String of Pearls were one of the very first plants I got when starting my plant parenthood journey / addiction. Whats not to love about those cute round green peas? They make you happy just looking at them. Like something out of Dr Suess. However String of Pearls was also one of the first and few Ive managed to kill. Not so happy after that.
With one dead, and one down to a single, sad strand, balding and bare at the base, I almost gave up. But motivated by everyone elses photos of lush, long strings of plump pearls, I changed almost everything, and tried again.
And wow. Success! Easy peasy (now I know what to do – and not to do). I give String of Pearls a care rating of 1 out of 5. Yes. Really. That easy. Heres what I learned so yours dont end up with the same fate as my first.
Speaking of, below is one of my many String of Pearls today. Dont give up if yours are down to one sad strand like mine was. This girl below is my Variegated String of Pearls who was in the same state not long ago, and look at her now! Talk about major glow up. One of her all-green pea buddies is even flowering right now (which smell delicious).
The string of pearls plant, also known as Senecio rowleyanus, is a popular hanging succulent known for its round, bead-like leaves. With its cascading stems, this plant makes an excellent addition to any indoor collection.
However, despite its popularity, the string of pearls is prone to certain problems that can lead to the plant drying out and dying. The most common reasons for a string of pearls plant dying include:
- Overwatering
- Underwatering
- Excessive sunlight
- Lack of sunlight
- Using the wrong potting mix
- Pest infestation
If you notice your string of pearls plant deteriorating, don’t panic! With some attentive care, you can bring your plant back to life. Here are the top 5 tips on how to revive a dying string of pearls plant:
1. Adjust the Watering
The number one reason string of pearls die is improper watering. As a succulent, these plants prefer infrequent but deep watering. The most common mistake is overwatering, which leads to root rot. Check the soil before watering – it should be completely dry 2-3 inches deep before rehydrating.
Conversely, a plant without enough water will start to shrivel. Increase water slightly if the pearls look wrinkly. Aim to water only when the top 50% of the soil is dry.
2. Give it More or Less Sunlight
String of pearls need 4-6 hours of bright, indirect light daily. Too much sun will scorch the leaves, causing browning and dropping leaves. Insufficient light leads to weak growth and dropped pearls.
Slowly acclimate the plant to increase light exposure, Use sheer curtains to diffuse light if too intense Rotate the pot or move it slightly further from the window if it’s not getting enough sun,
3. Check the Soil
These plants need a very well-draining potting mix as wet soil quickly causes root rot. Repot in a gritty cactus/succulent soil with added perlite or pumice to improve drainage.
Terra cotta pots also help excess moisture evaporate. Make sure there is drainage hole at the bottom of the pot to prevent waterlogging.
4. Treat Pest Infestations
Mealybugs, fungus gnats, aphids and spider mites can all plague string of pearls. Look for tiny bugs, webs or white fuzz on the plant. Use neem oil, insecticidal soap or horticultural oils to treat infestations before they get out of control.
You may need to trim off heavily infested stems to save the plant. Isolate it from other plants until the infestation clears.
5. Propagate Stems
If large sections of the plant have died, take stem cuttings from any remaining healthy strands. Cut below the pearls and remove lower leaves.
Place the cuttings in water until roots form, then plant in well-draining soil. This allows you to start over with a vigorous new plant.
With attentive care and optimal growing conditions, a dying string of pearls can make a full recovery. Avoid overwatering, give it adequate sunlight, use well-draining soil, treat pests and propagate from healthy stems.
Within a few weeks of implementing this care routine, you should see your string of pearls plant regaining its plump, rounded leaves and cascading beautifully again. Just be patient and fix any cultural issues – these plants can bounce back well when problems are corrected early.
Summary of Key Points:
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Overwatering and underwatering are the most common causes of a dying string of pearls plant. Adjust watering frequency based on the soil dryness.
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Give the plant bright, indirect light for 4-6 hours daily. Increase sunlight gradually if the plant is stretching or dropping leaves.
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Well-draining soil is critical. Repot in a gritty commercial cactus mix.
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Inspect regularly and treat any pests like mealybugs that could be infesting the plant.
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Take healthy cuttings to propagate the string of pearls if much of the plant has died.
What soil’s best for String of Pearls?
Lets start at the bottom. Soil is super important for these vining peas. Okay, they arent peas, theyre succulents. But a happy String of Pearls should be plump and almost completely round, like a pea. More about what the shape of your Pearls is telling you at the end in the String of Pearls Problem Solving section.
Although were used to seeing them vining at home, in their natural habitat in the deserts of East Africa, they are actually ground cover. If your SOP is really happy, youll get delicate, miniature dandelion-like flowers too, which smell like a mix of vanilla and cinnamon. Delicious. The flowers can last a good month or so too. One of mine is flowering right now (in the middle of winter).
Being a desert-dwelling, ground-cover plant, youve probably clicked now why a free-draining, light soil is so important. String of Pearls definitely dont like wet feet. Grab a bag of succulent mix or a fine soil-free aroid mix – I use the Bio Leaf Soil-free Fine Blend for mine – or you can DIY your own mix.
Those pretty pearls are prone to root rot, so as well as light, free-draining soil, make sure the pot theyre in has good drainage ideally multiple drainage holes so water doesnt pool and collect at the bottom. Terracotta is so-so for these guys also to keep things dry (I find it keeps the mix too dry at my place, but it depends on your conditions). Mine are all in clear plastic nursery pots and thriving, but terracottas a goody for over-waterers or for soil-based substrates. Pearls have a shallow root system too, so a shallow wide pot is great for them (and looks fantastic), combined with a finer grade of substrate.
Why do String of Pearls have round leaves?
The appeal of String of Pearls for many are their long strings of unusual pea-shaped leaves. Look closely and youll see little clear window in each pea. Thats because being round is a clever design when you live in a desert. Minimum surface area outside reduces water loss due to sun and wind, and gives you maximum water storage inside.
Only that causes a problem. Minimal surface area also reduces those wee peas ability to photosynthesize. And thats where the window comes in. See the thin dark stripe running down each pea below? That window lets sunlight in to enter the leaf so it can get enough light, even when partially shaded, growing under a rock, in the desert, without losing precious water. Speaking of water…
My String of Pearls is DYING!
FAQ
How to revive a dying String of Pearls?
You could try repotting what’s left into fresh, super well draining soil, then hanging it in a window where the roots get a lot of light. Don’t overwater it, only water when the split down the middle of the ‘pearls’ disappears. It might be too far gone, but it’s worth a shot.
What does overwatered String of Pearls look like?
Yellowing Leaves
Yellowing leaves are a common sign of stress in String of Pearls, often caused by overwatering but also linked to other factors like nutrient deficiencies or pest infestations. Overwatering can suffocate the roots, leading to nutrient deficiencies that manifest as yellowing leaves.
Can my String of Pearls be saved?
If you’re sure it’s not from over or under watering, look to the light. Too much, too intense sunlight (like afternoon sun in summer), can scorch your pearls. Move to a spot with bright indirect light for a week or so to help them recover, then back to a spot with gentler, less intense sunlight in the future.
How often should strings of pearls be watered?
- General Watering: Water your String of Pearls when the top inch of soil is dry, typically every 2-3 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).
- Winter Watering: Reduce watering frequency to once a month or less during the dormant winter months.
- Overwatering: String of Pearls are sensitive to overwatering, which can lead to root rot, so it’s crucial to allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
- Signs of Overwatering: Yellowing or shriveled leaves can indicate overwatering.
- Signs of Underwatering: Wrinkled pearls can indicate that your String of Pearls is thirsty.
- Watering Technique: When watering, soak the soil thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot, then allow the plant to drain completely.
- Water Quality: Use room temperature, soft water, or rainwater.
- Sunlight: String of Pearls prefers bright, indirect sunlight, but can tolerate some direct morning sun.
- Soil: Ensure your String of Pearls is planted in a well-draining cactus or succulent mix.
- Other tips:
- Check soil moisture: Before watering, check the soil moisture by sticking your finger into the soil to a depth of about an inch.
- Bottom watering: For shallow pots, water from the base to ensure the soil is thoroughly soaked.
- Don’t spray: Avoid spraying the plant, as this can lead to fungal issues.
- Check soil moisture: Before watering, check the soil moisture by sticking your finger into the soil to a depth of about an inch.