A Detailed Guide to the Latest Cultivation Methods for String of Pearls

String of pearls is a very common succulent plant, also known as pearl necklace plant, jade beads, green bell, Maya beads, etc. It is named for its plump, full, emerald-green oval leaves that resemble pearls. It is a plant of the genus Senecio in the Asteraceae family, and its flowering period is generally from December of the current year to January of the following year. Now let us take a look at the cultivation methods for string of pearls!

Growth Habits of String of Pearls

String of pearls likes soil rich in organic matter that is loose and fertile. It grows best in a warm environment with relatively high air humidity and strong diffused light. In summer, high temperatures and high humidity should be avoided, otherwise the stems rot very easily and the plant dies. Potted plants can be placed under rain shelter and in shade for cultivation. After the beginning of autumn, the plant resumes growth, and light should be increased along with liquid fertilizer application.

Propagation Methods for String of Pearls

1. Cuttings: The vines of string of pearls root very easily. In spring and autumn, cut off several sections of stems 3 to 5 cm long, bury half of them in sand or loose soil, and keep them moist but not waterlogged. They will root quickly and be ready for planting (about half a month in spring and autumn, while rooting is difficult in winter and summer. When a potted plant is not uniform and full enough but has grown too long, this measure can be used to remedy the situation), and they grow very quickly.

2. Layering: Bury the stems shallowly, then cover the surface with another layer of soil. Water immediately, and before long many new shoots will emerge from the soil. This method is very suitable when there are not too many stems. It is very slow at the beginning, but once the small shoots grow out, growth becomes very rapid.

Cultivation Methods for String of Pearls

1. Soil: The root system of string of pearls is very shallow, so it can be planted in a shallow pot. Generally, a tile is used to cover the drainage hole, and a layer of cinder or coarse sand is spread on top to increase aeration and drainage (especially when planting in commonly used plastic pots). For the soil, it is best to use 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 (the ratio of soil to sand is about 1:3).

2. Watering: String of pearls tends to rot at the roots in summer, so watering should not be too frequent. A small spray bottle should be used for watering.

3. Temperature: String of pearls likes warmth and humidity, is relatively cold-tolerant (when cultivated in the Jianghuai region it can tolerate a low temperature of 0°C), and is tolerant of high temperatures. The most suitable temperature is around 20 to 28°C. Growth is slow at both high and low temperatures, and it is almost dormant in a high-temperature environment.

4. Fertilizing: In spring and autumn, string of pearls should be given “light fertilizer applied frequently”. Spraying 1 to 3‰ nitrogen fertilizer and potassium dihydrogen phosphate on the leaves often helps make it more emerald green and plump, improving its ornamental value.

5. Pests and diseases: String of pearls rarely suffers from pests and diseases. Aphids in spring are one of them; remove them promptly or spray 1500 times diluted omethoate to kill them. Mites in summer and autumn are another; 1000 times diluted dicofol is needed to kill them. Paying attention to ventilation and increasing leaf surface humidity can reduce mite infestation.