How to Propagate String of Pearls: Easy Step-by-Step Instructions
April 16, 2024
Propagating a String of Pearls is the best way to expand your hanging plant collection. Native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa, this pretty long-stem houseplant is prized for its bead-like foliage, adding charm to any space.
By mimicking this vining succulent’s natural growth habitat and following a few techniques, you can create new plants from its stem cuttings. With patience and care, you'll soon enjoy watching your String of Pearls thrive and multiply.
Let's explore the best methods for propagating a String of Pearls together with some post-propagating care tips.
About String of Pearls Plant
Senecio rowleyanus, commonly known as String of Pearls, is a succulent with thick, pearl-like leaves, perched on cascading stems. Besides their visual uniqueness, these leaves also act as water storage organs, making the South African plant highly drought-tolerant.
Another interesting fact about this low-maintenance plant is its easy propagation, which allows for new growth, fuller foliage, and more plants to share as gifts with your friends.
Why Propagate a String of Pearls?
Here are some good reasons to propagate a String of Pearls plant:
- Expand your succulent collection
- Encourage new growth
- Improve the appearance of older or leggy plants
- Control the size of an overgrown plant
- Gift the newly propagated plants to your loved ones
String of Pearls Propagation - Expand Your Succulent Collection
Rooting healthy stem cuttings of your String of Pearls in well-draining soil or water are the two best propagating methods. While division and leaf propagation are also options, they are generally less effective.
When to Propagate a String of Pearls Plant?
Propagate a Spring of Pearls when it is actively growing during spring, summer, or early fall. This particular period of the year supports faster recovery for your succulent, besides promoting robust growth.
Propagating String of Pearls: Tools and Supplies
Collect the following tools and supplies for propagating String of Pearls:
- Sharp scissors or pruners
- Gardening gloves
- Rooting hormone (optional)
- Small glass jar or container
- Water
- New pot
- Well-draining soil mix
- Ethanol or isopropyl alcohol (for sterilization)
Clean and sterilize your scissors or pruners with ethanol or isopropyl alcohol to prevent the potential spread of disease-causing pathogens through cuts.
How to Propagate a String of Pearls Easily?
Source: Garden Answer Highlights
Let’s explore several proven String of Pearls propagation methods in more detail. Just follow the instructions to multiply this gorgeous air-purifying succulent plant easily.
Propagating String of Pearls in Soil
Propagating a String of Pearls cuttings in the soil is the easiest method and involves the following steps:
- Collect a few healthy stem cuttings from your String of Pearls plant, ensuring each is at least 6 inches long.
- Trim the leaves from the bottom half of these cuttings and dip the cut end in the rooting hormone.
- Fill a few small pots with a well-draining succulent soil mix. Don’t forget to leave about an inch of space between the soil surface and the pot's rim.
- Use your hand to push each cutting gently into the soil. Pat the soil to fix them in place firmly.
- Water the soil and place the pots in a spot that receives bright, indirect light.
- The cuttings should develop roots in three to four weeks.
String of Pearls Water Propagation
Follow these simple steps to propagate your String of Pearls in water:
- Collect a few healthy stem cuttings from your String of Pearls plant, and trim the bottom-end leaves, if any.
- Fill a glass jar or container with fresh water (at room temperature). Avoid using too cold or too warm water for best results.
- Place the individual stem cuttings in the jar. Ensure their bare end is completely submerged in water and the leaves are just above the surface.
- Monitor the cuttings for a few weeks until their roots grow an inch long. Once done, you can transplant them into potting soil for further root establishment and optimal growth.
Other String of Pearls Propagation Techniques
There are other String of Pearls propagation techniques - division and leaf propagation, which aren’t very reliable.
- By division: This method is uncommon, as the String of Pearls plant doesn’t produce a lot of divisions or clumps for propagation.
- From leaf: Leaf propagation is another hit-or-miss method to propagate your String of Pearls since the individual beads often struggle to grow roots.
How to Care for Your String of Pearls Post-Propagation?
Post-propagation care of your baby String of Pearls plants is crucial to help them thrive and recover from transplant shock.
This is where the following tips can help you:
- Place your young plants in bright, indirect sunlight and water them adequately to prevent the soil from drying.
- Don’t overwater your String of Pearls baby plants, as it could trigger rotting.
- Maintain 55°F to 60°F room temperature and low to medium humidity levels for your Senecio rowleyanus seedlings to thrive.
- Sparingly feed your plants a balanced succulent fertilizer, diluted to half-strength.
- Regularly trim the side stems of your young plants to promote growth and get fuller foliage at the top.
String of Pearls Propagation: FAQs
Q: Can you propagate a String of Pearls from one leaf?
A: You can propagate a String of Pearls from one leaf, but this technique has a lower chance of success. Its pea-like leaves don’t propagate as easily as if you use stem cuttings.
Q: Is it better to propagate a String of Pearls in water or soil?
A: It’s better to propagate a String of Pearls in soil than in water, as the former rooting medium produces stronger roots, and there is no risk of root rot.
Q: How long does it take for a String of Pearls to propagate?
A: It typically takes 3 to 4 weeks for your String of Pearls to propagate. This process is faster in water than in soil, however, plants rooted in water have weaker roots.
Q: Why is my String of Pearls not rooting?
A: Your String of Pearls may not root, due to the lack of sufficient moisture in the soil and incorrect light exposure. Contaminated soil may also prevent the roots from developing. When it comes to water propagation, the young roots may start to rot, which hinders their further development once the young plant is potted in soil.
Q: What is the fastest way to propagate a String of Pearls?
A: The fastest way to propagate a String of Pearls is by rooting its stem cuttings in soil. Snip a healthy stem, remove its lower leaves, and place it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until the roots develop within a few weeks.
Conclusion
Strings of Pearls propagation is straightforward for novice and seasoned gardeners alike. By following the simple steps of stem-cutting propagation and applying proper care, you will soon expand your String of Pearls collection effortlessly and in no time.
Additionally, consider companion beauties like the spider plant, golden pothos, or begonia to create a visually stunning indoor garden. With patience and attentiveness to your young String of Pearls plants, you’ll enjoy thriving greenery that adds charm and beauty to your indoor or outdoor space.
