String of pearls is a South African succulent with nearly spherical leaves. The species was recently relocated from the vast genus Senecio (which includes not only succulents but also common weeds like common groundsel) to the new genus Curio, but it is still commonly known as Senecio rowleyanus in literature and the horticultural trade. This delicate evergreen perennial of the daisy family (Asteraceae) is native to the dry plains of South Africa’s eastern Cape. A variegated variant with wide white stripes and parts is also available (which might actually be S. herreianus which has slightly larger, elongated and striped round leaves and is also called string of pearls or string of beads).
The plant grows from weak surface roots, producing three-foot-long trailing branches on the ground that can root when they come into contact with soil, forming dense mats. It like to grow beneath bushes or between rocks, which provide some shade from the sun. The water-storing leaves are the size and shape of little peas (each to 1/4″ diameter), with a small pointy tip on the end and a thin dark green stripe running down the side. When compared to a conventional thin, flat leaf, the round form of the leaves limits the surface area exposed to dry desert air, reducing evaporative water loss but also reducing the surface area where photosynthesis may occur. The restriction of darker, translucent tissue on the leaf’s side serves as a “epidermal window,” allowing light to enter the leaf’s core and therefore increasing the area available for photosynthesis. Several additional succulents from southern Africa, including the related Senicio radicans, as well as baby toes (Fenestraria spp.) and Haworthia cooperi, have adapted to arid settings by growing underground and exposing only the leaf tips.
String of pearls blooms in the summer, producing 1/2 inch daisy-like flowers with long red stamens and vivid yellow anthers on 1 1/2 inch long peduncles. The little blossoms aren’t particularly spectacular, but they are fragrant, with a sweet and spicy, cinnamon-like aroma. The flowers are followed by a large number of seeds, each with a white cottony pappus that aids in wind distribution.
In frost-free climates, string of pearls is often grown as a houseplant or as an outdoor decorative. The trailing stems are commonly cultivated in hanging baskets to let them to fall downward. It could also be planted in a flat dish, which would allow it to keep its natural trailing growth habit. Indoor containers can be transferred outside for the growing season, but they must be acclimatized gradually to avoid sunlight, shielded from excessive rain, and brought back inside before frost.
This plant, like other succulents, is low-maintenance, requiring simply bright light, well-drained soil, and seldom watering. Overwatering causes root rot, which is the most common cause of death. Grow in a well-draining soil mix, such as cactus mix, or add inorganic components to potting media, such as small pea gravel, sharp sand, poultry grit, or pumice (up to 1:1 mixture). Because the plants will not grow a large root system, use a shallow container (and if they are unable to quickly remove moisture from a large soil volume, they will be more susceptible to root rot). Clay containers are preferable to plastic or ceramic containers because the material allows for evaporation through the sides, allowing the soil to dry up faster. Allow the potting media to completely dry between waterings, and water the plant more frequently in the summer than in the winter when it is not actively growing. Providing a chilly (55-60°F) rest period during the winter. In the summer, dry weather may encourage blooming. When the leaves begin to shrink, the plants need to be watered. Repot every year or two, and lightly fertilize in the spring. Plants may be infested by mealybugs or aphids, but they have minimal insect concerns otherwise. The leaves are mildly poisonous; ingestion may cause vomiting or diarrhea, and the sap of the plant can cause skin irritation or rash in susceptible people.
Take 3-4 inch stem tip cuttings to propagate a string of pearls. Remove 3-4 leaves from the bottom of the cutting and set it in or on moist potting mix (lightly covering the last few bottom nodes), and roots should emerge at each node fast. Until the roots are developed, mist the soil surface to avoid overwatering. Although this plant can be produced from seed, it is not widely available.
How do you get string of pearls to flower?
Tiny white blossoms with a cinnamon aroma grow on a string of pearls. Reduce watering and keep the plant at a steady temperature of 60 degrees during the winter to enhance spring blossoms. Summer blossoming is often aided by cool and dry winter conditions. It will take around a month for the flowers to bloom.
How often does string of pearls bloom?
For many gardeners, seeing a string of pearls flower in the summer is a welcome sight because it contrasts with their otherwise dry appearance throughout the year.
The reason your string of pearls is flowering is completely normal; it’s for reproduction, just like any other plant.
During the same time period as your string of pearls flowers, seeds will be produced and dispersed throughout your garden.
Because some plants can be difficult to establish on their own, don’t be concerned about plants sprouting up all over your well-kept decorative garden.
From late spring through summer, a string of pearls will only be in bloom for around a month.
Do string of pearls flower in winter?
The blossoms could be found all the way up and down the long, trailing branches.
String Of Pearls bloom throughout the winter or spring, like most succulents. I assume it’s because the blooms require a chilly period to set. At the end of October and into winter, the Torch Aloes in Santa Barbara would put on a spectacular show with their big, vivid orange blooms on towering stems. At the beginning of March, the cactus in the desert are beginning to bloom.
My String Of Bananas, which is in the same pot as the String Of Pearls and a String Of Hearts, bloomed this winter, although the blossoms were few. I expect many more flowers on this succulent next year because I planted it from short cuttings brought from my Santa Barbara garden. It’s already trailing longer than the String Of Pearls, which came from a 6 pot. I expect a String Of Bananas care post to appear soon!
Can I cut the flowers off my string of pearls?
Simply remove any dead stems and pearls, as well as stems that have lost a significant number of pearls. Pruning your String of Pearls encourages it to grow fuller. If your plant outgrows its container, re-pot in the spring. In the spring or summer, take 10 cm stem tip cuttings and place them in moist potting soil.
What do Overwatered string of pearls look like?
Appearance: Mushy A shriveled spring of pearls is one that has been overwatered. This is due to the presence of too much water, which caused the leaves to burst. When handled, the affected components will feel squishy. These are signals that you must not ignore because they are very concerned with the plant’s well-being.
How do you know when to repot string of pearls?
The beginning of spring is the best time to repot your string of pearls plant. Use a succulent or cactus soil mix that drains quickly.
Do string of pearls like to be misted?
Water when the top half of the soil is dry; string of pearls plants can benefit from sprinkling their tiny beads every now and then. Plants that are younger require more water than those that are older. Overexposure to sunshine may also contribute to shriveling.
Should I Bottom water string of pearls?
The first is when you notice that top-watering your plants is ineffective due to the soil’s inability to absorb water. This might happen for two reasons: either your soil is hydrophobic or your succulent is root-bound.
- What is hydrophobic soil, exactly? Hydrophobic soil develops when peat moss-rich soil becomes so dry and compacted that it repels water. When your soil becomes hydrophobic, the water simply passes right through the drainage hole. In the dirt, nothing is left. Bottom watering is a very effective way to treat dry soil in this circumstance. However, it is important to avoid soil becoming hydrophobic by paying attention to the frequency with which you water your plants so that your soil does not become too dry.
- The second reason is that your succulents may have become root-bound or that there isn’t enough soil left to keep the moisture in when you give them a drink. If this happens, you’ll see that the water simply flows down the drainage hole into which you’re trying to irrigate your succulents.
Succulent gardeners may also prefer bottom-watering versus top-watering for the following reasons: For one thing, they’re concerned that the water will wash away the lovely farina on the succulent leaves. Two, with succulents like string of pearl or string of dolphin growing in tight clusters, it might be difficult to tell if the soil has dried up or not, even with a moisture meter. You can leave them bone-dry and water them from the bottom to avoid over-watering.
How often should string of hearts be watered?
Water on a regular basis. Water once or twice a week during the spring and summer. Water every two weeks during the fall and winter, when the plant is dormant. Between waterings, make sure the soil is completely dry. Overwatering can cause leaf yellowing as well as root rot.
How often should I water my string of pearls?
The string of beads, like most succulent plants, requires little maintenance. While cultivating a rosary string of beads plant requires little upkeep, you will need to supply it with some attention.
This drought-tolerant succulent can go without water for long periods of time. In fact, the plant’s ability to store water allows it to be watered thoroughly one week and then disregarded for the next week or two. Root rot can be exacerbated by excessive watering. Allow the soil to dry out for at least half an inch (1 cm) between waterings. Reduce watering to once a month in the winter.
In order to maintain the size or appearance of your string of pearls, you may need to prune it from time to time as part of its upkeep. This is an easy procedure to follow. Trim away any dead stems and pearls, as well as any stems with a lot of ‘beads’ missing. Pruning will aid in the development of fuller, more compact plants.
The fact that you can share the plant with others is much greater than its ease of care. You can take advantage of the plant’s easy propagation whenever trimming is required. Simply plant a clipping or two in a pot of soil and watch them grow.
The houseplant with the string of beads is a great conversation starter. It will delight your family, friends, and neighbors just as much as it will delight you.
Note: Because this succulent plant is regarded to be hazardous, it is recommended that string of beads houseplants be grown with caution in households with pets or small children.