Lil String of Pearls

Lil String of Pearls Care Guide

Bright, indirect light is essential for healthy growth.

Ideal spot: The Lil String of Pearls thrives in bright, indirect light. A spot near a sunny window is perfect for this plant.
Direct sunlight: While it can tolerate some direct sunlight, too much can scorch the delicate leaves. If you're growing it indoors, place it in a spot where it gets ample indirect light.
Low light: While it can survive in low light, the plant may become leggy and stop producing its signature round beads.

🌞 Tip: To keep the plant full and healthy, rotate it regularly to ensure all sides get enough light.

Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

When to water: The Lil String of Pearls is a drought-tolerant plant and prefers to dry out between waterings. Let the top few inches of soil dry completely before watering again.
How often: Typically, you’ll need to water every 2–3 weeks, but it varies depending on temperature and humidity levels. In winter, reduce watering as the plant's growth slows.
Watering tips: Overwatering is the most common issue with String of Pearls. Ensure the pot has good drainage, and never let the plant sit in water to avoid root rot.

💧 Tip: It's better to underwater than overwater this plant. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.

Warm temperatures and low humidity are ideal.

Ideal temperature: The Lil String of Pearls thrives in temperatures between 20–30°C (68–86°F). Avoid placing it in drafty areas or areas with temperatures below 10°C (50°F).
Humidity: Being a succulent, it prefers dry air and doesn’t need high humidity. In fact, high humidity can lead to rot, so it’s best to keep it in a dry, well-ventilated spot.

🌬️ Tip: String of Pearls are perfect for warmer, drier indoor environments.

Well-draining, sandy or cactus soil is best.

Soil mix: Use a well-draining cactus or succulent mix for optimal growth. You can also make your own mix by adding perlite or sand to regular potting soil to improve drainage.
Pot with drainage: It’s crucial that the pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. This will prevent the roots from sitting in water, which can lead to rot.

Feed sparingly during the growing season.

Type: Use a balanced, diluted liquid fertiliser during the growing season (spring and summer). A 10-10-10 or similar balanced fertiliser works well.
Feeding schedule: Fertilise once a month during the growing season. Avoid fertilising in the fall and winter, as the plant’s growth slows during these months.
Fertiliser tips: Be cautious not to over-fertilise, as too much fertilizer can burn the plant’s roots and cause it to become leggy.

🌱 Tip: Always dilute the fertiliser to half strength to prevent overfeeding.

Repot every 1–2 years or when it outgrows its pot.

When to repot: Repot the Lil String of Pearls when it becomes root-bound or when the pot starts to limit its growth.
Best time to repot: Spring or early summer is the best time to repot, as the plant is actively growing.
Pot size: Choose a pot that is just 1–2 inches larger than the current pot to prevent water from sitting in the bottom and potentially leading to root rot.

Prune to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage fuller growth.

Pruning: Prune any dead or leggy stems to encourage new growth and keep the plant looking neat. Trim back any long stems if the plant becomes too unruly.
Shaping: For a fuller, bushier look, you can pinch back new growth or propagate the plant by cutting and rooting the stems.

✂️ Tip: Propagate any healthy cuttings to grow new plants or fill out sparse areas.

Propagate through stem cuttings or by rooting.

Cutting: Use clean scissors or pruning shears to cut a healthy string with a few pearls. Let the cuttings dry out for a couple of days to callus over.
Rooting: Place the cuttings in soil or water. If rooting in soil, ensure it’s well-draining. For water propagation, change the water regularly until roots develop.
Transplanting: Once roots have formed (usually after a couple of weeks), transplant the cutting into a pot with soil, ensuring it’s not too large for the young plant.

🌱 Tip: String of Pearls cuttings root easily in water or directly in soil. Be patient and avoid over-watering during propagation.

Problem	Symptoms	Fix
Overwatering	Yellowing or mushy leaves, root rot	Let the soil dry out completely between waterings; ensure good drainage
Underwatering	Dried or shriveled beads, wilting stems	Water thoroughly but infrequently, ensuring the soil dries out between waterings
Leggy growth	Long, sparse stems with fewer beads	Increase light exposure, prune to encourage new growth
Root rot	Foul-smelling, mushy roots and stems	Remove affected parts and repot in fresh, well-draining soil

Beads care: The "pearls" are actually modified leaves, so be careful not to pull on them too hard as they can break easily.
Dusting: Clean the beads gently with a soft brush or cloth to remove dust and debris, which can block sunlight from reaching the plant.
Hanging basket: The Lil String of Pearls is perfect for hanging baskets, as its trailing stems can create a beautiful cascading effect.