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