How To Propagate String Of Pearls: 3 Easy Methods For Beginners

String of Pearls propagation is best performed during the warm growth periods of spring or early summer, allowing this charming succulent to continue its legacy of beauty and simplicity in homes and offices. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a newbie, learning how to propagate a string of pearls offers a delightful and rewarding gardening project.

What Is String Of Pearls? When To Propagate?

The String of Pearls, scientifically known as Senecio Rowleyanus, is a succulent plant native to the arid regions of Southwest Africa. Its spherical, pea-shaped leaves are adapted to store water, making the plant ideal for indoor environments with low humidity.

If cared for properly, the plant's vines can trail beautifully up to several feet, displaying tiny, white flowers with a sweet, cinnamon-like scent.

Propagation of the String of Pearls is best done during spring or early summer, its active growth period. This timing allows the plant to root more efficiently and grow vigorously, taking advantage of the warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours.

Propagation during the dormant winter months is possible but may result in slower root development and growth due to the lack of sunlight. 

Plants rely on sunlight for photosynthesis, which drives growth. Reduced light exposure can slow down this process, resulting in slower growth and root development.

See more: How To Propagate A Peach Tree: Basic Steps for Beginners

3 Easy Methods On How To Propagate String Of Pearls

Understanding how to propagate a string of pearls is not hard because you can flexibly choose 1 of 3 propagation methods: 

Propagate On Top Of Soil

Propagate on top of soil is a method for growing new plants from cuttings without burying them deeply. This technique is particularly effective for succulents like the String of Pearls, which can easily rot if their delicate stems are submerged too deeply or moist.

What you'll need:

  • Pruners
  • Spray bottle
  • Cactus or succulent mix
  • Paper clips or floral pins cut in half
  • Small plant pot

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Select plump, green stems from your String of Pearls that are neither too young nor too old.
  2. Snip off a vine about 4-6 inches long using clean, sharp scissors. Make sure the cutting has several beads on it.
  3. Let the cut ends of the vine dry out for a day or 2 to form a callous. This helps prevent rot when planted.
  4. Use a well-draining succulent or cactus soil mix. Alternatively, you can make your own by mixing the potting soil with perlite and sand.
  5. Lay the cuttings on top of the soil. Press the vine into the soil to ensure contact, but avoid burying the pearls. If using multiple cuttings, space them a few inches apart to give each one enough room to grow.
  6. Mist the soil lightly to moisten it without soaking. Remember not to overwater since this can lead to rot.

Pro tips:

  • Keep the plant in a warm room with temperatures varying between 60°F and 80°F (15°C to 26°C).
  • If the pearls start to fade, it might indicate a need for slightly more frequent watering.

Propagate In Soil

Propagate in soil is another popular method for propagating the String of Pearls plant. This is a more traditional approach in which the plant cuttings are partially buried in the soil.

What you'll need:

  • Scissors or pruners
  • Rooting hormone (optional)
  • Chopstick or pencil
  • Spray bottle
  • Cactus or succulent mix
  • Small plant pot

Step-by-step guidelines:

  1. Choose a healthy, mature String of Pearls plant.
  2. Use sanitized, sharp scissors to cut a section of the vine about 4-6 inches long, ensuring it has several beads (leaves).
  3. After cutting, let the ends of the cuttings dry out and callous over for 1-2 days to reduce the risk of rot and help the cuttings root more effectively.
  4. Strip off the leaves 3 inches from the bottom of each stem. You can also dip the cutting in the rooting hormone to encourage growth.
  5. Use a well-draining succulent or cactus mix, typically containing potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite or pumice.
  6. Fill your pot with the prepared soil mix.
  7. Insert the cut end of each cutting about an inch deep into the soil. Ensure that at least a few beads are buried under the soil, encouraging rooting.
  8. Space multiple cuttings about 2 to 3 inches apart if planting more than one in the same pot.

Pro tip:

  • When the new plants have established a strong root system and have started to outgrow their original pot, consider transplanting them to a larger container or into individual pots.

Propagate In  Water

Water propagation involves cutting—usually a stem or a leaf—from a parent plant and placing it in water, where it develops roots before being transplanted into soil. 

This straightforward method requires minimal equipment—just water and a container. It’s a good option for beginners. Here's how you do it: 

What you'll need: 

  • Scissors or pruners
  • Small glass or jar
  • Water
  • Cactus or succulent mix
  • Small plant pot

Step-by-step guideline:

  1. Choose a healthy section of your String of Pearls plant.
  2. Cut a vine length approximately 4-6 inches long with sharp scissors. Make sure your cutting has several bead-like leaves along its length.
  3. To prevent rot, remove any pearls (leaves) submerged in water. Typically, you'll want to clear about an inch of the stem at the cut end.
  4. Use a clean jar or glass container that allows enough room for the cutting but isn't too wide. This helps support the vine and keeps the cut end submerged.
  5. Fill the container with room temperature water, just enough to submerge the cleared stem end, not the leaves.
  6. Insert the stem end of your cutting into the water. The rest of the pearls should hang out of the container, not touching the water.
  7. Change the water every 3 days to prevent stagnation and bacterial growth, which can harm the cutting.
  8. Once the roots are several inches long, transfer to the soil. Prepare a pot with a well-draining succulent or cactus mix. Plant the root cutting in the soil, covering the roots and the stem base.

See more: How To Propagate Pine Trees: Step-By-Step Guide for Starters

Tips To Take Care Of Propagated String Of Pearls

To propagate a string of pearls successfully, remember the following care tips:

  • Place it near a window that receives ample light but is shielded from the harsh midday sun, which can scorch the leaves.
  • Keep the plant between 60°F and 80°F (15°C to 26°C) and avoid temperatures below 50°F (10°C), as cold can damage it.
  • String of Pearls does well in moderate humidity but will tolerate indoor household levels. If your home is arid, consider using a humidity tray or a small humidifier.

See more: How To Propagate Fig Tree: A Comprehensive Guide By Experts

Conclusion

By following the simple methods outlined, you can cultivate a lush cascade of these unique, bead-like succulents on top of the soil, in soil, or in water. Remember, the key to success on how to propagate string of pearls is propagation timing, the preparation of your cuttings, and the consistent care they receive afterward.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can You Grow a String of Pearls From A Single Pearl?

Yes, growing a String of Pearls from a single pearl is possible. To propagate a string of pearls, take multiple leaves and grow them in the same or different pots. The leaves are prone to rot, making it difficult to start with only one.

2. How Long Does It Take To Propagate A String Of Pearls?

In three to four weeks in favorable conditions. However, new growth of a String of Pearls cutting can take a few additional weeks to appear.

3. How Do You Make a String Of Pearls Grow More?

A light application of fertilizer can stimulate pearl growth. Fertilize your plant once a month during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing in winter when the plant is dormant, as its metabolic activities slow down and it uses fewer nutrients.