String-of-pearls Curio rowleyanus

Water

String-of-Pearls has specific watering requirements due to its succulent nature. Here's how to water it:

Let Soil Dry: Water thoroughly but allow the soil to dry out partially between watering. Stick your finger into the soil about an inch deep to check for moisture. Water only when the top inch or so is dry to the touch.

Avoid Overwatering: Overwatering can lead to root rot. Ensure the pot has drainage holes, and always empty the saucer under the pot after watering to prevent waterlogged roots.

Watering Frequency: The frequency of watering can vary depending on factors like the season, indoor humidity, and pot size. On average, you may need to water every 2-4 weeks.

Central Tank: You can also water String-of-Pearls by adding a small amount of water to the central tank of the plant (the spherical leaves). However, this should not replace thorough soil watering and should be done sparingly.

Light

String-of-Pearls prefers bright, indirect light. Here are some guidelines for its light requirements:

Indoors: Place your String-of-Pearls near a window with filtered sunlight. They thrive in bright, indirect light. East or west-facing windows are often suitable.

Outdoors: If grown outdoors, provide it with dappled or indirect sunlight, as too much direct sun can scorch the leaves.

Temperature

String-of-Pearls is a tropical succulent and prefers specific temperature conditions:

Temperature Range: Keep your plant in a range of 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C) during the daytime.

Cool Nights: It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures at night, down to around 50°F (10°C) or slightly lower, as long as it's not for prolonged periods.

Protection from Frost: String-of-Pearls cannot withstand frost or freezing temperatures. If grown outdoors in temperate regions, bring it indoors or provide protection during cold weather.

Pruning

Pruning String-of-Pearls is typically done to maintain the plant's shape, remove dead or damaged parts, or to encourage bushier growth. Here's how to prune it: Trimming: Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to trim away any leggy, damaged, or discolored stems or beads. You can also cut back stems to the desired length to encourage a fuller appearance. Propagation: If you want to propagate your String-of-Pearls, you can cut healthy stems into sections with a few beads and plant them in fresh soil to grow new plants. Caution: Be careful not to over-prune, as String-of-Pearls can be sensitive to extensive trimming. It's generally best to prune lightly and avoid cutting into the core of the plant.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

String-of-Pearls requires a well-draining soil mix that mimics its native, arid habitat. Here's the ideal soil mix and pH:

Soil Mix: Use a cactus or succulent potting mix or create your own mix by combining potting soil, perlite, and coarse sand. A mix that provides excellent drainage is essential to prevent overwatering and root rot.

Soil pH: String-of-Pearls prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH range, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0.

Repotting

String-of-Pearls generally doesn't require frequent repotting. Repot when:

Root Bound: If the plant has outgrown its current container and the roots are tightly packed, it's time to repot into a slightly larger pot.

Soil Depletion: When the potting mix has broken down, lost its ability to drain well, or become compacted, it's a good time to repot.

Health Issues: If your String-of-Pearls is suffering from root rot or other issues, repotting may be necessary to trim unhealthy roots and refresh the soil.

In general, you may need to repot every 2-3 years, or as needed based on the factors mentioned above. Choose a pot that is just slightly larger than the current one to avoid overpotting, which can lead to overwatering and root problems.

Humidity & Misting

String-of-Pearls is adapted to dry and arid conditions and doesn't require high humidity levels. It can thrive in average indoor humidity levels, typically between 40% and 60%. However, it's essential to maintain good air circulation around the plant to prevent excess humidity or moisture buildup, which can lead to rot issues. String-of-Pearls' succulent leaves are designed to retain moisture, so it's more tolerant of lower humidity compared to many other plants.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright, indirect light, well-draining soil, and water moderately. Maintain indoor humidity

• Outdoor

  Choose a shaded to partly sunny spot, use well-draining soil, and water sparingly, protecting from frost

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

Planting:
String-of-Pearls is typically planted or potted during the spring months. This is when many gardeners start new plants from cuttings or plant offsets in suitable containers with well-draining soil.

Growth:
During this stage, the plant develops and grows. String-of-Pearls can take several years to reach maturity and develop its characteristic trailing stems and bead-like leaves.

Vegetative Stage:
In the vegetative stage, the plant focuses on growing its bead-like leaves and creating a dense trailing appearance. The duration varies based on growing conditions.

Flowering:
String-of-Pearls may produce small, white, star-shaped flowers at the end of its trailing stems, typically in late winter to early spring. However, not all plants will flower every year, and flowering can be sporadic.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring - summer

• String-of-Pearl can be propagated through stem cuttings. The best time for propagation is during the active growing season, typically in the spring or early summer. Here's how to propagate String-of-Pearls:
  
  Select Healthy Cuttings: Choose healthy stems with several bead-like leaves, ideally with a length of about 3-4 inches.
  
  Let Cuttings Callus: Allow the cut ends of the stems to air dry and callus for a day or two. This step helps prevent rot when planting.
  
  Plant Cuttings: Plant the dried cuttings in well-draining soil or a succulent mix, burying them just deep enough to anchor them securely.
  
  Water Sparingly: Water the cuttings lightly, and then let the soil dry out partially before the next watering. Be cautious not to overwater.
  
  Provide Indirect Light: Place the new cuttings in bright, indirect light but shield them from direct sun exposure to prevent sunburn.
  
  Root Development: Over time, the cuttings will develop roots and establish themselves as new plants.

Pests

Spider mite, Scale insects, Mealybug, Aphid, Slugs and snails

Diseases

Root Rot, Powdery mildew, Rust