String of Pearls Care Guide: How to Grow String of Pearls

String of pearls plants (Curio rowleyanus) are succulents known for their small, pea-shaped leaves. Native to South West Africa, string of pearls plants exist as ground cover in their natural habitat. As houseplants, they provide cascading vines from window boxes, hanging baskets, and pots. In addition to their pearl-like foliage, these plants blossom with small white flowers in the spring.

Other common names for this plant include string of beads, string of peas, and rosary vine. String of pearl plants are easy to propagate and are quick growers.

String of pearls plants are relatively easy succulents to grow, and they thrive when taken care of properly.

• Use a well-aerated soil mix. Succulents need excellent drainage to thrive. Planting your string of pearls in a premade succulent or cactus potting mix will ensure the soil has the right amount of pumice or perlite. Adding pumice or perlite to regular potting soil can also help facilitate aeration and allow the soil to drain excess water.
• Choose a small terracotta pot. String of pearls plants have small root systems and don’t need a lot of space. Terracotta and other porous clay pots help minimize excess moisture, while larger pots allow water to linger and prevent the soil from drying out. Overly moist soil can lead to root rot, so choose a small clay pot with drainage holes to help minimize the risk of overwatering.
• Place your plant close to the top of the pot. String of pearls plants don’t need to go any deeper than an inch below the top of the soil. The top of the soil should also come close to the top of the pot to ensure proper air circulation around the plant.
• Place your plant in a location with bright indirect light. Whether you plan to keep your string of pearls as a houseplant or eventually propagate it outside, it needs a mix of bright light and partial shade to flourish. Direct sunlight may scorch your string of pearls, so keep an eye out for too-intense afternoon sun.
• Avoid overwatering. Overwatering will kill most succulents. Aim to keep the soil barely moist in the spring and summer months, watering once every two weeks. Water even less in the winter months—about once a month. If you notice the pearl-like leaves shriveling, the plant needs more water.
• Fertilize during the growing season. During the spring and summer, feed your plant water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half its regular strength every other week. In the winter months, fertilize every six weeks.
• Keep the environment warm and dry. String of pearls plants do best in room temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. During cooler months, they can withstand temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees. String of pearls plants don’t do well in humid climates, so keep them in the areas of your home with the lowest humidity.

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