Here you will find quick care tips on the string of pearls plant, what makes the plant yellow, stopping its growth. What kills your string of pearls, and makes it lose beats? And a complete guide on water, sunlight needs, pruning, soil, and fertilizer needs of this cute succulent.
The String of Pearls – Low Light Succulent Plant Care
Quick Care: Basic Needs of Your Succulent
Sunlight Needs: String of Pearls is a low-light succulent and can tolerate some degree of shade. However, it still needs some bright, indirect sunlight to grow and thrive. Place it near a window that receives bright, indirect light for a few hours each day.
- The string of Pearls requires bright, indirect sunlight for a few hours daily.
- It tolerates some degree of shade but still needs some sunlight to grow.
Temperature range: String of Pearls prefers moderate temperatures, ideally between 60-75°F (15-24°C). It can tolerate some fluctuations in temperature, but extremely hot or cold temperatures should be avoided.
Kind of Soil:
- This Succulent prefers well-draining soil with organic matter.
- A mixture of succulent or cactus soil and perlite or coarse sand works well.
- Ensure that your soil is not waterlogged and allows adequate drainage to prevent root rot in your succulent.
Watering Schedule:
- Being drought-tolerant and it requires infrequent watering.
- Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering.
- Water once a week during the growing season and once a month during winter.
- Avoid getting water on the pearls or leaves, as this can cause them to rot.
Pruning String of Pearls:
- Prune the String of Pearls to control its growth and maintain its shape.
- Use sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.
- Cut back any leggy or overgrown stems to encourage new growth.
- Trim any dead or damaged leaves and pearls as needed.
Fertilizing String of Pearls:
- The string of Pearls does not require frequent fertilizing.
- Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength during the growing season.
- Do not fertilize during the winter months when the plant is dormant.
- Over-fertilizing can damage the plant, so it’s important to follow the recommended guidelines.
Why Choose Low Light Succulents
- Ability to thrive in low light: Low-light succulents have adapted to low-light conditions, making them an excellent option for indoor environments with limited natural light.
- Easy to care: Low-light succulents require minimal care and maintenance, making them an excellent option for those who are new to plant care or have limited time.
- Health benefits: Low-light succulents are known for their air-purifying qualities, which can improve indoor air quality and promote overall health and well-being.
- Variety of options: There are many different types of succulents to choose from, each with its unique colors, shapes, and textures. Some popular low-light succulents include snake plants, ZZ plants, and ferns.
- Versatility: These succulents can be displayed in a variety of ways, including in terrariums, hanging baskets, decorative pots, and wall planters, making them a versatile option for decorating indoor spaces.
Overall, the ability of low-light succulents to thrive in environments with limited natural light makes them a unique and valuable addition to any indoor space.
Related: How not to kill succulents & How to save an overwatered succulent.
Everything About String of Pearls
What Makes String of Pearls turning yellow?
Overwatering can cause the roots to rot and the leaves to turn yellow. Another possibility is inadequate lighting, as the plant may not be receiving enough sunlight to thrive. Additionally, pests or diseases can also cause the yellowing of the leaves.
If you suspect pests or diseases, inspect the plant closely and consider treating it with a natural or chemical pesticide or fungicide.
Why Is My Donkey’s Tail Plant Turning Yellow
Why is my String of Pearls not growing?
Inadequate lighting is one of the most common reasons, as the plant requires bright, indirect sunlight to thrive.
Another possibility is insufficient nutrients, which can be addressed by fertilizing the plant with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
Additionally, if the plant is root-bound, it may not be able to grow properly, so consider repotting it into a larger container.
How to Prevent String of Pearls from losing beads?
If your String of Pearls is losing beads, it may be due to overwatering or underwatering. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot, leading to the loss of beads.
Underwatering can cause the leaves to dry out and the beads to fall off. Make sure to water your plant properly and ensure that it has proper drainage to prevent water from sitting in the pot.
Why does String of Pearls need indirect light?
The string of Pearls requires indirect light because direct sunlight can burn the delicate leaves and cause damage to the plant.
Yet, it requires bright light to thrive, so placing it near a window that receives indirect sunlight is ideal. If you notice that your plant is not growing properly, consider increasing the amount of light it receives.
Why is String of Pearls a popular houseplant?
It is a popular houseplant because of its unique and attractive appearance. It is easy to care for and can grow in a variety of conditions, making it a great choice for beginners. Additionally, it is a trailing plant, which makes it a great option for hanging baskets or for use in vertical gardens.
Why is String of Pearls considered a succulent?
A string of Pearls is considered a succulent because it has specialized cells that store water, allowing it to survive in arid conditions.
The plant’s leaves are thick and fleshy, which allows it to retain moisture and withstand periods of drought.
Why is overwatering harmful to String of Pearls?
Overwatering can be harmful to String of Pearls because it can cause the roots to rot, which can lead to the death of the plant.
The string of Pearls is a succulent plant that is adapted to survive in dry conditions, so it does not require frequent watering.
It is important to allow the soil to dry out between watering to prevent overwatering and ensure the plant’s health.
Why My String of Pearls Is Dying
- Overwatering: The string of Pearls is a succulent plant that is adapted to survive in dry conditions, so overwatering can cause the roots to rot and lead to the death of the plant. Reduce the frequency of watering and allow the soil to dry out between watering.
- Underwatering: While overwatering can be harmful, underwatering can also cause the plant to die. If the soil becomes too dry, the leaves may turn yellow or fall off, and the plant may become brittle. You can increase the frequency of watering and ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- Lack of sunlight: String of Pearls requires bright, indirect sunlight to thrive, so if the plant is not receiving enough light, it may become weak and die. Move the plant to a brighter location, such as near a window that receives indirect sunlight.
- Pests or disease: If your String of Pearls is infested with pests or affected by the disease, it can weaken the plant and lead to its death. Inspect the plant closely and consider treating it with a natural or chemical pesticide or fungicide to address the issue.
- Rootbound: If the plant has outgrown its container, it may become rootbound, which can limit its ability to absorb nutrients and water. To fix this, repot the plant into a larger container with fresh soil and ensure that it has proper drainage.
Reference Website:
- The University of Illinois Extension: Common Problems with Succulent Houseplants
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension: Houseplant Care – Overwatering
- National Gardening Association: String of Pearls
- The University of Florida IFAS Extension: Low Light Houseplants
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/string-of-pearls/string-of-pearls-care.htm
- https://www.thespruce.com/dying-succulent-plants-1902649