If I had to pick one houseplant that really steals the show for me, it’s the String of Pearls, also known as Curio Rowleyanus. Hailing from the southern tip of Africa, this trailing succulent with its pea-like leaves is an absolute favorite for many plant enthusiasts.
In this post, I’m excited to share some tips on caring for a String of Pearls, and I’ll also talk about a few other interesting members of this plant family.
Table of Contents
- Potting
- Light
- Watering
- Propagating
- Fertilizing
Potting
When you bring home a String of Pearls from the garden store, you’ll want to get it into some well-draining succulent soil mix. Most garden centers carry it, and it’s a mix of soil and sand. The sand helps with soil aeration and ensures water can drain freely.
I usually add a bit of extra perlite to my succulent soil. Perlite, formed by volcanic eruptions, is great for helping your soil drain faster.
For pots, choose one that’s about the same size or just slightly bigger than the plastic pot it came in. I love using terracotta or earthenware pots. The most important thing is to make sure the pot has a drainage hole to let excess water escape.
Mix your soil with perlite and have it ready. Place a bit of soil in the bottom of your pot, then gently remove your String of Pearls from its plastic container. Be careful during this process; you might lose a few “pearls,” but that’s okay.
Position your plant so its crown sits just above the pot’s rim and backfill with soil, using a chopstick to firm the soil gently around the plant.
Once you’re done, you’ll probably need to untangle the stems. Be patient and try to avoid pulling too hard on the stems.
Keep in mind, though this plant is gorgeous, it’s toxic to humans and pets if ingested. So, if a leaf falls off, pick it up quickly.
Light
These plants love bright, sunny spots. An east or west-facing window is ideal. Avoid placing it near vents or drafty areas, as the plant doesn’t like extreme temperature changes. In the summer, you can put it on a shaded porch for bright indirect light, but avoid direct sun to prevent scorching.
Always check for pests before bringing it indoors. I once found a baby black widow hiding under a leaf—lesson learned!
Watering
Getting the watering right is crucial. String of Pearls don’t like being soaked or sitting in water. I prefer to “moisten” rather than water them heavily. Use a small vessel to lightly water the top half of the pot since these plants have shallow roots.
Overwatering is the biggest killer. Leaves that look squishy or translucent are signs of overwatering. The plant needs more frequent watering in dry climates and during its growing season (spring and summer).
Always use room temperature water, and don’t let the soil dry out completely. If you suspect root rot, inspect the roots. Firm, white roots are healthy; mushy, black roots indicate rot. If it’s not too far gone, you can trim the dead roots and repot with fresh soil.
Filtered water or collected rainwater is best. If you use tap water, let it sit for 24 hours to allow chemicals to evaporate.
Propagating
You can propagate String of Pearls in three ways—water, soil, or layering.
For water propagation, cut a healthy stem, remove beads from the bottom, let it callus for 24 hours, and then place it in water. Change the water if it gets cloudy and place it in a sunny spot. After 3-4 weeks, roots should appear. Once the roots are about an inch long, you can pot it.
For soil propagation, follow the same cutting method, but plant it directly in soil after the 24-hour callus period. Keep the soil slightly moist and check for new roots after about three weeks.
Layering is the most effective method. Coil a long cutting over moist succulent soil in a new pot and lightly press it down.
Fertilizing
I fertilize my String of Pearls once a month during the growing season with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer. This ensures even distribution and healthy growth.
This plant family has some adorable varieties, like the “String of Turtles” with leaves resembling turtle shells, and the “String of Watermelons” with watermelon-like leaves. Aren’t they whimsical?
I hope you enjoy these plants as much as I do!