String of Pearls: A Complete Guide to Care and Maintenance

Yes, it's a plant!

Curio rowleyanus has beautiful pearl-like leaves. That's why many refer to it as strings of pearls!

This plant can adorn your house by hanging on baskets and shelves.

In this article, we will uncover the secrets to keep your String of Pearls healthy for a long time. We'll walk you through every detail. You’ll find Strings of Pearls care tips, propagation methods, and different types. We'll also address common challenges like overwatering, pests, and leggy growth.

Part 1: How to Take Care of String of Pearls Plant?

First, let's get an overview of this plant.

The String of Pearls plant has many flowing curls of bead-like leaves. This succulent is native to dry South West Africa and has adapted to thrive in arid, sunny situations. It’s a real showpiece for hanging baskets and elevated displays.

Overview of String of Pearls

Characteristic	Details
Common Name	The String of pearls, the String of beads, the string of peas, the rosary vine
Botanical Name	Curio rowleyanus (formerly Senecio rowleyanus)
Family	Asteraceae
Plant Type	Succulent
Mature Size	1-2 ft. tall and long
Sun Exposure	Full, partial
Soil Type	Sandy, well-drained; Neutral to acidic pH
Soil pH	Neutral, acidic
Bloom Time	Summer
Flower Color	White
Hardiness Zones	9-12 (USDA)
Native Area	Africa
Toxicity	Toxic to humans and pets

Care Tips:

Here are the Strings of Pearls care tips to keep this plant healthy for a long time.

1. Give Indirect Light

• Optimal Setting: Position in bright, indirect sunlight to mimic its native habitat.  
• Avoid: Harsh direct rays can scorch its delicate leaves and dim corners. It leads to lanky, unhealthy growth.

Pro Tip: Best Place is a south or west-facing window with sheer curtains.

2. Make a Watering Schedule 

• Routine: Allow the soil to dry out entirely between waterings (about every 2-3 weeks). You can check it with a moisture meter.
• Common Pitfalls: Overwatering encourages root rot; underwatering causes pearls to shrivel.  
• Method: Use the "soak and dry" method. Soak the soil thoroughly, then let excess water drain freely.  

3. Use a Well-Draining Soil Mix

• Preferred Mix: Use a cactus or succulent blend that drains efficiently.
• DIY Mix: Mix two parts of potting soil with 1 part perlite or coarse sand for improved aeration. 
• Do Not Use: Avoid heavy, moisture-retentive soils that are root-suffocating. 

4. Avoid Temperature and Humidity Changes

• Temperature: Thrive at 70°F-80°F (21°C-27°C); keep above 50°F (10°C) at night. 
• Humidity: Low to moderate.

Pro Tip: Protect from drafts, air conditioners, and heating vents to avoid stressing.

5. Give Fertilizer in the Growing Season

• Type: A balanced, watered-down fertilizer such as 10-10-10 is the best.
• Schedule: Feed once a month in spring and summer, but skip it in winter.

Pro Tip: Don't feed too much. Overfeeding will burn roots; half the recommended strength is better than too much.

6. Regularly Prune the Plant

• Why: It will keep the plant full and prevent the occurrence of legginess. 
• How-To: Use sterilized scissors to snip over sparse stems.
• Bonus: Save these trimmings to propagate new plants quickly.

7. Give Special Care in Winter

• Lighting: As days become shorter, keep the plant sufficiently brightly lit.
• Watering: Reduce frequency to once per month or even less during its dormancy period.
• Temperature: Warm but not in drafts of chill. 

Pro Tip: Watch for pests, as the dryness of winter heaters can bring in unwanted guests. 

Following these care instructions, your String of Pearls plant will thrive as a beautiful focal point. Check out other low maintenance plants now.

Now, let's move on. You must also know the best method for propagation of Strings of Pearls in the long term.

Part 2: How to Propagate String of Pearls: Step-by-Step Guide

Propagating String of Pearls is both simple and deeply satisfying. This succulent makes propagation an accessible project for even the most novice plant enthusiasts. With Strings of Pearls propagation, you can revive a scraggly plant, expand your collection, or give a green treasure to a fellow plant lover.

There are two popular methods to propagate a String of Pearls:  

1. Soil Stem Cuttings: The traditional method, preferred for its ease and success rate.  
2. Layering: A reliable method in which the roots develop while the stem is still attached to the mother.  

Propagate String of Pearls from Stem Cuttings Step by Step

Step 1. Snip the Stem

Prepare clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. Select a healthy stem with plump, vibrant pearls. Cut a 3-4 inch section of the stem.

Pro Tip: Make sure that the stem includes several nodes (the points where pearls grow).

Step 2: Prepare the Potting mix

Prepare a pot filled with well-draining succulent soil. You can use a cactus or succulent blend with perlite.

Step 3: Prep the Cutting

Take out the pearls from the stem's bottom 1-2 inches to expose the nodes. Leave these cuttings dry for a day to develop a callus.

Pro Tip: Optional: Dip the freshly cut end in rooting hormone for faster root development.

Step 4: Plant the Cutting

Insert the exposed nodes into the soil, lightly covering them. Keep the upper pearls above the soil to avoid rot.

Step 5: Water Wisely

Water the soil lightly so it is not soggy. Keep it slightly damp.  

Step 6: Nurture with Care

Position the pot in bright, indirect light. After 2-3 weeks, roots should appear, indicating successful propagation. New growth will follow shortly.

Let's briefly look at the other Strings of Pearls propagation method.

2. Layering Method

For those who want another reliable method, layering is the best. In this method, you just place a healthy stem over the soil in a new pot attached to the parent plant. Gently press the nodes into the soil so that they are in direct contact. Once roots form at the nodes, remove the stem from the parent plant and care for it as a separate specimen.

When the roots overgrow the pot, you must repot it to a bigger one.

Potting and Repotting String of Pearls

Well, that's everything about Strings of Pearls propagation. Now let's show you the beautiful types of this plant.

Part 3: Types of String of Pearls Plant

Here are the types of String of Pearls. We'll describe their corresponding scientific or related names and their differences.

Type 1 - Standard String of Pearls (Curio rowleyanus)

This plant is classic with its iconic round, bead-like leaves and trailing growth habit.

Key Features:

• Round, glossy green pearls.
• Fast-growing and easy to propagate.
• It is ideal for hanging planters or trailing displays.

Type 2 - Variegated String of Pearls (Curio rowleyanus variegata)

It is a beautiful variation with white and yellow streaks on the leaves.

Key Features:

• Green pearls with white and yellow variegation.
• Slower-growing compared to the standard type.
• It requires bright light to maintain its striking colors.

Type 3 - String of Beads (Curio herreanus)

Closely related to the standard type, it features more oval or bead-shaped leaves.

Key Features:

• Oval-shaped, bead-like leaves.
• Slightly thicker and sturdier foliage.
• Excellent for cascading displays.

Type 4 - String of Tears (Curio citriformis)

Distinguished by its teardrop-shaped leaves, This variety gives a softer look than the rounder varieties.

Key Features:

• Teardrop-shaped, vibrant green leaves.
• Less dense trailing growth compared to the standard type.
• Delicate, elegant appearance.

Type 5 - String of Bananas (Curio radicans)

It's known for its crescent-shaped leaves that resemble tiny bananas.

Key Features:

• Crescent-shaped, banana-like leaves.
• Faster-growing and hardier than the standard type.
• Great for creating lush, trailing greenery.

Type 6 - String of Fishhooks (Curio radicans ‘Fish Hooks’)

It's a variation of Curio radicans with longer, more curved leaves that resemble fish hooks. 

Key Features:

• Long, curved, fishhook-like leaves.
• Tolerates slightly harsher conditions than other types.
• Striking for unique hanging displays.

Type 7 - String of Watermelons (Curio rowleyanus ‘Watermelon’)

It's a rare type with pearls featuring green and white striping. The leaves greatly mimic the watermelon skin.

Key Features:

• Striped green and white pearls.
• Compact growth pattern.
• Requires bright light to enhance the markings.

No matter which type you choose, Strings of Pearls can add beauty to your house.

Now let's see how to counter different problems while growing it.

Part 4: Common Problems of String of Pearls

Here are some common issues faced by the String of Pearls plant. Solutions for each problem are provided below.

Issue 1 - Yellowing Pearls

Possible Causes:

• Overwatering
• Inadequate light
• Poor drainage

Solutions:

• Water only when the soil is dry to the touch, avoiding soggy conditions.
• Place the plant in bright, indirect light.
• Use a pot with drainage holes and well-draining succulent soil.

Issue 2 - Shriveling Pearls

Possible Causes:

• Underwatering
• Intense direct sunlight
• Root damage

Solutions:

• Water the plant thoroughly when the topsoil feels dry, ensuring even moisture.
• Avoid placing the plant in harsh, direct sunlight for extended periods.
• Inspect the roots for damage and repot if necessary.

Issue 3 - Brown or Black Spots on Pearls

Possible Causes:

• Overwatering causes root rot
• Fungal or bacterial infections
• Pest infestations

Solutions:

• Reduce watering frequency and ensure proper drainage.
• Remove affected areas and treat the plant with a fungicide or bactericide.
• Inspect for pests like mealybugs and treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Issue 4 - Leggy Growth

Possible Causes:

• Insufficient light
• Lack of nutrients

Solutions:

• Move the plant to a brighter location with plenty of indirect sunlight.
• Use a diluted succulent fertilizer during the growing season.

Issue 5 - Root Rot

Possible Causes:

• Overwatering
• Soil that retains too much moisture

Solutions:

• Remove the plant from the pot, trim off mushy roots, and repot in fresh, well-draining soil.
• Water sparingly and ensure the pot has drainage holes.

Issue 6 - Stems Wilting or Breaking

Possible Causes:

• Rough handling
• Sudden temperature changes
• Improper watering (too much or too little)

Solutions:

• Handle the plant gently to avoid damage to fragile stems.
• Maintain consistent temperatures and avoid placing the plant near drafts or heaters.
• Adjust watering habits to avoid prolonged drought or waterlogging.

Issue 7 - Pest Infestations

Possible Causes:

• Mealybugs, spider mites, or aphids

Solutions:

• Inspect the plant regularly for pests, especially around the pearls and stems.
• Remove pests manually with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
• Use neem oil or insecticidal soap to treat infestations.

Conclusion

The String of Pearls is a graceful succulent with its cascading beads-like leaves. It brings a touch of sophistication to any setting while requiring minimal upkeep. In this guide, we’ve unraveled the secrets of its care, propagation, and types, as well as how to solve common issues. Stick to these tips, and you’ll have a perfectly healthy String of Pearls plant.

Do you want this plant in your collection at home? Get one from Greenscape now. Their plants are healthy, well cared for, and arrive in perfect condition.

FAQs About String of Pearls

Can the String of Pearls grow in a terrarium?

Yes, but you have to be careful. For all their majesty as a display piece, terrariums are notorious for trapping humidity. High humidity is a death sentence for this drought-loving succulent. To grow in a terrarium, use well-draining soil and ensure proper ventilation. Do not seal it completely. Place it in bright, indirect light and water it very sparingly.

How do I add a String of Pearls to my home decor?

Add it to hanging baskets, floating shelves, and bohemian macramé hangers. They are its best matches since its trailing beads can spill over elegantly. You can also go for a wide shallow pot or an open terrarium with other succulents. This minimalist plant is simply perfect for modern or rustic decor themes.

Is String of Pearls pet-friendly?

No! String of Pearls is toxic to pets like cats and dogs if ingested. It can cause vomiting, lethargy, or diarrhea. If you’re a pet parent, keep this plant in hanging planters or on tall shelves, safely out of reach. In any case, if your furry friend manages to nibble on it, consult a vet immediately.

Can String of Pearls be combined with other succulents?

Yes, if they have similar care requirements. Combine it with other succulents, such as String of Bananas or Burro's Tail, for a succulent combination. Ensure the soil is well-draining and the pot has sufficient drainage holes. Matching their light and water requirements keeps the group happy while creating a visually stunning and low-maintenance display.