The string of pearls plant (Senecio rowleyanus) is a unique succulent known for its pea-shaped leaves that grow along vining stems. With its orb-like foliage, trailing habit, and minimal care needs, it’s easy to see why this plant has become so popular However, there is one aspect of string of pearls care that can be tricky – watering.
Getting the watering just right is crucial for the health and growth of this plant. Underwatering can lead to shriveled, wrinkled leaves while overwatering invites rot and disease. So how do you know how much to water your string of pearls? This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
How Often to Water String of Pearls
When it comes to watering frequency, there is no set schedule that will work for every string of pearls plant Watering depends on various factors like season, sunlight, temperature, humidity, soil type, and pot size. However, there are some general guidelines to follow
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Spring/Summer: Water every 7-10 days. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
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Fall/Winter: Water every 2-3 weeks. Allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings.
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In very hot and dry conditions, you may need to water as often as every 5 days. In cool and humid conditions, you may be able to go 3-4 weeks between waterings.
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Newly repotted or propagated plants need more frequent watering until established.
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Larger pots retain more moisture so will need less frequent watering. Smaller pots dry out faster.
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Well draining soil mixes dry out quicker than dense potting mix.
Pay close attention to your plant and adapt your schedule based on its needs. With experience, you’ll get to know exactly what your string of pearls prefers.
Signs Your String of Pearls Needs Water
In addition to sticking to a watering schedule, you should also watch for signs from your plant that it’s thirsty:
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Soil is dry 1-2 inches down
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Leaves are shriveled and deflated looking
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Leaves turn from round to lemon-shaped
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Leaves feel soft and thinner
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Plant looks wilted and limp
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White roots visible above soil
Don’t wait until the leaves start shriveling before you water. At the first signs of thirst, it’s time to give your plant a good drink.
How to Water String of Pearls
When it comes time to water your string of pearls, don’t just give it a sprinkle. This succulent prefers a good, deep soak when the soil has dried out. Here are a few tips for watering properly:
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Water until it runs out the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. This ensures the entire root zone gets hydrated.
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Let the pot sit in a saucer or sink for 20-30 minutes after watering and allow excess water to drain out. Don’t leave sitting in water.
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Always water the soil, not the leaves. Wet foliage can lead to rot.
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Use room temperature filtered or distilled water. Tap water may contain salts and chemicals that build up in the soil.
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In very dry conditions, occasionally drench the entire plant by submerging the pot in a bowl of water for 10-15 minutes. This rehydrates from the roots up.
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Avoid overhead watering methods like misting. The succulent leaves and stems can easily rot if continually wet.
The key is to saturate the soil with each watering and then allow it to fully dry out before watering again. This wet/dry cycle keeps the roots healthy.
Signs You’re Overwatering
While string of pearls don’t like to dry out completely, they also don’t like wet feet. Make sure to space out your waterings appropriately and watch for these signs of overwatering:
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Constantly soggy, wet soil
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Soft, mushy leaves
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Leaves falling off
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Brown, mushy stems
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Foul odor from rotting
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Mold or fungus on soil
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New growth looking weak and limp
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Lower leaves turning yellow and dropping
Luckily, string of pearls are very forgiving plants. At the first sign of overwatering, you can simply back off on watering and allow the soil to dry out completely to reset your watering schedule. Proper drainage is key to preventing wet soil issues.
Potting Mix For String of Pearls
Speaking of drainage, using the proper potting mix helps ensure you don’t overwater. For string of pearls, you want a lightweight mix that won’t hold onto moisture. A good succulent or cactus mix with a blend of perlite, vermiculite, sand and coconut coir typically provides the fast drainage these plants need. You can also create your own blend with equal parts potting soil, perlite, and sand.
Regardless of the mix you use, make sure your pot has drainage holes. A terra cotta pot that allows evaporation is an excellent choice. Use a pot that is wider than it is tall to accommodate the spreading roots. And don’t plant your string of pearls too deeply – the crown should sit right at soil level. With the right soil and pot, you’ll be able to easily control moisture.
Humidity For String of Pearls
String of pearls prefer slightly humid conditions around 40-50% humidity. However, as long as you are providing proper watering, you don’t need to take any extra steps to increase humidity. These plants don’t benefit from misting or sitting on pebble trays which only increase the risk of rot. Simply water thoroughly when the soil dries out and don’t allow the plant to dry out completely.
Troubleshooting Common String of Pearls Problems
If you notice your string of pearls developing issues, the problem is often related to improper watering. Here are some common problems and solutions:
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Wrinkled, shriveled leaves – This is caused by under-watering. Increase watering frequency and give the plant a good soak.
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Leaves falling off – Overwatering can cause leaf drop. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
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Stem rot – Both under and overwatering can cause stem and leaf rot. Cut off any mushy parts and improve watering practices.
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Brown leaf tips – Low humidity can cause browning on the leaf tips. Cluster plants together to boost humidity levels.
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Weak new growth – Too much or too little water can lead to small new leaves. Get your watering schedule on track.
With the proper soil, drainage, and watering technique, you can avoid most issues with string of pearls. Pay close attention to how your individual plant responds and adjust your care accordingly. With a little practice, you’ll have your string of pearl thriving in no time!
Caring for a string of pearls isn’t difficult once you get the watering down. Provide this succulent with bright light, plenty of heat, fast-draining soil, and occasional deep soakings and you’ll have a happy, healthy plant. Let the soil dry out between waterings and don’t overdo it. With the guidelines provided in this complete watering guide, you’ll be able to keep your string of pearls nourished and avoid problems. Before long, you’ll have long, lush tendrils of plump pearls cascading from your plant.
What Does an Overwatered String of Pearls Look Like?
Below are the signs of an overwatered String of Pearls:
- Translucent leaves
- Soft or mushy stems and beads
- Yellow leaves
- Mold or fungus growth
- Foul smell, due to rotting roots
Reduce the watering frequency to once every two weeks (taking into account the season) to fix an overwatered String of Pearls. Along with this, its a good practice to let the soil get slightly dry between watering sessions. Furthermore, use the bottom watering method to prevent overwatering your plant.
Q: How long can a String of Pearls go without water?
A: A String of Pearls can go without water for a few days to weeks, depending on the environmental condition and the plant’s age. Young Senecio rowleyanus plants need to be consistently hydrated to become established and more drought-resistant.
SUCCULENT CARE TIPS | COMMON PROBLEMS OF STRING OF PEARLS | SENECIO ROWLEYANUS (#stringofpearls)
FAQ
What’s the best way to water strings of pearls?
Bottom watering is often the preferred method for watering succulents like String of Pearls. It helps avoid waterlogging around the roots and prevents root rot. This method is straightforward and requires filling the saucer under the pot with water so the plant absorbs gradually the moisture.
How often should I water a string of beads?
- Lighting. Indoors, place it near an east-facing window for morning sun. A south or west-facing window works too, but keep the plant 5 to 10 inches from the glass to prevent sunburn, especially in intense sunlight areas. …
- Watering. String of Pearls needs watering about every two weeks to avoid overwatering.
Do you mist a String of Pearls?
Feed with a half-strength liquid feed once per month in spring, summer and autumn. Do not mist your plant. Prune any straggly ends to keep the plant looking neat. Strings of pearls have shallow root systems, so they need repotting only every few years, in spring.
Can you overwater a String of Pearls?
String of pearls are low-maintenance succulents that are quite easy to care for. However, providing these plants with the correct amount of moisture can be tricky as, if overwatered, string of pearls can sulk and the roots may begin to rot.
How do you water string of pearls?
The soaking method is one of the most preferable and easy watering methods for succulents like String of Pearls. This technique allows the plant soil to dry between the consecutive watering schedule. You will need to let the top 2 or 3 inches of the soil dry before watering your String of Pearls.
How often do you water string of pearls?
Generally, String of Pearls prefers once-a-week watering in spring/summer via a soaking watering approach and requires monthly watering during fall/winter. Under improper watering, the plant leaves begin to wither, droop and turn yellow. Water your String of Pearls after letting the soil dry in between the watering routine.
Do string of pearls need to be watered?
Proper watering is an absolute requirement for growing a String of Pearls without complications. To avoid watering issues, allow the soil to dry in between the watering routine to keep your succulent happy. Furthermore, always stay on guard and look out for the signs your plant shows upon improper watering situations.
How do you know if a string of pearls plant needs watering?
Another early indication that a String of Pearls plant needs watering is when the pearls start to shrivel. If the pearls remain green but start to shrivel, this is a signal for watering. (For more on saving an underwatered plant, read my article Why is my string of pearls drying up ).
How do you care for strings of pearls?
Remember to water the plant generously so that the excess water starts drains out of the drainage holes. It helps the water to reach all parts of the plant, especially the roots. In their native land, the strings of pearls are subject to heavy rainfall followed by drought.
How do you revive a string of pearls plant?
Here are some of the quick revival steps for overwatered String of Pearls. Remove all the sitting water by gently tilting the pot allowing water to flow sideways. Relocate the plant to a brighter place to encourage faster evaporation. For a few days, stop watering your plant and let it dry off properly.