
Pests and diseases
Although the string of pearls plant has low maintenance, it’s also susceptible to pests and diseases. Moreover, if you don’t have proper care, the plant will ultimately die. The plant can be attacked by aphids, which are tiny and annoying pests. They suck the plant juice, and this shortens the life of the string of pearls plant, discolor it, wilting and eventually dying.
Mealybugs are comparable to aphids in that they destroy plants and draw ants. You can identify them by the white and waxy stuff they produce. These pests suck the plant sap, which may cause it to die.
Also, the string of pearls plant is continually endangered by root rot. This is due to excessive soil moisture, which creates an ideal environment for fungus growth.
Likewise, decay can spread through leaves and stems. If the plant has severe root rot, pick cuttings from healthy areas and propagate them to form new plants.
Conclusion
The string of pearls plant is a beautiful cascading succulent plant that adds that unique quirk to every home. The plant is fast-growing, easy to propagate, and can be grown indoors and outdoors.
If you are checking for a gorgeous succulent plant to grow, the string of pearls plant is the best choice. It requires a few care tips, and the plant will be healthy.