The plump and dangling beads of the popular succulent plant String of Pearls, are absolutely adorable. I bet many people fell in love at first sight and decided to buy one.
However, many find that their beloved String of Pearls seems to be withering, despite their best efforts to care for it.
So, in this article, I’ll clearly explain how to revive a withering String of Pearls and help it thrive again.
Reviving a Dying String of Pearls: Tips and Techniques
“I feel like it’s going to wither soon… Maybe I should dispose of it before any bugs appear…”
You might feel this way when you look at a withering String of Pearls plant but hold on a moment! The String of Pearls is a hardy succulent that’s easy to propagate.
With a two-pronged approach, there’s still a chance for revival. In this article, I will introduce the methods to bring your String of Pearls back to life, so please try them.
Step 1 – Reevaluate the Location
In this article, I will show you the steps to revive the String of Pearls plant shown in the photo below.
The photo below shows a String of Pearls that has been cared for indoors for about a year since its purchase. Due to insufficient sunlight and nutrients, the overall color is poor, and the leaves at the tips are shrinking.
In this case, if the temperature permits, moving the plant to a partially shaded outdoor area is recommended.
The String of Pearls thrives at temperatures between 59-86°F (15-30°C), but it can also withstand cold temperatures down to about 27°F (-3°C).
On the other hand, you need to be cautious of heat. At temperatures above 86°F (30°C), the plant is more likely to weaken due to direct sunlight and high humidity.
During hot periods, avoid direct sunlight and use shade cloth or place the plant in partial shade for better care.
If you’re keeping the plant indoors, place it in a location with as much sunlight as possible. However, moving the plant to a spot with direct sunlight can cause leaf scorching.
When relocating the plant, gradually move it to brighter spots, slowly acclimating it to sunlight to prevent leaf scorching.
Step 2 – Observe the Soil
Next, observe the soil in which the String of Pearls is planted. Is the soil currently wet or dry?
The watering schedule for String of Pearls varies depending on the season. Make sure to reconfirm the appropriate watering method for each time of year.
As a succulent, the String of Pearls stores a significant amount of water in its fleshy leaves. Therefore, it is sensitive to excessive moisture, which can cause root rot.
The string of Pearls Watering Guidelines:
Spring and Fall:
⇒ This is when the plant grows vigorously, so water it thoroughly after the soil has completely dried.
It’s okay to provide diluted liquid fertilizer once a month. To prevent root rot, regularly remove water accumulating in the saucer.
Midsummer and Midwinter:
⇒ This is the dormant period when the plant’s growth slows significantly. As a result, the roots’ ability to absorb water weakens. Wait until the soil is arid, then wait 3-4 days before watering.
Fertilizer is not necessary during this period. Avoid using a spray bottle for occasional watering, as it is not ideal.
Step 3 – Propagate from Cuttings in Early Spring
If you notice your String of Pearls is about to wither in early spring or late autumn, it’s recommended to try propagating from cuttings.
Simply cut a stem and place it in water or soil to promote root growth. Let’s see how it’s done.
Cut a 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) section of stem from your String of Pearls. Avoid soft and mushy stems, as they are already rotting (cut and dispose of them to prevent further decay).
I would take off any of the pearls that are submerged in the water; they get all soggy and fall off and making the water nasty
But yes, after you get some roots, you can place them in the soil!
Place the cut stem in a container filled with water and wait for it to develop roots. In early spring, you should see white roots emerging from the base of the leaves in about a week. If you are interested, check out this guide on growing a String of Pearls from a pearl.
Step 4 – Plant in Soil and Water
Once the stem has roots in water, plant it in clean soil with good drainage. Soil without nutrients is preferable.
As shown in the photo, place the stem on top of the soil and cover it with more soil, ensuring the rooted part is well hidden.
Although it takes some effort, tweezers should be used to insert each stem into the soil for a more secure planting. Be careful not to let the soil dry out too much until the plant is well-rooted.
Moisten the soil’s surface when it dries, and place the plant outdoors in a well-ventilated area, avoiding direct sunlight. There’s no need for fertilizer at this stage.
Step 5 – Transition to Regular Care after Rooting
The photo below shows the appearance of the String of Pearls about six months after propagating from cuttings.
You can grow plump, healthy leaves by placing the plant outdoors and providing sufficient sunlight and air circulation. For comparison, the photo below shows the plant that was kept indoors.
Even if you carefully manage temperature and sunlight, indoor conditions simply can’t compete with outdoor air circulation. Essential elements for growing healthy plants are sunlight, water, and air.
Exposure to air helps regulate the opening and closing of stomata on the leaves, promoting photosynthesis.
Keeping the String of Pearls outdoors as much as possible is key to nurturing a healthy plant.
Key Takeaways
In this article, we have detailed the methods to revive a withering String of Pearls.
The plump, adorable beads of the String of Pearls make you want to keep it indoors and enjoy its beauty.
However, unlike shade-tolerant houseplants like pothos and money trees, most succulents require ample sunlight and air circulation.
Insufficient light causes the spaces between leaves to elongate, resulting in a weak, spindly appearance.
The best approach is to keep the plant outdoors as a default and only bring it indoors during extreme summer or winter. This will help maintain its beauty.
To revive a withering String of Pearls:
- Reevaluate the location of the plant
- Observe the soil and reconsider the watering method
- Attempt to propagate from cuttings
- Plant rooted stems in the soil
- Keep the plant outdoors as much as possible! (This applies to both the original plant and propagated pots). For tips on how to make a String of Pearls fuller, visit this link.
If you want to learn more about why a String of Pearls may turn purple, check out this article.