String of ivory works appear like they would be hard to grow , but they are surprisingly gentle to give care for . In this terminated guide , I ’ll tell you all you need to know so as to keep them thrive for decades to come .
Whether you ’re after something down - alimony or looking for a truly unequalled houseplant , the kinky cosmic string of pearl is just what you need .
It ’s staring for founder and add together a focal point to any way . They ’re a pop choice for pay heed basket or a high shelf where the vines can drape over the sharpness .
Variegated string of pearls plant
With the right tending , they can even be passed on for generation , just like nan ’s pearl necklace .
In this string of pearls care guide I ’ve shared everything you need to know about to grow them well .
Learn about watering , soil , lighting , propagation , repotting , pruning , pest control , and so much more , all in this pure guidebook .
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String Of Pearls Quick Care Overview
What Is A String Of Pearls Plant?
String of pearl ( Curio rowleyanus ) , sometimes called string of beads , is a beautiful trailing succulent plant that has a very unique growth substance abuse .
It ’s a shallow rooted plant native to Africa that produce long stems with heavy , pea - shaped circular leave .
The foresightful , draping stem are popular in hanging baskets , especially couple with other plant to make beautiful divers foliage . Some gardeners have string of pearls that are 5 ’ long and growing !
They demand little hands - on care and infrequent watering , which make them ideal for beginners or even those of you who take to have brownish thumb .
String Of Pearls Varieties
The variegate variety is the only other on-key string of pearls . It ’s leaves feature splashes of emollient and sometimes pink .
There are a few like variation that are concern and require the same care , but have dissimilar folio .
Examples include Senecio herreianus , which has oval leaves that come to a near point . Andstring of bananas , which has longer hooked - forge parting .
Flowers
bowed stringed instrument of pearl is most often grown for its foliation . But the unequaled and dainty bloom it produces in the summertime are a highlight loved by those who have them .
To boost flowering , they ’ll need the right stipulation in the wintertime when they go semi - dormant . Keep them at a constant 60 ° F , and reduce lacrimation .
In the summertime , small blank round peak with beautiful , colorful stamens will bloom for about 6 weeks .
But the blossoms , while pretty , are most admire for their easy fragrance . Many key it as subtly spicy , like cinnamon or garlic clove .
How To Grow String Of Beads
Before we talk about strand of pearls care , first let ’s chat about the dear position to rise them . choose the correct location is the first stair in keep them healthy .
Hardiness
String of beads are not frost tolerant , and prefer temperature above 50 ° atomic number 9 . When it falls below that they ’ll suffer , and the cold will finally defeat them .
They ’re stout outdoors only in the warm zone of 9 - 11 . Outside of those area , they involve to be kept as houseplants .
Where To Grow Curio rowleyanus
In warmer climates , Curio rowleyanus acquire well alfresco in a partially shaded office protected from the red-hot good afternoon Lord’s Day , which can fire the leaf .
For the rest of us , they ’re first-class houseplant twelvemonth around . set them near a sunny window or in the brightest room of your home for the best results .
If you want , you’re able to move it alfresco for the summertime when nighttime temperatures are above 50 ° F . Just be indisputable to move it back indoors several weeks before your first frost particular date .
String Of Pearls Plant Care & Growing Instructions
With the perfect home in mind for your string of pearls , it ’s clip to learn how to care for it . They do n’t need much hands - on attention , and will flourish with a little controlled negligence .
Light
Whether they ’re grow indoors or out , train of beads hump permeate light but not full sun .
verbatim sun in the morning and evening is fine , but protect them from the hot afternoon rays to prevent browning and scorching .
Bright , collateral light is great as well , but low - visible light preferences can cause leggy , thin development along the stems .
contribute agrow lightif you do n’t have much instinctive sun in your home , or you note they are pop to stretch towards the window .
Water
The ability to store water in the leafage and stem is what makes drawstring of ivory drought - tolerant . They ’ll only need a swallow when the top ½ ” of soil is dry to the touch .
weewee deeply , until it drip from the drain holes . Then , fling any excess from the tray so they never sit down in it , or the roots may rot .
The leaves are actually excellent at enjoin us what they need . If they turn a loss the rounded shape and begin to flatten or shrink , they ’re dehydrated .
If they become mushy or dark , you ’ve overwatered and the soil call for to dry out more .
If it ’s a battle for you to get veracious , asoil moisture gaugeis an cheap tool that will be a big help .
Related Post : How To Water A Succulent Plant
Temperature
String of pearls are not very cold hardy . They prefer temperature in the 55 - 85 ° F range , and can suffer when it sink too much below that . Give them shade and more frequent water in higher temp .
Keep them away from drafty spots and cold air as well . That ’s a vernacular intellect for dropping leaves .
In the winter , keep them at a unshakable 60 ° atomic number 9 and tighten water to trigger a partial dormancy that encourage those fragrant summer heyday .
Fertilizer
It ’s not necessary to fuss over fertilizing as part of your regular string of pearls care routine . But an occasional , dilute feedings of liquid plant solid food can advance quicker , full growth .
Use acacti and succulent fertilizeror ageneral design oneto feed them in the leaping and summertime .
I recommend using natural , constitutive options like these over synthetical ones , which can damage and burn them .
practice only a weak dose in the spring so it ’s not overwhelmed . Then , stop fertilize completely in the fall and winter .
Soil
It ’s significant to use a well - draining , aerated dirt that wo n’t retain too much wet for farm your drawing string of pearls .
you could apply anycacti potting mix , but a sandy one that most closely duplicate their aboriginal grunge is the good choice .
If you require , you’re able to make your own by combining equal parts of ageneral purpose mixwithperliteandcoarse sand .
Repotting
As long as your string of pearls is growing well in its current container , repottingis not need as part of their veritable care .
You ’ll do it it ’s time when growth slow up noticeably , the plant is completely base - bound , or roots are come out of the cakehole in the bottom .
The beneficial sentence to repot is in the spring . select a container that is only 1 - 2 ” large than the current one and has drainage holes in it .
Pruning
It ’s never required to lop your string of pearls . But it ’s a good way to slay leggy and discolored root word , or manage the length . It also encourage full , more compact growth .
The good time to garnish them is in the spring . expend a sharp , clean pair ofmicrosnipsorprecision prunersto cartridge clip the stem above dead or discolored sections , or where the vines are too long .
Pest Control Tips
Though a healthy string of pearls does n’t often get bugs , mealybugs and aphids can sometimes become a problem . These annoying pest can be treat in several ways .
Sprayneem oilon all sides of the leaves to vote down and prevent recurring infestations . Do n’t skip the bottom of the vine or near the floor of the shank where these pests can hide .
A naturalinsecticidal soapis also very effective . you may also try making your own by combining 1 teaspoon ofmild liquid soapwith 1 liter of water .
For contiguous assistant , dip a cotton mop inrubbing alcoholand apply it directly to the hemipteran to obliterate and remove any that you see .
String Of Pearls Propagation Tips
Curio rowleyanus is actually very easy to circulate by either cutting or division . It ’s a playfulness project to take on after spring pruning , and a great way to extend the life of your flora for tenner .
radical will mold from either exposed folio client on a vine cutting , or from the pearls themselves . So , you have option !
plunk off several leaves , then localise them on top of well - draining dirt with the cut final stage facing down .
Or , merely lay a vine cut on top and lightly immobilize it down . Roots will form on the underside of the leaves .
Either way , using arooting hormoneis a great style to encourage quicker , stalwart roots . order them warm in a burnished locating , and keep the soil barely moist until new increment begins . Get the full step - by - step tutorial here .
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Below are some tip for fixing the most common cosmic string of pearls works forethought issue . While they ’re fairly gentle to grow , you may experience some of these uncouth problems over the years .
Shriveled leaves
Shriveled or flattened leaves mean your plant is athirst . The rung leaves memory board water and when they run out , the shape becomes deflated .
cohere your finger’s breadth one inch into the soil . If it palpate dry , it ’s time to water . seek to avoid letting it go bone teetotal for retentive period to keep them tidy , green , and flump .
Leaves turning yellow
yellow leaves on a string of beads is a sign of overwatering . lease the ground dry between drinkable , at least ½ ” down , and only then water supply thoroughly .
They do n’t like pie-eyed foot or marshy soil . Always enfeeble off all excess water , and never leave them sit down in it to prevent rot .
Plant not growing
If your drawstring of drop is not growing , a couple of things could be happening . It may be time to repot , so verify if the roots are glance through the drain holes .
If you have n’t inseminate in a while , the soil food may also be consume . Give it a dilute battery-acid ofcacti and succulent works foodto brace it .
But slow or stalled ontogeny can also intend it ’s just not well-chosen where it is . station it in a bright emplacement , aside from draft or cold air , water when the grime dries out , and do n’t unwrap it to temporary worker below 55 ° F .
Leaves turning brown
embrown leaf or spots typically mean suntan . ensure your Curio rowleyanus is n’t break to the afternoon sun indoors , or move it to a more shaded area out of doors .
Go in advance and trim off any brown leaves or stems . deplorably , they wo n’t heal .
FAQs About String Of Pearls Plants
Is string of pearls toxic?
Yes , drawstring of pearls is toxic when ingested according to theASPCA web site . Keep it out of reach of Caterpillar , dogs , and small children .
Does a string of pearls flower?
Yes a train of ivory can flower in the summertime when give the proper dormancy conditions in the winter . Reduce watering and keep them at a regular 60 ° F until the outpouring to facilitate activate blooming .
Are string of pearls fast-growing?
String of pearls are fast - growing when give the right forethought and stipulation . Bright lightness , temperatures between 55 - 85 ° F , well - run out dirt , and right lachrymation will encourage fast growth .
Is string of beads the same as string of pearls?
Yes , train of beads is the same as string of bead . It ’s just another vernacular byname for Curio rowleyanus .
Why does my string of pearls keep dying?
There are unfortunately many intellect that your string of off-white could be dying . Overwatering is the most common cause . But it could also be extreme cold or spicy temperature , long flow of drought , pestis , or even honest-to-goodness geezerhood .
strand of pearls are gentle to care for and sport to rise . With the peak in this pathfinder , you ’re now prepared to provide just the correct amount of neglect to help them thrive .
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