String of Pearls, also known as senecio rowleyanus or string of peas, is one of the most beautiful succulents in the world. You've probably seen them everywhere: in the office, in living rooms, in bathrooms, on shelves, in gardens-string of pearls are everywhere! And for good reason too. The lush, green pearls create a striking image that brings life to any any room. However, like all beautiful things, string of pearls succulents are prone to a plethora of issues. In this guide, we'll take you through the process of fixing the most issues with this lovely plant.
| Issues Covered In This Guide: Shriveled Pearls Rot Falling Pearls Pest Infestation |
1. Shriveling Pearls
You may have noticed some shriveling on your string of pearls. Those perfectly round green pearls can often start to dry out and turn mushy. The main culprit of shriveled or dying pearls on your string of pearls plant is under watering.
The Simple Solution: Water more! When a string of pearls plant doesn't have enough water, the pearls lose their plumpness. Increase the watering frequency slightly, especially during warmer months when the soil dries out faster. Ensure the pot has good drainage to avoid waterlogging. A good rule of thumb is to water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
2. Rotting Pearls
This is similar to the problem above, but rotting pearls on your string of pearls succulent is a very common issue. Overwatering is often the culprit here, which can lead to root rot. Excess moisture in the soil can suffocate the roots and cause them to decay, which then affects the health of the plant. This in turn causes mushiness in your plant's pearls.
Solution: Cut back on watering immediately. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. If the problem persists, check the roots for rot. If you find black or brown mushy roots, you may need to repot the plant, removing any diseased roots and using fresh, well-draining soil. This can seem daunting, but it's easier than it seems. Cutting off roots may feel terrible, but in the case of root rot it is necessary to save your plant and prevent the rot from spreading.
3. Falling Pearls
It can be tragic seeing the beautiful pearls on your string of pearls start to fall off, but don't worry! This is an issue that can be fixed. Falling pearls on your plant can be caused by either under or overwatering, but it can also be a result of sudden changes in temperature or light conditions.
Solution: Consistency is the way to fix this. Keep your plant in one place, with a consistent temperature and a consistent watering schedule. In a lot of ways, plants are like us, they need consistency in order to stay happy. Think of it like stress causing your string of pearl's hair to fall off. By ensuring that your plant is in an environment that does not constantly change, you can greatly reduce the stress that your plant is going through. Also, ensure that your plant is not in the path of an air conditioner or heater. Move it to a location where it can receive bright, indirect light. Stabilize watering habits and make sure the soil moisture is consistent, without extremes.
4. Pest Infestation
Pests! We all hate them, and so does your string of pearls. Pests like aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites can sometimes infest String of Pearls plants, especially if they are stressed from poor growing conditions. You may notice the little creepy crawlies moving around between your pearls or you may have noticed the damage they've done to your precious pearls, either way, you need to get rid of them ASAP.
Solution: Inspect your plant regularly for signs of pests. If pests are detected, isolate the plant to prevent spread to other houseplants and treat it with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Be sure to follow the application directions on the product. By consistently applying products that combat pests, you can quickly remove this issue from your string of pearls plant.
Still having issues? If you need specific advice, the popular social media site Reddit is the place to go. Groups like r/plantclinic can be of great help!
Interested in getting more succulents for your collection? Check out our succulents here.