If you're looking for a beautiful plant to grace your home, then the string of pearls plant (Curio Rowleyanus) is a perfect choice! One of the aspects which makes this plant a popular option for indoor gardens is the unique shape of its leaves. Each leaf on the string of pearls plant looks like a little sphere. These leaves then cascade over the edges of hanging baskets and pots
With such a unique look, the string of pearls plant will add depth to your indoor garden. When placed on a shelf or the top of a bookcase, it can create the effect of a green waterfall, adding a stunning accent to any room. Check out the list of essential gardening materials below, then read further to find out how to grow and care for your string of pearl plants!
List of Materials
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Grab your gloves and pots, it's time to get to work! Here is what you'll need to grow your string of pearls:
- Pot or hanging basket
- Cactus or succulent potting soil
- A string of pearls cuttings
- Garden gloves
- Misting or spray bottle
How to Grow and Care For a String of Pearls Plant
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Like many other succulents, the string of pearl plants is easy to grow whether you purchase an established plant from a store or propagate it.
Are you planning on buying your plant from a local garden center? Then all you'll need to start growing one is a trip to the store. It is a great option if you are short on time and want to add a string of pearls plant to your indoor garden.
Can You Grow This Plant From Seed?
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Before jumping into propagation tips, let's look at how to grow a string of pearls from seed.
While it is possible to grow them from seed, it is more difficult. Their seeds are not widely available in stores. Successfully harvesting seeds from your plants is challenging too and will only take if they are pollinated correctly. After string of pearl plant flowers, its blooms leave behind multiple seeds.
If you do happen to get your hands on a couple of seeds, then their soil, water, and sunlight requirements are similar to the propagation steps below.
The main difference is that you are planting a seed instead of a cutting. You will also want to pack a bit of patience if you choose this method. Cuttings grow much more quickly than seeds.
Get Ready!
Ready to start growing your string of pearls plant? Keep reading for a step-by-step guide below!
Step One: Prepare Your Pot and Soil
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These plants grow best in soil that drains well. If you want to succeed in growing this plant, make sure to use cactus or succulent potting soil. When the plant is growing strongly, this will keep it healthy.
Once you have the right potting soil, place the soil in the pot. Hanging baskets are a popular choice as well! When the plant is thriving, it will create a beautiful cascade of leaves over the edges.
Step Two: Take a Cutting
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Before you start taking any cuttings, put on your garden gloves. These plants are beautiful but toxic! You should always wear gardening gloves when caring for and handling them. The sap they produce can cause rashes and irritate the skin.
To propagate this plant take a cutting that is three to four inches in length from the tip of the plant's stem. Then, remove some leaves (about three or four) to make space for roots to grow.
Next, moisten the potting soil and place the end of the cutting in the soil. The side you just removed the leaves from is what should be buried. Place the cutting flat on the surface of your potting soil and cover it. Their roots will grow lightly along the top of the soil.
Pro Tip: You can also grow a string of pearls plant from a single leaf. For best success though, go with a full cutting. The stem and nodes from a longer cutting will offer more spots for roots to take in the soil.
Step Three: Water Your Plant
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These plants don't like too much water! To ensure that you do not overwater the cuttings, don't use a watering can to water them. Instead, keep the soil moist enough by using a spray bottle. Gently mist the surface until it is moist and damp but not soaking wet.
The string of pearls plant holds water in it's bulbous leaves, making is drought tolerant.
Now Care For Your New Plant Baby
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Lighting
To keep your plant happy and vibrant, place it in an area with partial shade. While sunlight is key to its growth, it prefers an area with shade for part of the day. In South Africa, where it grows naturally outdoors, it will grow between rocks and near bushes that protect it from harsh rays.
Temperature
For temperatures, it prefers 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer growing months and then 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter months.
Water
Don't forget, water sparingly. Make sure that the roots dry out in between waterings. It's a perfect low-maintenance plant, so if you forget about it for a while, it will do just fine!
The main thing to keep an eye out for when your plant is several years old is how vibrant it is. If it is looking less than its best, take cuttings and start the process again. These plants naturally die after a few years. Taking cuttings is the best way to continue growing this plant in your indoor garden for several years.
Pearls Of Wisdom
The string of pearls plant is a great addition to any indoor garden! It is very low-maintenance and easy to care for. With infrequent watering, sunshine, and partial shade, you will have a thriving plant to accent your home in no time!
Have you ever grown a string of pearls plant? Comment below and don't forget to share these tips on socials!