String of pearls also known as curio rowleyanus, is a popular and easy to grow succulent houseplant. With its round bead-like leaves on trailing stems, it makes a gorgeous hanging plant that can grow quite long. Propagating string of pearls from cuttings is an easy way to make new plants from your existing one. And rooting the cuttings in water is one of the simplest methods.
Why Propagate String of Pearls in Water?
Propagating houseplants is rewarding and can give you tons of new plants for free. It’s also a great way to fill out an existing plant to make it fuller. Some reasons you may want to propagate string of pearls in water include:
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Water propagation allows you to see the roots growing, unlike soil. This provides peace of mind that it’s working.
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It’s fast, with roots emerging in just a few days in optimal conditions.
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Water rooting reduces the chance of rot compared to soil. The cuttings don’t sit in wet soil.
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It’s extremely easy and low effort compared to some other propagation methods.
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You can root multiple cuttings in one container, then pot up separately later.
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It doesn’t require any special equipment, just household materials.
Overall, water propagation is one of the simplest ways to get new string of pearls plants for free The high success rate and visibility of roots make it a great choice for beginners or anyone new to propagating houseplants
Step-by-Step Guide to Propagating String of Pearls in Water
Propagating string of pearls in water follows a simple process:
1. Take Cuttings from the Mother Plant
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Look for a healthy stem to take your cutting from. Avoid diseased or damaged sections.
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Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut a piece of stem 3-6 inches long.
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Cut just below one of the leaf nodes where new roots can emerge.
2. Remove Lower Leaves
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Gently pluck off the lower leaves on the bottom 1-2 inches of the cutting.
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This exposes the stem section that will grow water roots. Be careful not to damage the stem.
3. Place the Cutting in Water
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Put the cutting in a small jar, glass, or bowl with enough room temperature water to submerge the lower bare stem section.
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Avoid fully submerging the leaves. Change the water every couple days.
4. Provide Warmth and Bright, Indirect Light
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Place the glass container near a sunny window but avoid direct hot sunlight.
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Maintain a temperature between 70-80°F for fastest rooting if possible.
5. Wait for Roots to Emerge
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Check daily for the emergence of thin white roots from the stem nodes. This happens within days in optimal conditions.
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Let the roots grow to 1-2 inches long before transplanting to soil.
6. Transplant to Soil
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Once nicely rooted, plant the cutting in a small pot with well-draining cactus/succulent soil.
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Keep the new plant lightly moist but not soaked as it establishes. Slowly begin to let it dry out between waterings.
Tips for Propagating String of Pearls in Water
Here are some useful tips to help ensure success propagating your string of pearls cuttings in water:
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Take cuttings in spring or summer for fastest rooting. Winter is slower.
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Use clean shears and jar to prevent disease.
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Change the water every 2-3 days to prevent rotting.
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Avoid direct hot sunlight which can overheat the water.
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Use rooting hormone if cuttings are slow to root. Dip the end before placing in water.
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Transplant to soil once a good root system is visible, before it gets overly long.
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Acclimate the new plant slowly to lower humidity and less frequent watering.
Troubleshooting Propagation Issues
Here are some common propagation issues and how to fix them:
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Stem rotting – Change water more often and provide air circulation. Don’t fully submerge leaves.
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No root growth – Increase warmth and light. Change water. Use rooting hormone. Take new cuttings.
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Roots don’t transplant well – Allow roots to grow longer before transplanting. Acclimate slowly to less humidity.
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New plant declines or dies – Transplant too soon before good roots. Overwatering. Rot from too much humidity.
Enjoy Your New String of Pearls!
When to Propagate String of Pearls
Youll have the most success with string of pearls propagation during spring and summer. If you take cuttings from a mature plant in fall or winter, they can still root, but the process can take longer. Propagating cuttings is a great way to stimulate growth and make a string of pearls plant look fuller, or you can start a whole new plant.
String of pearls grows best in a gritty, well-draining medium. You can use a ready-made cactus or succulent soil mix, but if it seems too heavy, its a good idea to lighten it up with a few handfuls of perlite. You can also make your own succulent mix by blending two parts potting mix with two parts coarse sand and one part perlite. If using a soil method, a terra-cotta pot is ideal because it allows excess moisture to evaporate, but a plastic or ceramic pot will work in a pinch.
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The Spruce / Michelle Becker
How to Propagate String of Pearls on Top of Soil
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Gather the Cutting
Examine the mother plant and choose a few healthy stems. Cut four-to-six-inch long stem ends, cutting just below a leaf node.
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Fill the Pot With Soil
Fill a small plant pot with succulent soil mix so that theres one inch between the soil surface and the top of the pot. Moisten the soil lightly.
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Place the Cutting on the Soil
Lay the cutting on the soil surface so that the leaves are facing up and the stem is coming into contact with the soil. Its a good idea to affix the cuttings with floral pins or paper clips cut in half to keep the stem in contact with the soil surface.
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Monitor the Cutting
Put the cutting in a warm place with bright, indirect light. Mist the soil every couple of days so that its lightly moist. The cuttings should begin to root in three to four weeks.
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The Spruce / Michelle Becker
String of Pearls Water Propagation (Senecio Rowleyanus)
FAQ
What is the most successful way to propagate strings of pearls?
A: The fastest way to propagate a String of Pearls is by rooting its stem cuttings in soil. Snip a healthy stem, remove its lower leaves, and place it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until the roots develop within a few weeks.
Can you grow strings of pearls from a single pearl?
While less common, String of Pearls can also be propagated from individual pearls. Start by selecting plump, healthy pearls from a thriving plant and gently remove them, ensuring you include the base where the pearl attaches to the stem. Allow the pearls to dry and callous over for one to two days in a shaded area.
How long does it take to propagate a string of raindrops?
Place the jar in a spot with bright, indirect light and watch as roots potentially sprout within a few weeks.
How do I make my String of Pearls fuller?
Propagation: To make your String of Pearls look fuller, trim the plant down and add the cuttings to the top of the plant. The stem cuttings will root in a few weeks and will start growing like regular plants7.