Long shoots and pearl-shaped leaves adorn the string of pearls (also known as the bead plant and string of beads). Here are seven string of pearls succulent care instructions.
Origins of String of Pearls
The lovely, odd-looking pearl plant is native to South West Africa, where it grows in a geographically limited area in the Eastern and Western Cape provinces. It frequently grows under the shade of plants or rocks that shield it from the hot sun. Senecio rowleyanus is a member of the big daisy family (Asteraceae). The Senecio genus, which has over 1,000 species, includes annuals and biennials, perennials and woody plants, and some succulents like the string of pearls.
Characteristics of String of Pearls Plant
Growth
The evergreen pearl plant is a creeping or trailing succulent with shoots that are only a few millimeters thick and can grow several meters long. Because of its magnificent appearance, it is frequently cultivated as a decorative plant in hanging baskets — with the long “strings of pearls,” a length of one meter is achievable. As they grow on the ground, they produce actual mats no taller than ten centimeters. The roots are fairly flat and close to the ground, and the root system is relatively weak – this should be considered when selecting a pot: it should be relatively wide.
Leaves
The pea-shaped leaves, each linked to a short stem, are strung together like pearls. Senecio rowleyanus is also known as “peas on a ribbon” and “string of pearls” due to its distinctive appearance. Individual leaves measure one centimeter in length and are medium green in color. They alternatively stand near together. Every “pea” has a stripe that extends lengthwise to the tip. The houseplant’s thick-fleshed leaves serve to store water.
Senecio rowleyanus is also known as Senecio herreianus. The latter species has very elongated leaves, which are difficult to confuse.
Flowers
Small blooms with a cinnamon scent that resemble daisies in structure and color — white, pink, yellow, and green — appear in late spring or summer. They surely have a unique shape: Several greenish white bracts grow directly beneath the flower head. The bracts have a purple border and are united to three-quarters of their length. The petals are tubularly joined, and the crown teeth on the bent back are stunning. The anthers are bright violet, and the pollen is yellow. The bead plant’s blossoms, in addition to its leaves, are eye-catching.
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Fruit
Fruit development does not occur in indoor culture.
Varieties
Senecio rowleyanus ‘Variegata’ has light green and white striped leaves. The variation does not grow as quickly as the wild form and requires plenty of sunlight to generate the color contrast.
The String of Pearls Succulent Care
Location: Do string of pearls like shade?
This trailing succulent needs full sun and warmth; a southwest or southeast window is excellent. If you cannot provide this for her, she will be content with partial shade but will become more constrained. During the summer, the succulent can be grown outside in a sheltered, sunny to partially shaded location. She should be spared the midday light and the abrupt transition from indoors to outside. It is critical to becoming used to UV rays.
The temperature can dip below twelve degrees Celsius in the winter. This lowering is even required for flowers to form. Temperatures should not be lower than eight degrees Celsius. The plant can tolerate low humidity.
Substrate
Senecio rowleyanus prefers nutrient-poor, well-drained succulent soil, while the string of beads plant tolerates nutrient-poor herb soil. You can also easily make your substrate.
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Water: How often should you water a string of pearls?
The succulent foliage indicates that only a tiny amount of water is required. Before reaching for the watering can, always check with your finger to see if the substrate has dried to a depth of an inch. Watering the string of pearls is best done by penetrating the entire root ball. On the other hand, water should never be left in the pot.
Senecio rowleyanus doesn’t mind if you use tap water or rainwater, but the irrigation water shouldn’t be too lime-rich or too cold. The weather also determines the frequency with which you water your strand of pearls. When the temperature is low in the winter, the frequency can be reduced significantly: the string of beads plant loves to stand virtually dry.
Fertilizer
In the first year following purchase or repotting, no fertilizing is required. After that, low dosages of succulent fertilizer every four to eight weeks during the summer are entirely adequate.
Repotting
Is the pot properly rooted? The bead plant will then require a new, somewhat larger pot. It should be flat as well. Repotting is best done in the spring. When repotting, gloves are preferable because the sap might cause skin irritation.
Senecio rowleyanus that require a new pot can also be divided immediately: Cut the root ball into two or three pieces or carefully split it apart with your hands to accomplish this.
Pruning
Allow it to grow! The longer the shoots, the more impressive the bead plant seems. If necessary, cut too long shoots to a third of their original length.
Propagation
Nothing is simpler to propagate than the string of pearls plant: Let clipped shoots with at least two to three leaves to dry for two days before placing them in potting soil with a lot of sand or succulent soil. If you combine numerous cuttings in one pot, you will quickly have bushy young plants. After only two weeks at temperatures about 20 degrees Celsius, the first roots may be visible.
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Common Problems with String of Pearls Plant
Lice of all types interfere with the young shoots in April, but Senecio rowleyanus is a tough plant. Overwatering, in particular, is problematic since it produces root rot. This article discusses the causes and treatments for shriveling string of pearls plants.
FAQ’s
Is the string of pearls plant poisonous?
The leaves of the string of pearls plant, like all Senecio representatives, are slightly poisonous. Vomiting or diarrhea may occur if small children or pets consume them. It should go without saying that you should keep them out of reach!
