Hell to all of our plant loving friends. If you are here you probably have the need or desire to propagate your string of pearls plant.You have come to the right place, in this article we are going to go over how you propagate these beautiful succulent plants.
On top of that, we are going to cover a whole lot of other things that are sure to help you keep your string of pearls healthy.
So, what are we waiting for? Let’s get started!
When Should You Propagate String Of Pearls?
The best time to propagate a string of pearls plant is in the spring, when you have more than one bud and the plant starts to actively grow again.
How Do You Propagate A String Of Pearls?
There are several methods you can use to propagate your string of pearls. In this article we are going to explore two of the most common methods you can use. The soil method and the water method.
Let’s get started!
String Of Pearls Propagation – The Soil Method
Soil propagation is really quite simple. So much so that even a novice gardener should not have any trouble with it. In this section we will go over what you need for this method and how you can do it yourself.
What Do You Need?
- Appropriate Soil Mix – Before you start, you will need a soil mix that is suitable for this type of plant. We recommend using succulent mix or another type of soil that has excellent drainage.
- Plant Pot – It is recommended that the pot you pick have a hole in the bottom so that the excess water can easily drain out. These plants do not like soggy soil.
- String of Pearls Cutting – You will, of course, require a vine cut from a healthy string of pearls plant. You will be using this cutting to propagate.
Now that you know what you need to get started, let us look at how you can propagate these plants. Below is a simple step-by-step guide you can follow along:
Step 1 – The first thing you will need to do is fill your plant pot with your succulent soil mix. Make sure that you leave a little room from the rim before you continue to the next step.
Step 2 – Next you can grab your cutting, which should be a few inches long, and place it in the pot. Make sure that it is touching the soil. You can bury the cutting if you want but do not put too much soil on top.
Step 3 – Now all you need to do is find a nice spot for your plant pot to live. Ideally you should put it somewhere that is well lit and has only indirect sunlight.
Step 4 – It is now a waiting game. You should start to see roots developing after a few weeks but in the meantime you should spray water using a mister until the roots have set.
This is so that you do not disturb the cutting too much and give it the chance to get situated. After the roots appear you can get back to a regular succulent watering schedule.
String Of Pearls Propagation – The Water Method
This method of propagation is even more simple than the soil method. As well as that, having a selection of bottles with these beautiful cuttings in them is pleasing to the eyes.
Before we look at how you can do the water method of propagation let us take a look at how you will need:
What Do You Need?
- Container – The first thing you will need is a container. We recommend using a glass bottle, jar, vase or even a glass cup.
- Water – You will of course require water. It is recommended that you use water that is distilled or filtered so that there are minimal chemicals to disrupt your plants’ growth.
- String of Pearls Cutting – You will need a string of pearls cutting. Make sure that it is a few inches long and is healthy.
With all your equipment gathered, we can now start propagating your string of pearls. It really is super simple using this method. Let’s take a look:
Step 1 – Put distilled water in your chosen container, tap water can sometimes have harsh chemicals like chlorine that can be detrimental to the development of a young plant.
Step 2 – Place your vine cutting in the container, make sure that it is only submerged for a third of the cutting. Maneuver the cutting so that it is secure and will not fall out of your container.
Step 3 – Find a nice spot that is well lit and has plenty of indirect sun. Your string of pearls likes to be warm but will not do well in direct light. So, pick your spot with care.
Step 4 – Now all you have to do is change the water maybe once a week so that the plant gets all the oxygen and nutrients it needs to thrive. After about two to four weeks you will start to see roots develop.
Caring For A Young String Of Pearls
String of pearls are quite delicate, and the leaves can be knocked off easily if you are not careful. If you do not know how to care for these plants it can be tough to keep them alive.
An adult plant is one thing but making sure that your new propagated string of pearls is another completely.
We realized this and in response we are going to share some tips on how to care for your new little plant friend.
Water
A string of pearls plant does not need a lot of water. It is recommended that you water them once a week and sometimes once every two weeks.
During the summer you may want to water them twice a month, depending on your area and climate. Always remember to water when the top inch of dirt is dry.
Lighting
When growing a string of pearls indoors you must provide good lighting. There is no such thing as bad lighting.
A bright window is fine as long as your string of pearls gets indirect sunlight, but if you live in an apartment then you might want to consider getting some artificial grow lights.
These are very safe to use because they emit wavelengths of light that will not harm your plant. Just make sure that you place the grow light where the plant is.
RELATED: Learn How to and When is the Best Time to Water Succulents
Temperature
As mentioned before, a string of pearls likes warm temperatures but will die if its temperature drops too low.
The ideal temperature range should be from between 65-90 degrees Fahrenheit. When choosing your location it is best to choose a room near the radiator.
This is just a general rule, but if your room is not located near a radiator, then you could possibly get away without one.
Nutrients
Just as your plant likes certain temperatures, it also likes specific levels of nutrition. Make sure that you provide your plant with enough nutrients.
You can buy special nutrient solutions for plants, or you can just add food to your regular watering. Many people prefer to fertilize their plants weekly, others would go biweekly.
Again, there are benefits and disadvantages to both approaches. Whatever works best for you is what you should use.
It is important to note that a string of pearls can take up to two weeks to completely grow. So remember to give them about two weeks after planting before you expect results.
Disease Prevention
Although your string of pearls plant is fairly easy to maintain, it is always best to prevent problems at the beginning. To avoid diseases, make sure that you clean and sterilize anything that comes into contact with your plant.
Some issues like stem rot can occur even though you think that you followed the instructions correctly.
As soon as you notice any disease symptoms, remove every leaf until you find out whether it has been damaged by the disease or was actually eaten by something else.
Also be aware of pests. Pests can cause damage to your plant, so it’s best to inspect your plant often. Remove insects, mites, fungi or other organisms that attack your garden.
And finally, make sure that everything around your plant stays healthy.
Having Trouble?
Despite our best efforts, sometimes something just goes wrong, and we don’t know how to fix it. Lucky for you, we are here to show you what could be ailing your string of pearls.
Below you will see a few scenarios and what they could mean for your string of pearls plant:
- Dropping Pearls – If you notice that your plant’s pearls are dropping off it could mean that your string of pearls is too cold. If you can find a warmer spot for them, it might help stop this from happening.
- Discolored or Mushy – If you notice that your string of pearls has mushy parts, yellow leaves, brown leaves or black stems there are a few reasons this could be happening. One possibility is overwatering or waterlogged soil. These plants are sensitive to too much water and can rot easily if you are not careful. So, if this happens, start by reducing the amount of water you give this plant or if it is too late you may want to propagate a healthy part of the plant.
- Shriveled Up Pearls – If your plant’s pearls start to shrivel up it could mean that it is not getting enough water. So, try giving your plant a little more water but be careful not to over water as these plants are sensitive to overwatering and can develop root rot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s that? You have some questions? Well that’s lucky, because we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions right here.
Can You Propagate A String Of Pearls From A Leaf?
Yes, you can propagate your string of pearls from a single leaf. How do you do it? It is as easy as putting the leaf in a container and covering it with water. If the leaves are healthy, they will soon grow into strings of pearls. This process takes approximately two weeks.
How Long Does It Take For A String Of Pearls To Root?
It will take between two weeks to three months. But if given the right conditions, you should be able to root them within one week!
How Often Should You Water A String Of Pearls Plant?
You should water your string of pearls plant every day or once every other day during the summer. During winter, it’s best not to water your plants too much as that may cause them to dry out and die off.
A good rule of thumb would be to check the soil and soak up any excess water before adding more to the soil.
What Does An Overwatered String Of Pearls Look Like?
If your string of pearls has been overwatered they should look like it has shriveled up. The reason for this is that the leaves burst as a result of too much water.
You will even start to notice that bits of your plant are a bit squishy. If you notice any of these signs you should take immediate action if you want to save your plant.
Do String Of Pearls Like Being Misted?
String of pearls like being misted every so often, especially if they have been sitting dormant for an extended period of time, helps prevent mold or mildew growth.
Final Thoughts
There is actually quite a lot that goes into the care of string of hearts plants. But do not be scared, they are simple to care for despite the fact that you need to know how to care for them.
If you get it right, these hardy plants will thrive in your care.
Propagating these plants is just as easy as caring for a fully grown string of pearls plant, and you should have no trouble if your baby plant manages to take root.
Well, that is all for this article. We hope that you had a great time learning all about this amazing process, and we wish you good luck as you take up string of pearls propagation. Goodbye for now!
Thank you for reading this article, here are some articles you might be interested too:
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