Growing this succulent indoors or out of doors is gentle with the correct amount of light , soil , and piddle .
Jason Donnelly
Manyhanging indoor plantsare on the market , but the string of pearls plant(Curio rowleyanussyn . Senecio rowleyanus)easily stands out with its ability to make the most of your home ’s vertical space . Thisunique succulenthas plump , round leafage lead along stringlike stems that dangle as much as 2 feet over the edge of a hanging pot . Admirers of this plant say its leaves look standardized to green string of beads draw on a necklace , but those leaves do more than look middling — they hive away water to help the plant outlast periods of drought .
Credit:Jason Donnelly
String of pearls is often used as a spiller insucculent container plantingsto cave in up the visual sharpness of a potbelly and give an transcription a finished look . The industrial plant ’s white , daisy - like flowers look similar to asters and have the aroma of cinnamon ; they appear on the plant life ’s stalks in summertime .
Where to Plant String of Pearls
Even though the string of drop plant life is native to the dry areas of southwesterly Africa , the plant does n’t require a tropical surroundings to thrive . Grow this popular ornamental plant life in ahanging basketto display case its stems of leaves , which spill downward from basket rim . you may also mature a string of pearls plant in a flat looker and watch its long stems trail and root to form a dense creep ground cover .
When growing a string of pearls plant indoors , place it inbright , collateral sunlightnear a south- or W - facing windowpane . To arise a string of pearls flora outdoors inUSDA Zones9–11 , select a location with morning sun and afternoon subtlety and well - run out dry , sandy soil .
All part of the chain of drop plant are toxic to humans and animal . Keep the plant away from areas where tyke and pet play .
String of Pearls Care Tips
Like many succulent , a string of ivory works tends to be picky about its growing requirements . To avail it thrive , espouse goodsucculent carepractices by providing right succulent land , correct watering , and adequate sun and fertilizer .
Light
select a bright spot , such as a south- or westward - facing windowpane , for a string of pearls works . keep off placing it in verbatim sunlight or closemouthed to a windowpane , as its succulent foliage cansunburn .
If you imbed a string of bead plant outdoors or bring your potted plant alfresco during the summer , select a spotlight that receivesdirect morning sun and part shadein the afternoon .
Soil and Water
Grow a string of pearls plant in a dry , flaxen , well - run out , cactus - type potting mix . It tolerate infrequent watering and can resist extended period of drought . This flora is highly sensitive tooverwatering , so only weewee it once every mates of weeks . You ’ll have intercourse it has too much piss if you note soft , wrinkled leaves . Wait for the soil to dry out between lachrymation , and only weewee when the top 2 inches of soil finger dry to the touch .
Temperature and Humidity
This industrial plant grows best when temperature are 70 ° F–80 ° F in summer and 50 ° F–60 ° F in winter . String of pearls flora are untouched by gamy humidity .
Fertilizer
A string of pearls plant does n’t requirefertilization to maturate indoors , but it will bloom more often if it receives extra nutrients . habituate a water - soluble fertilizer that islow in N and balanced in P and K , such as 2 - 7 - 7 industrial plant intellectual nourishment . apply half the amount recommend on the bottle and apply it once in the spring and once again in the decline .
If a string of off-white plant is arise out of doors , add fertiliser monthly to encourage it to grow well . If it ’s newly planted , the press cutting should n’t be fecundate for at least a calendar month to prevent damage to the plant .
Pruning
You ask to occasionally prune your string of pearls plant to maintain its show , size , and mellowness . cut the affected areas when your works has deadened stems or leave of absence .
Potting and Repotting String of Pearls Plant
Plant a string of pearl plant in a pot with prominent drainage holes and filled with cacti - type potting admixture . It ’s best to repot string of off-white every year since the plant tends to become antecedent - restrain . If you see roots coming out of the bottom of the works ’s container , repot the succulentinto a larger pot to give the roots more space , respectable air flow , and more admittance to water . After several years , the flora will die back , so take cuttings before the plant grows old .
Pests and Problems
gnat and mealybug are the most vulgar bugs attracted to a drawstring of pearls plant . If your plant is showing signs of being unhealthy , contain it immediately for a bug infestation .
Gnats
When growing a bowed stringed instrument of pearls works indoors , gnat can be a problem . commonly , gnat are attracted to pixilated soil ; you could be overwatering , or the pot that contains the works might not have sufficient drain . Let the soil dry out for several daysto get rid of gnat . If the gnat riposte , spritz the plant ’s soil with stinker - perfumed dish soap diluted in a quart of weewee .
Mealybugs
You ’ll know your plant has mealybugs if you see a snowy , fluffy pith on its leaves or in the crack between the leaves . Damage from mealybugs makes the plant ’s new growth look stunted and misshapen . To get disembarrass of mealybugs , spray your plant life with 70 percent rubbing inebriant and rinse the plant life ’s leaf after 10 to 15 minutes .
How to Propagate String of Pearls Plant
Types of String of Pearls
In addition to the whole greenCurio rowleyanus , there is a variegated version , as well as relatedCurioplants with similar names and visual aspect . The types that are well suited as flow houseplant in a bright location admit :
Variegated String of Pearls
The leaves of variegated strand of bone ( Curio rowleyanus‘Variegatus’)resemble peas in condition and sizing but take on ointment and unripe colors , sometimes with a pinkish tinge , depending on the amount of sun and water the plant life encounter .
String of Beads
Thependant stem of a string of drop plant(Curio herreianus)have ellipse bead - similar folio . A erect , semi - translucent railway line runs to its point , which assist photosynthesis . Small , white , fuzzy blossoms that are cinnamon - scented appear on its slender stalk .
String of Bananas
A strand of bananasplant(Curio radicans)isa knotty alternative to string of drop when it comes to Lord’s Day and warmth . Each of its leaves is shaped like a tiny green banana . Vining fibril hang 6 foot long or more .
String of Tears
The delicate leafage of a string of tears plant(Curio citriformis)taper toward the lead and are mould like tear . The parting stand marvelous on branches that develop about 4 inches tall . White pom - pom - like efflorescence flower on its stalks .
Frequently Asked Questions
String of pearls flora is a fast develop succulent . Expect your industrial plant to develop 5 to 15 inches in a year .
you’re able to buy a string of pearls plant at most garden centers or online industrial plant nursery sites .
It ’s easy to care for a drawstring of pearl plant whether it ’s growing outdoors or indoors . It ask light , tight - drain soil and should be watered only when it ’s dry . Keep it in a stable environment and give it unspoilt air travel circulation .
Curio rowleyanus . NC State Extension
