How To Water String Of Pearls Plant So It Thrives

String of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) is a beautiful plant. Its leaves look like tiny emerald pearls strung together with trailing growth habit. So when it grows, its branches naturally spill over the edges of the container, creating a cascading look, which is beautiful in hanging baskets and windowsills. The problem, however, is that the string of pearls is a tricky plant to take care of. It is extremely delicate, falling apart at the slightest touch. And, if you overwater it, it will quickly start to rot and eventually succumb to death. In fact, root rot from overwatering is the most common reason why people fail to grow this plant. That, however, does not mean you should avoid watering it altogether. You just need to water it with a frequency that allows the ideal potting medium to stay moist but not soggy in a planter with good drainage. 

And if you are wondering why? Well, that is because the string of pearls is a succulent plant. Just like other succulents, it retains water in its stems, leaves, and roots. And that makes overwatering a real concern. However, how much you water is not the only concern when trying to hydrate a string of pearls plant. If the potting medium or the soil does not drain well, even watering properly might lead to root rot. So, if you are planning to grow a pearl of strings, make sure to use a well-draining potting mix. You can even DIY your own succulent soil by mixing one-part organic material like coco coir, peat moss, or compost with two parts minerals like sand or perlite.

Let's just get one thing straight: String of pearls is a houseplant that thrives on little water. Even if you forget to water it sometimes, it will be just fine. Instead of sticking to a rigid watering schedule, hydrate only when the plant shows clear signs of needing water. For instance, if your string of pearls looks wrinkled or shriveled, it is time to water your plant. However, if the leaves are firm and plump, it is okay to delay the watering for a bit longer. Another key indication you can use to determine when it is time to water your string of pearls is to carefully monitor the tiny transparent slits on its leaves, called the epidermal windows. If the plant is watered well, these slits will be open. However, if the plant is thirsty and dry, they will close. The frequency with which you actually need to water your string of pearls can change depending on the humidity and how well its potting medium drains. Just make sure that when you water, you water thoroughly.

There are two ways you can water a string of pearls plant: Over-the-soil watering and bottom watering. Bottom watering is usually the safest as it minimizes the risk of waterlogging. All you have to do is put the potted plant in a saucer with water and wait 30 minutes. If, however, you just want to stick with watering it from the top, just make sure to let the soil dry between waterings.