Mothers Day - String of Pearls
The String of Pearls has been cultivated as an indoor hanging plant. However, in its natural habitat (originating in South Africa) it vigorously creeps along the ground forming a mat as it goes. It is a very robust succulent and isn’t too picky about its growing conditions.
As it is a succulent the String of Pearls is drought tolerant. Its rounded leaves are designed to retain maximum levels of water in dry conditions. The most common problem with this pot plant is root rot due to overwatering. Ensure you have good drainage and don’t overwater. If its rounded leaves are becoming flat it is a sign that it is too dry.
If the String of Pearls have a cool enough period over winter they can flower in summer, producing clusters of small trumpet like flowers and a beautiful cinnamon smell.
STRING OF PEARLS PLANT CARE
Temperature
It prefers a warm and dry environment.
Light
Likes bright, indirect sunlight. It will thrive if given long light levels each day. Loves a sunny windowsill.
Watering
Allow the plant to dry out between waterings. Check the moisture level of the soil using your finger, if it feels damp further into the soil leave it a little longer. If it feels dry, water it. During the cooler winter months reduce the amount of watering.
Soil
As the String of Pearls is a succulent it prefers a soil that is free draining such as a cactus mix. Ensure that your pot has good drainage.
Pruning
Prune regularly to promote a dense, multi-stemmed plant. If any stems become a little straggly or unhealthy looking don’t hesitate to cut them off.
Fertilizer
Fertilise during the spring growth period with an all-purpose liquid plant food.
Toxicity
The String of Pearls is slightly toxic if ingested by humans or animals. Keep it out of reach of children.
Overwatering: String of Pearls store water in their leaves, when overwatered they store too much water and become shrivelled and mushy.
Underwatering: If the pearls look flat, dry and shrivelled the soil is too dry. Give the plant a good watering and it should perk back up. Cut back on the watering and the plant should perk back to normal. You can remove any stems that are too far gone.
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