As an up-and-coming gardener, we understand that you might forget that you have a plant to care for, this is acceptable. A piece of advice commonly given to newbie gardeners is that they should purchase plants that are easy to care for and plants that can survive neglects.
This is so the plant can still stay healthy even when you forget. Choosing a plant to purchase as a newbie has to first be based on these criteria, the good thing is that there are beautiful, flowering, and non-flowering plants that are easy to grow and can survive a bit of neglect.
In this article, we will be showing you all that is you need to know about one of our favorite easy-to-growcolorful indoor plants; String of pearls.
Table of Contents
String Of Pearls Plant Background
Botanical name
Senecio rowleyanus.
Common name
Strings of pearls.
Soil type
Well drained, sandy soil.
light
Direct and indirect light.
Origin
Africa.
Soil pH
Neutral acidic.
Plant type
Succulent.
Toxicity
Toxic.
The strings of pearl are a unique plant that comes in small, round, pea-like, bead shape. The strings of pearl’s unique shape earned it its name. The plant’s name was given its name after a British botanist, Gordon Douglas Rowley, who was known for his interest in succulent plants.
Succulent plants are plants with thick, water storage organs, they store water in almost all the parts of them; stem, leaves, roots, etc. they have also adapted to survive places that are too dry for vegetation in the world i.e. Africa, Deserts, etc.
As you have guessed correctly, the strings of pearl plant is a succulent plant, this makes it easy for it to survive in unfavorable conditions.
Also known as Senecio rowleyanus, the strings of pearl is a flowering plant, although it rarely flowers inside, it is known to do when planted outdoor, and popularly in the spring, it produces white flowers that give off an amazing scent, almost like cinnamon.
The round “leaves” grow on trailing stems and you find them spilling over the sides of the container or basket. They are most beautiful when hung. Although strings of pearls are easy to grow, you should be informed on what it takes to grow them and what are for them. Lucky you! We have it here!
[Quick Tip]
Strings of pearl are easy to grow and can survive few weeks of neglect. However, they still require their basic care i.e. watering, bright light, temperature, less humid room, etc.
Like many other succulent plants, lighting is very important to the strings of pearl. However, this beauty enjoys a combination of direct and indirect light. When grown outdoors, they are mostly best in partial shade, in their natural habitat, they were mostly found under trees or rocks.
However, when growing them indoors, you should place them where they can get direct sunlight during the early hours of the day, and in indirect light when the sun gets hot or harsh. You can also just place them in bright indirect light throughout the day.
2. Soil
The best type of soil to use in growing your strings of pearl is sandy soil. However, you can make use of regular potting soil. The most important thing to note is that they grow best in well-drained soil.
3. Water
Watering is important, however, they are not easily forgiving with overwatering. You only have to give them enough water. You can create a schedule that works best with this i.e. once in two weeks.
You should check the topsoil if it is almost dry before watering, this will help you plan a healthy schedule. When grown outdoor, you might want to create a schedule based on how hot or cold your environment is. You should adjust your watering schedule during winter or when it is raining.
4. Humidity
Strings of pearl are not so particular with humidity so you can place them in a low humid environment. You should avoid placing them in a high humid environment like the bathroom or kitchen.
5. Pot
The type of pot you use in growing your plant can affect your plant. The strings of pearl enjoy well-drained soil and this is unachievable without pots with drainage holes. Due to their great drainage systems, terracotta and unglazed ceramic pots are two popular choices for your strings of pearl.
You need to purchase pots that are big enough for space, however, the pots shouldn’t be too big, this is because the water will stay too long in the pot and this can lead to root rot. The strings of pearls have shallow roots; hence they do not require deep pots.
Succulent plants like strings of pearl do not require so much fertilizer, in fact; too much fertilizer can damage and eventually kill strings of pearl. You can encourage their growth during the growing season by feeding them once in a while; however, such fertilizer must be diluted to half its strength.
7. Temperature
You should keep your pearls indoors at 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and during winter, you can keep them at 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Be careful not to keep them in places with the air conditioner or where they can get cold air, they may make the leaves drop.
Propagating String of Pearls Easily
Strings of pearl are quite easy to propagate; you do not have to worry much about it. You can either propagate via stem cutting in soil or via stem cutting in water and they are quite similar.
1. Stem Cutting In Soil
The first thing you need to note is to cut a stem from a healthy plant, about 5 inches long, remove the first three leaves from the bottom to expose the nodes. After this is done, place it gently in a pot filled with well-drained potting soil. Water it gently as you do not want it to get waterlogged. Your plant should begin to root soon.
2. Stem Cutting In Water
Make a stem cutting or about 3 to 5 inches long, removes the leaves at the bottom. Place the bottom of the stem in a bowl of water, move the bowl to a place where it can get light through the day.
After some days, your plant will begin to show its root. Once these roots are quite visible, gently move them to a container of soil, you can start with a small pot and as they grow, you move them to a larger pot.
How To Care For Your Strings Of Pearl
As earlier, you might need to exercise extra caution when watering your pearls. As they grow, they can handle weeks without water. You might also not be able to check how wet they are with your fingers or hands. You can however set a schedule to water them in 12 to 14 days when indoor or once in 3 weeks when outdoor.
Your plant might begin to experience defects when they are either over-watered or under-watered. i.e. you might notice that the leaves are starting to shrivel, this indicates that your watering is low. You should step it up!
If you are unable to give your plant the amount of natural light it requires, you can place them under a fluorescent light fixture. 14 to 16 hours of light artificial light during the growing season should be fine for them.
Strings of pearls are toxic for consumption to both humans and pets. You should place this beauty out of reach for kids and pets. Be aware that its sap can irritate your skin.
Strings of pearls are not exempted from the troubles of pests and diseases. You must pay attention to your plant so you detect these things early.
Although strings of pearls are known to live for long, lack of basic care can cause them to die off sooner than you expect. You must give them the basic care they require i.e. light, water, temperature, pot, etc.
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Final Thoughts
Strings of pearl are a must-have in your home. they are most beautiful when they are hung in a basket, however, you can place them anywhere else in your home, apart from high humid areas and proximity to pets and kids.
Although they are not so harmful when consumed, they can cause discomfort and irritations. You should consult your doctor immediately when it is consumed.
Jane is a Master Gardener with a degree in Horticulture. Majoring in floriculture, She's an expert in the production of bedding and garden plants alongside cut cultivated greens and other floriculture materials. In addition to that, she's been a writer for over five years providing her personal and professional insights to various magazines and blogs. At home, she's mum to two wonderful boys. Together with her husband and their four-legged furry reside in the countryside where she does what she loves doing the most.
