Plant Spotlight of the Week: String of Pearls

String of pearls. That one succulent everyone wants and can never seem to find. Yes, it's tragic. These beautiful plants don’t need much and look like, well, pearls lol. They grow rapidly and aside from being a conversation piece they add a sprinkle of pizazz to any space. Not too shabby, huh? We’ll be shedding some spotlight on this plant so you guys can know what to do with yours when you find one and because we love succulents. It’s kinda our thing! Let’s get into it:) 

Senecio Rowleyanus

better known as string of pearls, is a succulent plant that is native to South Africa. You can spot it from its long, trailing stems that are covered in small, round leaves (or pearls!) String of pearls is a popular houseplant because it is relatively easy to care for and is tolerant of neglect.

Light: String of pearls prefers bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while too little light will cause the plant to stretch and the leaves to become smaller. The best place to put a string of pearls is in a spot that gets morning sun or dappled sunlight throughout the day. If you only have a spot that gets full sun, you can protect the plant from the harsh rays by placing it behind a sheer curtain or under a tree. String of pearls can also tolerate low light conditions, but the plant will not grow as quickly or produce as many pearls. If you are growing your string of pearls in low light, you will need to water it less frequently.

Here are some tips for providing your string of pearls with the right amount of light:

Place the plant in a spot that gets bright, indirect light.

Avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.

If you only have a spot that gets full sun, you can protect the plant from the harsh rays by placing it behind a sheer curtain or under a tree.

Water the plant less frequently if you are growing it in low light conditions..

Water: String of pearls should be watered sparingly. Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot, which can kill the plant. String of pearls should be watered sparingly. Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot, which can kill the plant. The best way to determine when to water is to stick your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If the soil is dry, it's time to water. If the soil is still moist, hold off on watering for a few days. Native to the desert, so they are adapted to dry conditions. They do not need a lot of water to thrive. In fact, overwatering is one of the most common causes of death for string of pearls. When you water, make sure to do so thoroughly, but then allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.

Fertilizer: String of pearls does not require much fertilizer. A light application of fertilizer once a month is sufficient. String of pearls is a low-maintenance plant that does not require much fertilizer. However, a light application of fertilizer once a month can help to promote healthy growth and prevent nutrient deficiencies. When fertilizing string of pearls, it is important to use a fertilizer that is specifically formulated for succulents and cacti. This type of fertilizer will contain the correct balance of nutrients that string of pearls needs to thrive. To fertilize string of pearls, simply mix a small amount of fertilizer with water and then water the plant as usual. Be sure to dilute the fertilizer according to the directions on the package, as using too much fertilizer can damage the plant. Fertilize string of pearls once a month during the spring and summer months, when the plant is actively growing. Do not fertilize string of pearls during the fall and winter months, when the plant is dormant.

Temperature: String of pearls can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but prefers temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can withstand temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods of time, but will not survive long-term exposure to cold. String of pearls can also tolerate temperatures as high as 85 degrees Fahrenheit, but will not thrive in these conditions. The ideal temperature for string of pearls is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity: String of pearls does not require high humidity, but it can benefit from being misted occasionally. The ideal humidity range for this plant is between 40% and 50%. If the humidity in your home is lower than this, you can mist the plant once or twice a week to help it stay hydrated. You can also place the plant on a pebble tray filled with water, which will help to create a more humid microclimate around the plant.

Propagation: String of pearls can be propagated by stem cuttings. To propagate, simply cut a stem from the mother plant and allow it to dry for a few days. Once the stem is dry, plant it in a pot of well-draining soil. String of pearls can be propagated by stem cuttings. To propagate, simply follow these steps:

1. Choose a healthy stem from the mother plant. The stem should be about 4-6 inches long and have at least 3-4 nodes.

2. Cut the stem at a node, using a sharp, clean knife or scissors.

3. Allow the stem to dry for a few days. This will help to prevent rot.

4. Plant the stem in a pot of well-draining soil. Water the soil thoroughly and place the pot in a bright, indirect light location.

5. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. The soil should be dry to the touch about halfway down the pot before watering again.

6. Fertilize the plant monthly with a diluted water-soluble fertilizer.

7. Watch for new growth. New growth will appear in about 4-6 weeks.

Once the plant is established, it can be propagated again by the same method. String of pearls is a relatively easy plant to propagate, and with a little care, you can quickly grow a large, lush plant.

Pests and Diseases: String of pearls is not susceptible to many pests or diseases. However, it can be affected by mealybugs and spider mites. If you notice any pests on your plant, treat it with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.

• Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white insects that feed on the sap of plants. They can cause leaves to wilt and turn yellow. To treat mealybugs, you can spray your plant with an insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also remove mealybugs by hand, using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.

• Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny, red or brown insects that feed on the leaves of plants. They can cause leaves to become yellow, brown, or spotted. To treat spider mites, you can spray your plant with an insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also increase the humidity around your plant, which will help to deter spider mites.

If you notice any pests or diseases on your string of pearls, it is important to treat them promptly to prevent the problem from getting worse.

Troubleshooting: If your string of pearls is not doing well, there are a few things you can check. First, make sure the plant is getting enough light. Second, check the soil to make sure it is not too wet or too dry. Third, check for pests or diseases. If you have ruled out all of these possibilities, the plant may be suffering from transplant shock. If this is the case, give the plant some time to adjust to its new environment.

String of pearls is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for succulent plant. With a little bit of care, you can enjoy this plant for many years to come.