Code THANKS24 for 18% off all orders

Common Problems of String of Pearls and How To Fix Them

5 min read

Common problems of String of Pearls and how to fix them, Underwatered string of pearls, Picture of overwatered string of pearls, String of pearls plant dying, Common problems with string of pearls plant, How to save overwatered string of pearls

0 Comments

String of Pearls is one of the most fabulous succulents. Their green, plump, pearl-like look quickly gain popularity in the succulent-lover community. While growing these succulent outdoors is usually much easier, it can also be tricky sometimes. In other words, if not cared properly, these striking succulents can die.

However, if you have spotted any problem in your succulent, no need to fret, after reading this article, you will be able to identify and fix the common problems that might arise growing a string of pearls.

[SHRIVELING]Shriveling String of Pearls

Shriveling of leaves and stem are evident indications that your String of Pearls is not receiving proper care. You might wonder why this striking plant shrivels. Well, watering issues are one of the most common reasons for shriveled leaves in your succulent.

how to make string of pearls fuller, string of pearls, string of pearls dying, string of pearls shriveling, string of pearls plant dying, why is my string of pearls dying, overwatered string of pearls, picture of overwatered string of pearls, string of pearls watering, string of pearls care
Watering issues are common reasons behind shriveling String of Pearls.
Photo credit: joyusgarden.com

1. Watering Issues

  • Underwatering

Although String of Pearls stores water in their leaves, they need proper watering to stay healthy. When their water storage runs down, their little round leaves begin to shrivel. Keep in mind that if you have a young succulent, it will need more water than the matured ones. Besides, too little water may also cause String of Pearls to shrivel.

For that, you need to determine if your plant is getting enough water. If you are misting the soil and it still becomes shriveled, give your String of Pearls a good amount of water, and let it run down through the roots.

 
  • Overwatering

You might be surprised to learn that overwatering can also lead to leaves shriveling in String of Pearls. When you give them more water than they can handle, the leaves will literally burst and give the plant a shriveled and mushy look.

In such case, if you notice you are watering your plant often and they still look shriveled, reduce the watering frequency and amount to once every two weeks. This is the recommended watering frequency for String of Pearls. Another to make sure you are not overwater is to check if the soil mix is at least half an inch dry before next watering.

string of pearl, senecio succulents, trailing succulents

Image by Succulents Box

If your String of Pearls is overwatered, reduce the watering frequency to once every two weeks.

2. Inappropriate Sunlight

In addition to water issues, too much or too little sunlight can also make your plant shriveled. If you notice its beads are developing scars and leaves are becoming dry, it is clear that your String of Pearls has begun to get burned by the scorching sun. Move your succulent to a place where it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

Keep in mind that your beautiful succulent love to thrive in a bright location; however, String of Pearls can’t stand intense sunlight or full sun, especially in the afternoon. If you have kept them under a bright sun and noticed that your succulent is scorched, keep it under a shady location outdoors, where your plant can receive morning light but not the intense sun in the afternoon.

how to make string of pearls fuller, string of pearls, string of pearls dying, string of pearls shriveling, string of pearls plant dying, why is my string of pearls dying, overwatered string of pearls, picture of overwatered string of pearls, string of pearls watering, string of pearls care

 

Image by Succulents Box

Too much or too little sunlight can also make your String of Pearls shriveled.

[ROOT ROT]Root Rot in String of Pearls

1. Soil Drainage Issue

If you have noticed your String of Pearls has stopped growing or showing symptoms of root rot, you may want to check the soil mix first. Soil mix is one of the most important ingredients in a recipe for beautiful and healthy succulents. Soil mix for succulents is different from regular garden soil mix. Using the regular garden soil mix can lead to root rots since the medium is too heavy and has a high water holding capacity. As we all know, succulents do not want to sit in wet soil for too long so well-drained and porous soil is crucial in preventing root rotting in succulents.

how to make string of pearls fuller, string of pearls, string of pearls dying, string of pearls shriveling, string of pearls plant dying, why is my string of pearls dying, overwatered string of pearls, picture of overwatered string of pearls, string of pearls watering, string of pearls care

Soil mix is one of the most important ingredients in a recipe for beautiful and healthy String of Pearls.

For beginners, you can start by getting a cactus and succulent soil mix, which is readily available for purchase at a local garden center near you. You also have the option to blend your own potting for your succulents by mixing an organic substance with an inorganic one. Here's our recommendation for a basic succulent soil mix that promotes airflow, root growth, and drainage: Potting soil + Bark fines + Perlite/Pumice in 3:2:1 ratio.

2. Fertilizer Issue

When it comes to String of Pearls, fertilizer is not an immediate need but it definitely benefits the plant. However, too much fertilizer can kill your plant as well! Overdoing the fertilizer can lead to root damage which makes the plant weak. You may inspect these signs if your String of Pearls has been over-fertilized: stunted growth, discoloration, brown foliage and burnt roots. 

To avoid overfeeding, only fertilize your plant once or twice a year. The best time to fertilize is in the spring when your String of Pearls are actively approaching their growing season and are ready to receive some extra nutrients.

There are succulent fertilizers available on the market. If you can’t find one, regular water-soluble fertilizer diluted by at least 50% works fine as well. Highly potent fertilizers are never recommended because they will most likely burn your String of Pearls rather than delivering them any nutrients. If you prefer homemade fertilizers, you can make it yourself using banana peels, coffee grounds, crushed eggshells, or even fish emulsion.

how to make string of pearls fuller, string of pearls, string of pearls dying, string of pearls shriveling, string of pearls plant dying, why is my string of pearls dying, overwatered string of pearls, picture of overwatered string of pearls, string of pearls watering, string of pearls care

Image by Succulents Box

Crushed eggshells can be used as natural fertilizer for String of Pearls.

You can also check out this video for more information on how to blend a good potting mix and create homemade fertilizer for succulents:

[LEAVES FALLING]String of Pearls Leaves Falling

1. Temperature Issue

If you notice that your String of Pearls leaves are falling, that means you have kept them in drafty locations, where the temperature is mild or cold. Keep in mind that these succulents thrive well in average room temperatures. Therefore, if you see your String of Pearls that are kept outdoors, dropping leaves, move your plant indoor right away.

2. Infestation Issue

If you see your succulent leaves turning yellow, dropping leaves, or sooty leaves, aphids or mealybugs on your String of Pearls, then it shows insects have made a home in your String. To fix it, use an insecticidal soap or a spray of water to remove these insects. Treatment might need to be repeated since these annoying pests can be easily spread by ants.

Overwatering, underwatering, wrong potting mix, improper sunlight, and insects or pests all can damage your String of Pearls. Therefore, providing appropriate care, as mentioned in our previous article, is essential to make your succulent thrive.

how to make string of pearls fuller, string of pearls, string of pearls dying, string of pearls shriveling, string of pearls plant dying, why is my string of pearls dying, overwatered string of pearls, picture of overwatered string of pearls, string of pearls watering, string of pearls care

Providing appropriate care is essential to make your String of Pearls thrive.

However, if you spot any of the aforementioned problems in your succulent, make sure to take action right away to keep your plant healthy and happy.

Watch the video below (and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more great videos) to see how to fix Common Problems of String of Pearls:

 

Check out this quick video to see best tips to care for String of Pearls plant:

See more about 8 MOST POPULAR HANGING SUCCULENTS

8 MOST POPULAR HANGING SUCCULENTS

If you found this article interesting, share it with your succulent loving friends!

And get a free plant when your friends make an order. Sign up here!

Find out more other Types of Succulents Care Guide

Succulents and houseplants you might like




Related articles

How to take good care of String of Hearts Plant, Tips for Growing Trailing String of Hearts Succulent, String of Hearts Care Guide, String of hearts problems, String of hearts plant care, String of hearts propagation
How to grow and take good care of String of Hearts

8 min read

Keep your String of Hearts plant thriving with expert care tips. Discover the ideal lighting, watering schedule, and more to ensure your succulent flourishes. The String of Heart, also known as Ceropegia woodii, is a gorgeous trailing succulent that can add beauty to any living space. While it may seem challenging at first, this plant is surprisingly tolerant once you learn its care requirements.
How to care for String of Dolphins, How to grow String of Dolphins, String of Dolphins Care Guide
How to grow and care for String of Dolphins plant

8 min read

3 Easy Ways to Propagate String of Pearls
3 Easy Ways to Propagate String of Pearls

7 min read

Our care guides and planting tips are crafted by seasoned gardeners and plant enthusiasts who bring a wealth of hands-on experience to every piece of content. We take pride in offering meticulously researched and human-written advice to ensure the highest quality information for our fellow plant lovers. Each article is written with care and expertise, not auto-generated by AI, to help you keep your plants healthy and happy.
Back to Top