Basic String of Pearls Care
There are two important things to note when caring for a String of Pearls and that is that they like bright levels of sunshine (but keep them away from intense direct light and hotspots in summer) and secondly that they really need their soil to fully dry out between waterings. As they are cascading plants, String of Pearls plants have quite delicate roots so are quite sensitive when it comes to soggy soil and root rot.
Below you will find all the information you need to properly care for a String of Pearls including detailed care requirements, FAQs and how to diagnose and treat common issues that might pop up along the way.
Detailed String of Pearls Care
String of Pearls love sunshine
They can’t get enough of the sunshine so find a bright spot in your home for your String of Pearls. Do keep it away from too much direct sunlight though as it can cause them to burn.
Be sparing on the water
String of Pearls plants are succulents, meaning they don’t require much water. They prefer their soil to be dry and overwatering can very quickly lead to root rot.
String of Pearls plants need space
These hanging succulents will need space to grow so make sure there is enough room for it to sprawl downwards.
Don’t worry about fertilising your String of Pearls
String of Pearls don’t need to be fertilised often, if at all. Overfertilisation can actually cause real harm to your plant quite quickly so we recommend leaving it out completely.
Propagating your String of Pearls is easy
All you need to do to propagate a String of Pearls is snip off some of the pearls and place half of the cutting in water. Change out the water every few days and you should start to see some new roots growing after a few weeks. You can also propagate your String of Pearls by burying the pearls in soil and watering regularly.
String of Pearls plants are toxic to your pets
Keep your dogs, cats and children away from your String of Pearls plant as ingestion of the plant can cause skin irritation and stomach ache.
Never mist your String of Pearls
As with watering, too much misting of your String of Pearls plant can quite quickly lead to root rot. String of Pearls plants don’t like rooms with high humidity so we recommend keeping them away from bathrooms or kitchens.
String of Pearls plants like warmer temperatures
Although it isn’t a dealbreaker when caring for a String of Pearls plant, try to keep them in a warm room as they thrive in slightly higher temperatures. Keep your plant away from drafty windows and doors as the cool air from outside will shock the plant.
String of Pearls Care FAQs
Does the String of Pearls tolerate full sun?
The String of Pearls can tolerate some direct sunlight but if exposed to too much (often during the height of summer) it can dry out and scorch the leaves. Somewhere with plenty of bright indirect light that maybe gets an hour or two of full sun will be perfect for your String of Pearls.
Can the String of Pearls grow in low light?
String of Pearls plants really struggle in low light and don’t adapt very well to it. If your plant isn’t getting enough sunlight you’ll notice that growth becomes small and stunted. It can also lead to discolouration of the leaves as well as a droopy and wilted plant.
How often should I water my String of Pearls?
You want to make sure that you don’t water your String of Pearls very frequently, about once every 10 days in summer and less in winter is a good average. They are super sensitive to root rot so any overwatering can cause real issues pretty quickly. Instead, they thrive in dry soil so ensure there is good drainage in the pot.
Is the String of Pearls toxic?
Yes, unfortunately, the String of Pearls is toxic and can cause mouth and stomach irritation if ingested. So you’ll want to keep these ones away from children and pets.
Is the String of Pearls easy to care for?
The String of Pearls plants is one of those where once you have found a good spot and nailed a decent routine, they become super easy to care for. They don’t respond to the slightest change like some other houseplants do but we still don’t always recommend them as a beginner houseplant as they do have special requirements when it comes to light, water, humidity etc.
Common Issues for String of Pearls
It can sometimes be tricky to grow your String of Pearls indoors, so it is important that you keep an eye out for any warning signs that might indicate your plant is unhappy. Signs of stress include shrivelling leaves, thinning stems and a loss of leaves.
Why is my String of Pearls shrivelled?
Shrivelling leaves on your String of Pearls is usually an indication of improper watering. Check the moisture in the soil and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
Why is my String of Pearls scarring?
Scarring on your pearl leaves is most often caused by too much direct sunlight which is burning the leaves. Try and move your plant into a spot with indirect sunshine.
Why is my String of Pearls losing leaves?
If your String of Pearls plant is losing leaves, it can be a sign of the temperature being too low or it being in a drafty spot in your home. Try to move your String of Pearls to a warmer spot to see if the pearls stop dropping.
Why is my String of Pearls turning yellow?
If you notice yellow leaves on your String of Pearls, this is probably a sign of overwatering. Too much moisture in the soil leads to root rot. Replace the soil immediately if you think you may have overwatered your String of Pearls.
Why are there white spots on my String of Pearls?
If you notice white spots or patches on your String of Pearls plant, this can often indicate pests. Remove the infected parts of the plant and wash the soil through completely to remove the pests.
