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 (Senecio rowleyanus) is a trailing succulent that is prized for its unique, spherical foliage While the pearls themselves grab most of the attention, string of pearls can produce small flowers when conditions are right. Learning to identify string of pearls flower buds and providing proper care is key to getting this plant to bloom
What Do String of Pearls Flower Buds Look Like?
String of pearls flower buds are very small, only about 1/4 inch wide. They form at the ends of the trailing stems, nestled in between the last few pairs of pearls.
The buds themselves are oval shaped and light green. They resemble tiny versions of rose buds. As the flowers prepare to open, the tips of the petals become visible. The petals emerge as a pinkish-white color.
Overall the buds are fairly inconspicuous, especially when mixed in with the foliage. You’ll need to inspect the ends of the stems closely to spot them.
Signs Flower Buds are Forming
Luckily, there are some signs to look out for that indicate string of pearls is preparing to bloom:
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Increased growth rate – The plant may start trailing longer and producing more pearls right before buds appear This is a sign it is rapidly maturing
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Pearls tighten up – The pearls themselves will become more firm and compact along the stems where buds are forming.
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Color change – Stem tips that will soon have buds may become more red or pinkish.
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Time of year – Buds usually begin forming in mid to late summer. Check plants carefully during this period.
Encouraging String of Pearls to Flower
Getting string of pearls to bloom requires meeting the plant’s needs for light, temperature, water, and nutrients. Here are some tips:
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Provide very bright, direct light for at least 4-6 hours per day. A south or west window is ideal.
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Allow the plant to experience a cool period with temps from 50-59°F (10-15°C) for 6-8 weeks in fall and early winter.
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Water thoroughly only when the pearls begin to wrinkle, then allow soil to fully dry out before watering again.
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Apply a diluted balanced fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the spring and summer growing season.
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Keep the plant slightly rootbound by avoiding overpotting. Re-pot every 2-3 years in fresh cactus/succulent soil.
Meeting these growing requirements will give string of pearls its best chance at flowering. However, note that it may take several years to see the first blooms. Be patient!
Caring for Flowering String of Pearls
Once buds begin to form, there are a few additional care tips to help them flower successfully:
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Move the plant to an area with temperatures between 60-80°F to allow buds to mature and open.
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Reduce watering frequency slightly while buds are forming to prevent rot.
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Provide good air circulation and prune off any dead pearls to discourage pests and diseases.
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Stake longer strands that have flower buds so they don’t break off the plant.
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Cut back on fertilizer, only using half strength applications every 6-8 weeks.
With the right conditions, your string of pearls flowers will open 6-8 weeks after buds first appear. Enjoy their subtle beauty and sweet, cinnamon-like fragrance. Just be sure not to overhandle the delicate blooms!
What to Do After Flowering
String of pearls flowers only last about 1-2 weeks. After blooms fade, small seed pods may form where the flowers were. These can be left on the plant to mature.
Once flowering completes, you can resume normal care. Return to a regular watering and fertilizing routine. Move the plant back to its previous bright, warm location.
Prune off any dried stems and yellowing pearls to rejuvenate the plant. This tidying up will encourage fresh growth and potential reblooming next season.
The unique spherical foliage of string of pearls always impresses. But don’t overlook the possibility of these trailing succulents gifting you with blooms as well. Follow proper flowering care tips and you may just be rewarded with the sweet blossoms of string of pearls.
Food (don’t starve your succulents!)
Dont starve your String of Pearls! Yes, they are a succulent, so they are light feeders, but that does not mean no food at all. Meanie. They can be fast growers when conditions are right, and still need the same essential nutrients any plant does to fuel that growth for lush, big Pearls. In fact undersized, small or deformed Pearls is a sign of a nutrient deficiency.
Although pearls can thrive outdoors in the right conditions, look for a fertiliser made for indoor plants to reduce the risk of fertiliser burn for plants stuck in pots, and feed little and often for String of Pearls. The weakly weekly method is perfect for these guys. Food cant make a plant flower, but mine only started flowering once I started feeding (it takes a lot out of a plant to flower). For my String of Pearls and all my lighter feeders I halve the usual dose the bottle says.
Since I sell plant fertiliser I have more than few foods in my cupboard, and have tried them all (yes, my plants are my guinea pigs), but my 3 favourites are Plant Runner (I change the dose to 1ml per 2 litres for my light feeders), or Dyna Gro Foliage Pro (I use the 1ml per 3 litre dose for that one), or GT Foliage Focus. There are many, many more fertilisers available but Id happily recommend any of those 3 in particular.
Watch for low soil
A common issue to watch out for, that can cause Pearls to struggle and slowly turn bald at the base, is when your soil level is too low, causing your pearls to be down below the edge of the pot.
The crown of your Pearls should be potted high enough so theyre the same level as the pot edge. Think falling and spilling over the edge. They shouldnt have to climb up and over. Too low down and light might not reach the crown, plus as your Pearls thicken up at the top, air flow reduces if they are down below the edge of the pot, both the reduced light and air flow can lead to the stems rotting and balding at the soil level.
Rather than fully repot though, you can carefully tip your pearls upside-down, soil and all, out onto your palm or a towel, add extra potting mix to the bottom of the pot, and carefully tip the pearls back in, now sitting higher. Dont add more soil to the top. The roots are shallow and instead of more airflow youll smother the stems.
SUCCULENT CARE TIPS | COMMON PROBLEMS OF STRING OF PEARLS | SENECIO ROWLEYANUS (#stringofpearls)
FAQ
Why is my String of Pearls flowering?
- Light: String of Pearls needs bright, indirect sunlight to encourage flowering.
- Cool Period: A cool period during the winter can also trigger flowering.
- Proper Care: Ensure the plant is watered appropriately, has good drainage, and is fed with a balanced fertilizer.
- Blooming: String of Pearls produces small, fragrant white flowers.
How do you know if a String of Pearls is happy?
String of Pearls that are happy and healthy pearls are plump and round with only a very slight point. You will notice that they are glossy and shiny with smooth green skin. If you look closely at your pearls, you will notice that each of them has a strip along them that looks like a little window.
How long do string of pearl flowers last?
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, you’ve probably clicked now why a free-draining, light soil is so important. String of Pearls definitely don’t like wet feet.
What does the String of Pearls flower mean?
Symbolism and Cultural Significance
This succulent, with its cascading vines of pea-shaped beads, resonates with individuals seeking a touch of fortune in their homes. In some traditions, it’s akin to a living charm bracelet, each pearl a wish for wealth or success.
Do string of pearls flower?
And a little stress makes the plant produce elegant flowers. However, you cannot bring a young String of Pearls and expect it to bloom for you. Succulents need to be at least four to six years old to flower. Further, flowering is easier outdoors than indoors. How to Make the String of Pearls Plant Flower?
How long does a string of pearls flower?
The String of Pearls flowers during summer and is a perennial plant. The plant’s flower lasts for around a month. When you let the plant unbothered in winter, cut back on watering, and place them at around 55°F, it promotes blooming in the spring. And a little stress makes the plant produce elegant flowers.
What is a string of pearls plant?
If you love pearls, we’ve got the plant for you! String of pearls is a darling succulent that looks exactly like a long, elegant strand of beads. This vining plant spills out of containers creating a lovely display that’s ideal for hanging baskets. The vines can trail up to 3 feet long!
What is a string of pearls succulent?
String of pearls plants are unique vining succulents that are easily recognizable by their tiny pea-shaped leaves. The leaves grow on trailing stems that gracefully spill over the sides of planters and hanging baskets much like the string of rubies succulent.
How do you know if a string of Pearls is flowering?
Keeping it slightly root bound is the best tip to see string of pearls flowers! It tricks the plant into thinking that it is nearing its life cycle, as the spread and growth of the root is restricted, and then it flowers to make sure its legacy continues!
How do you grow a string of pearls?
1. Give them Plenty of Sunlight Firstly, make sure your string of pearls is in the right spot. These plants love bright, indirect light. An east facing location, where the plant can bask in the direct mild morning sun for 3-4 hours, and then bright indirect light for the rest of the day will be the biggest boost it will ever need for blooming!