How to Propagate String of Pearls Succulent? A Detailed Guide to Several Common Methods

String of Pearls succulent is a fleshy plant native to South Africa, named for its resemblance to the bead strings in Buddhism. So how do you propagate it? How do you care for it normally?

1. How to propagate String of Pearls succulent?

String of Pearls succulent is generally propagated by cuttings, and the time is in the vigorous growing seasons of spring and autumn. When taking cuttings, cut a healthy stem segment directly from the mother plant, let the wound dry, then insert it into slightly moist sandy soil, and finally place it in a cool, ventilated place for about 20 days until it takes root.

2. How do you care for String of Pearls succulent normally?

1. Light

Do not let direct sunlight hit the plant, otherwise it can easily cause the plant to die. Generally, placing it in a spot with scattered light is enough.

2. Soil

For String of Pearls, the soil is generally a sandy soil rich in organic matter, loose and fertile. The soil can be made from leaf mold (fallen leaves of trees in autumn and winter mixed with a certain amount of crushed soil, then mixed with a certain amount of sand (soil-to-sand ratio of about 1:3).

3. Water

Spring and autumn are the peak growing seasons for String of Pearls, so watering must be sufficient, and the potting soil should often remain moist. String of Pearls is prone to root rot in summer, so watering should not be too frequent in summer. For each watering, it is recommended to use a small spray bottle.

4. Temperature

When the potting soil is dry, String of Pearls can tolerate a low temperature of about minus 2 degrees; this refers to indoor temperature, not outdoor. Water should basically be cut off throughout winter, and below 5 degrees you should begin to gradually stop watering. In winter, try to keep the temperature above 0 degrees, otherwise if the temperature is too low the plant is prone to frost damage and death, as it is not very cold-tolerant. When the summer temperature exceeds 35°C, the growth of the whole plant will slow down. At this time, watering should be reduced to prevent root rot caused by excessively damp potting soil. Also strengthen ventilation, provide appropriate shading, and avoid exposure to the scorching sun.

5. Repotting

String of Pearls needs repotting once every 1-2 years, carried out in early spring before the first watering.