F L A U N T
The string of pearls is an easy to care for succulent plant. They require the correct light and water to ensure quick and healthy growth. Below is a complete guide on how to take care of a string of these amazing-looking plants:
These plants blossom best in warm environments, receiving at least 6 to 8 hours of bright, diffused sunlight when grown indoors. Also, place them near south, west, or east-facing windows. If you place it close to south-facing windows, use a sheer curtain or place it a few feet away from the window to protect it from direct sun.
A string of pearls isn’t frost tolerant and requires hibernation if grown outside USDA zones 9-12. While they can endure minimum temperatures of 50 degrees Fahrenheit during winter, they do best above 70 degrees Fahrenheit and in any humidity.
The string of pearls will thrive on well-drained and aerated soils, sandy soil, and doesn’t need much watering. To avoid waterlogging and rotting, bottom water them by leaving or soaking the bottom potted part in water for 45 minutes at least once a month. Bottom watering will also aid in shunning the build-up of water and moisture on the bushy plant, which can lead to fungal disease.
These plants are susceptible to strong winds so plant them away from walls, fences, and other plants. If you want to grow the plant in a container, it’s advisable to use a terracotta pot that naturally absorbs surplus moisture, and plant them in sandy soil.
These succulents prefer drier soil; therefore, you should wait for the topsoil to dry between watering. You can also keep the soil slightly moist between watering and reduce it during the dormant winter months. If you prefer growing the plant outside, ensure it is in an area equally receiving sun and bright shade. Overexposure to direct sunlight can cause crispy, charred, and shrunken leaves.
In their native environment, the string of pearls acquires natural nutrition from the soil and is replenished with micro and macronutrients. However, when grown indoors, especially in old soil, they can lose some beneficial nutrition. This is where fertilizers are useful. Malnourished plants will have sluggish growth, frail roots, and stunted or lanky growth.
Consider adding compost tea if you want a simpler way to add fertilizer to the plant. You can use coffee grounds rich in nitrogen on the string of pearls. However, you should be vigilant as coffee grounds are very acidic. Do not place the coffee grounds directly on the soil! Instead, add them to manure or soak them in water for 1-2 weeks, and mix with water as you would apply a regular liquid fertilizer.
The string of pearls needs consistent pruning to boost new growth and preserve its bushy and fuller appearance. Snip off all dead stems, pearls, and leggy stems that have lost many of their beads. Pruning the string of pearls during the active growing season is recommended to encourage faster recovery. It is also a good time to spread the strands of your string of pearls.
Conclusion
The string of pearls helps remove indoor air pollutants, purify the air, and fight against infectious bacteria and cancer, so treat it with great care.
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