String of pearls care guide

Pets and children

How often to water String of pearls

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Every 14 days

A spring-and-fall grower that dislikes hot, humid summers: about a week after the soil dries in spring, then only every two to three weeks on cool evenings from June to September, as a guide.

Autumn (Oct–Nov)

Every 7 days

Growth resumes as it cools, so water well whenever the soil dries, as a guide.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Every 14 days

Indoors, keep it fairly dry, watering about one to two weeks after the soil dries; wrinkled pearls are the cue, as a guide.

Light and placement for String of pearls

It likes bright light but burns in strong direct sun: morning sun in spring and fall and airy bright shade in summer, as a guide, since low light shrinks and spaces out the pearls.

Overwintering String of pearls

Overwintering guide: 3°C (37°F) or above

Kept dry it generally takes about 3°C, but frost damages it; as a guide, bring it to a bright window indoors when nights drop below 5°C, away from heater air.

Fertilizing and repotting String of pearls

Fertilizer

Feed lightly: diluted liquid fertilizer about once a month in spring and fall, none in summer or winter, as too much can swell and split the pearls.

When to repot

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep), Autumn (Oct–Nov)

Common problems with String of pearls

• Overwatered in summer, it overheats and melts away from the stem bases.
• In strong direct sun the pearls scorch brown.
• In a dark spot the pearls shrink and only the stems lengthen.

Tips for growing String of pearls

• Pin the stems onto the soil surface and they root there, filling out the plant.
• Water the soil directly rather than over the pearls, so water does not sit between them.
• In summer, rest it in airy, rain-free shade.

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