How adaptable is the String of Pearls succulent? A detailed guide

Common names of the String of Pearls succulent

Common names of the String of Pearls succulent: Jingtongzi, Helixiannianju

Habits of the String of Pearls succulent

The String of Pearls succulent belongs to the Asteraceae family, Senecio genus, and is native to Africa. It is suitable for growing at temperatures of 15~22°C, with spring and autumn being its vigorous growing seasons.

It likes a warm, dry environment with plenty of sunlight, tolerates partial shade and drought, and dislikes muggy, hot, humid conditions; it is not cold-hardy.

In home care it is usually propagated by cuttings. Common pests and diseases include: powdery mildew and root rot

Care tips for the String of Pearls succulent

Repotting: repot once every 3~4 years1 time, in spring. Use a mix of leaf mold or peat soil and coarse sand for the potting soil.

Watering: keep the soil slightly moist during the growing season. In summer it enters a semi-dormant state, so strictly control watering; better dry than wet.

Fertilizing: fertilize once a month; never let the fertilizer solution soil the fleshy leaves. When air humidity is too high and ventilation is poor, powdery mildew and root rot are likely to occur.

Light and temperature: full sun. If light is insufficient during the growing season each year, the plant tends to become leggy, and the stems turn tender green and fragile. Plants grown in a sunny spot have a sturdy form and plump leaves.

Propagation methods for the String of Pearls succulent

Cuttings: best done in spring and autumn. Cut off plump, strong stem sections and lay them flat on a sand bed, keeping the room temperature at 15~22°C. After planting10~15 days, roots grow from the stem nodes, and then new leaves appear, after which they can be potted up.

Suggested planting combinations: Aeonium 'Zwartkop', Silver Star

Note: never water too much in summer, otherwise it very easily rots at the roots and dies.