What is String of Pearls?
String of pearls (Curio rowlyanus) is a succulent vine native to the arid regions of southwest Africa. In its native habitat, it grows as a ground cover, creeping along the ground to reduce an area’s exposure to extreme heat. Outside of its native area, it is usually grown in a hanging container so that its vines can hang over the edges of the container.
The leaves, which are about the size of a pea (1/4 inch in diameter) and the color of a pea, are the plant’s most interesting feature. Their rounded shape allows water to be stored, an important feature in an arid environment, and, at the same time, reduces the surface area exposed to dry desert air. It also reduces the amount of surface area exposed to the sun, reducing the leaves’ ability to photosynthesize.
To compensate for this lack of surface area needed for photosynthesis, each leaf has a dark green stripe that is a transparent structure called the epidermal fenestra. This window allows sunlight into the leaf, creating more space for photosynthesis. Smart, if you ask me.
The leaves grow on a 2- to 3-foot stalk and creep along the ground. Wherever it comes into contact with soil, its roots grow, eventually forming dense mats. The plants like to grow where they are shaded by rocks or other plants.
String of pearls is a member of the daisy family. Not surprisingly, its flowers look like miniature daisies. They grow in a compound form and are often called “disco balls.” They are only half an inch in diameter and are white with red stamens and yellow anthers. The flowers smell like cinnamon. Flowering time is in spring. Flowers last about a month.
The flowers are followed by numerous seeds, each shaped like an umbrella that helps them spread through the air.
Is String of Pearls Poisonous?
Pearl sap is toxic so it should not be grown anywhere where children or pets can access it. Eating the plant can cause vomiting and diarrhea in humans. In animals, symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and lethargy.
Always wear gloves when handling this plant. The juice can irritate your skin and cause itching.
How to Grow String of Pearls Outdoors
String of Pearls is hardy in zones 9 to 12. In zones 9 and warmer, it can be grown outdoors year round. You can plant it in the ground where it will form a mat or in a container where it will be bent at the sides. You will need some shade. Try a location that receives only morning sun. Well-drained soil is essential otherwise this plant will suffer from root rot. Sandy soil is best. If you are growing in a container, use potting soil designed for cacti.
Since it is a desert plant, you don’t have to worry about watering it if it is growing in the ground. If you are growing it in a container, let the soil dry out between waterings. If the container is in a saucer, pour any water into the saucer. Don’t let your plant sit in water.
You can fertilize twice a month in the spring and summer using a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength. Do not fertilize during the fall and winter when the plants are resting.
How to Grow String of Pearls Indoors
North of Zone 9, we grow String of Pearls indoors as houseplants. It is a good houseplant because it does not need a lot of light and does not mind the lack of humidity in our homes. You can grow the plant in a sunny south-facing window or an east-facing window where it gets only morning sun. Use a potting mix designed for cacti to provide the proper drainage these plants need. Water sparingly and let the soil dry between watering. Do not forget to get rid of the saucer after watering so that the plant does not remain in the water. If the soil remains wet, the plant will rot at the roots.
Fertilize twice a month during the spring and summer growing season with a fine, balanced fertilizer at half strength. There is no need to fertilize during the fall and winter when the plants are resting.
How to Grow String of Pearls From Cuttings
Like most succulents, String of Pearls is easy to grow from cuttings. Take a 4-inch cut from the end of one of the stems. Remove leaves to 2 inches from the bottom. Then just place it on the moist soil or cover it gently with moist soil. Roots will grow from the places where you removed the leaves. Instead of watering, use a mister to keep the soil moist during the rooting process.
The reason you want to use a sir is because when you use a watering can and pour water into the pot, it will wash away the bits that were on the soil. Using a mister allows you to add water without damaging the pieces. It also prevents waterlogging of the soil, which can cause your crop to rot.
