How to Propagate String of Pearls? A Few Simple and Practical Methods

String of pearls generally refers to Senecio rowleyanus, also known as green necklace, string of pearls, jade beads, and green beads; it is a plant that resembles a string of prayer beads.So how do you propagate string of pearls? And how should it be cared for normally?

1. How to propagate string of pearls?

Sowing, cuttings, and division are all common propagation methods for string of pearls. Among them, cuttings are the most widely used and have the highest survival rate. When taking cuttings, cut a few segments in spring or autumn, bury half of each segment in sand or loose soil, and keep the soil moist; roots will form in about half a month.

2. How should string of pearls be cared for normally?

1. Soil

String of pearls likes soil rich in organic matter that is loose and fertile, which is the same as for other succulents. You can use a mix of 30% humus soil, 50% garden soil, and 20% river sand. In rainy southern regions, the proportion of sand can be appropriately increased to improve permeability.

2. Temperature

String of pearls likes warmth and humidity, is relatively cold tolerant (when cultivated in the Jianghuai region it can withstand low temperatures of 0°C), tolerates high temperatures, and its optimum temperature is around 20°C-28°C. Growth is slow at both high and low temperatures. In a high-temperature environment it almost goes dormant, so watering and fertilizing should be reduced, otherwise it is prone to rot. If rotting begins, immediately cut off the rotten part and take cuttings from the healthy parts, otherwise it will quickly rot completely.

3. Light

In summer, avoid high temperature and high humidity, otherwise the stems rot very easily and the plant dies. Potted plants can be placed in a rain-sheltered, shaded area for cultivation. After autumn begins, the plant resumes growth, so light should be increased and liquid fertilizer applied as a top dressing.

4. Watering

Watering should follow the principle of “do not water if not dry.” There must be no water accumulation. Do not water if the potting soil does not look dry. The amount and frequency of watering should generally be comprehensively considered according to the size of the plant and pot, as well as weather and other factors.

String of pearls succulents generally enter a semi-dormant state in summer. During this period, water must be controlled; as long as the potting soil is not completely dry, there is no need to water it. Only during other growth periods can it be watered a little more appropriately.

5. Fertilizing

In spring and autumn, "apply light fertilizer frequently." Spraying 1-3‰ nitrogen fertilizer and potassium dihydrogen phosphate on the leaf surface often helps make it more emerald green and plump, improving its ornamental value.

6. Pest and disease control

String of pearls rarely has pests and diseases. If aphids appear in spring, wipe them off promptly or spray 1500 times diluted omethoate to kill them; for mites in summer and autumn, use 1000 times diluted dicofol to kill them. Normally, pay attention to keeping the growing environment ventilated and increasing leaf surface humidity, which can reduce mite infection.