Growing string of pearls from cuttings is probably the best way to multiply this string succulent with ease.
When you search for the best hanging succulent, Curio rowleyanus surely comes to mind first, and why not–it has unique round beads that look like peas or green pearls, attached to stems that resemble strings. If you own it and want to have more copies, propagating it from cuttings is the best way.
How to Grow String of Pearls From Cuttings?
You’ll need a healthy cutting that’s at least 2-4 inches long and not damaged or weak. If you have a plant, that’s great; otherwise, ask a friend for some cuttings.
1. Once you have the cutting, place it in a shaded area away from direct sunlight for one to two days so it can form a callus. Now, why do we do this? The callus acts as a barrier that protects this succulent against rot and infection and promotes proper rooting.
Now, prepare a well-draining potting mix suitable for propagating succulents and add a bit of perlite or pumice. Use a pencil to create a small hole in the soil. Gently slide the callused thread inside, secure it with your fingers, and water it lightly to moisten the soil.
Remember the word “lightly,” you can mist it to settle the soil and provide the initial moisture, but avoid damping the soil. Later on, keep misting to provide that slight moisture, but never overwater.
2. If you want to keep everything easy, simply lay the cutting on top of the soil and wait for it to develop roots; this is another method to propagate a string of pearls from cuttings.
Keep the pot on a bright window with indirect sunlight, and you’ll see its roots grow in a couple of weeks.
3. You can also propagate the string of pearls in water. Just keep the bottom half submerged in a bowl, glass, or jar filled with water and the top half dry.
Best Time for Growing String of Pearls from Cuttings
You know how to grow a string of pearls plant from cuttings, but the more important question is when? This depends on your area, so find your USDA zone from this map and follow our guidelines.
- Zones 4-6: The best time for propagation in cool and temperate climates is during the warmest months of the year, which are spring and summer.
- Zones 7-8: If you live in one of these zones or a similar temperate and slightly warm climate, you’ll have a longer growing season, and you can grow SOP from cuttings from spring to early fall.
- Zones 9-11: In warm weather, growing a string of pearls from cuttings is possible year-round, but if you’re doing it outdoors, don’t do it in summer.
Have a look at the best string succulents here
Best Potting Mix for Growing String of Pearls from Cuttings
People often have a problem creating the perfect mix, so we’ve got a single recipe that you can use for a potting mix suitable for planting a string of pearl cuttings and later growing it.
- 1 part cactus soil
- 1 part perlite for drainage
- 1/2 part of coarse sand for drainage and aeration
- 1/2 part peat moss or coconut coir for retaining moisture
That’s it! Mix these well, and your plant will root and thrive beautifully. You can also add a bit of vermiculite if you live in a drier region.
While this potting mix is best for propagation, you can also propagate this succulent in 100% peat moss or coconut coir medium, but be careful with watering as these two remain moist for a long time.
Here are Potting Mix Recipes For Everything
How Long Does It Take to Propagate String of Pearls?
The propagation time depends on local weather patterns, microclimates, and individual plant care. Usually, it takes around 4-8 weeks for the string of pearl cuttings to establish roots and start new growth.
Don’t panic if it doesn’t happen; they might root a few days earlier or later as well.
