Are you captivated by the dropping beauty of string of pearls or string of pearls succulents, but want to increase your collection without breaking the bank? Look no further! This post will walk you through the easy and super-rewarding process of propagating String of Pearls from stem or from one leaf.
Regardless of whether you’re an advanced plant parent or a beginner, using this step-by-step method will help you propagate string of pearls in soil and water. Get ready to unleash your inner plant wizard and experience the joy of multiplying your beloved string of pearls!
How Long Does it Take to Propagate String of Pearls?
Propagating String of Pearls is relatively easy and can be done through stem cuttings. Generally, it takes about 2-4 weeks for you to propagate a string of pearls. This process includes growing a string of pearls cuttings to root and then start to grow new leaves. You’ll find out the cutting is rooted when you see new plant growth emerging from the nodes.
Here’s a breakdown of the typical propagation timeline:
String of Pearls Propagation Timeline
- Week 1-2: The cutting will start to callus over at the cut end.
- Week 2-4: Roots will begin to develop.
- Week 4 and beyond: New growth will emerge from the nodes, indicating successful rooting.
However, the time it takes for a new plant to develop from a cutting can also vary because of several factors:
- Cutting Size: Larger cuttings with several nodes will root faster than smaller cuttings.
- Environmental Conditions: Warm temperatures (around 70-75°F) and LED grow light will encourage faster root development.
- Propagation Method: Air layering or rooting in water can sometimes be faster than rooting in soil.
How to Propagate String of Pearls?
In this part, we’ll further demonstrate how to propagate string of pearls, either in soil or in water. This process refers to propagating string of pearls from a stem. Besides, this part will also tell you how to propagate a string of pearls from one leaf.
Propagate String of Pearls in Soil
Looking to expand your collection of charming String of Pearls without spending a fortune? This part will show you how to easily propagate these adorable succulents using the classic method of soil propagation.
Here are the quick steps to propagate String of Pearls in soil:
Propagate String of Pearls in Soil
- Choose a healthy stem with at least 2-3 nodes and then cut the stem just below a node.
- Allow the cut end to dry and form a callus for a few days, which can help to prevent from root rot.
- Use a well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix.
- Insert the calloused end of the cutting into the soil, ensuring at least one node is buried.
- Water the soil lightly to settle it around the cutting.
- Place the pot in a bright and indirect light location or use a succulent grow light. Keep the soil slightly moist and wait for new growth to emerge from the nodes, which can take 2-4 weeks.
Propagate String of Pearls in Water
Soil propagation of String of Pearls offers a more stable environment with nutrients for long-term growth, though, water propagation is faster, visually appealing, and requires minimal materials. Here are the quick steps to propagate String of Pearls in water:
Propagate String of Pearls in Water
- Take a healthy and vigorous stem with a minimum of 2-3 nodes on it.
- Cut the stem cleanly just below a node while removing any leaves that would be submerged in water.
- Place the cut end of the stem into the water, ensuring at least one node is submerged.
- Place the jar in a bright and indirect light place. Then change the water every 2-3 days to prevent algae growth and keep the water fresh.
- Within a few weeks, you should see roots developing from the nodes submerged in water.
- Once the roots are about an inch long, you can pot the cutting into a well-draining succulent potting mix.
Propagate String of Pearls from One Leaf
Although it can be done, it is not the most efficient way to propagate a String of Pearls from one leaf. Normally, one would propagate the entire stem, with many more leaves and nodes, and the whole will grow into roots much more easily. However, you can propagate string of pearls from one leaf by taking the following steps:
Propagate String of Pearls from One Leaf
- Select and gently pluck a healthy pearl leaf from the plant. Ensure it is undamaged and remain no signs of disease or shriveling.
- Place the leaf on a dry surface and allow it to sit for a day or two until the end of the leaf forms a callous.
- Use a well-draining cactus or succulent mix. Alternatively, mix regular potting soil with sand or perlite to ensure good drainage.
- Lay the calloused leaf on top of the soil. Do not bury the leaf, as this can cause it to rot.
- Water the soil very sparingly, just enough to keep it slightly moist.
- Place the container in a location with bright and indirect light.
- Allow the roots to develop. It might take a few weeks before the leaf begins to develop roots. If the soil is sort of soggy and the leaves are in bright light and warm areas, then it will really help.
String of Pearls Plant Care
The String of Pearls is a beautiful and delicate plant; however, with proper care, it will grow both inside and outside the house. Here are some helpful tips to care for string of pearls:
String of Pearls Plant Care
- Bright, Indirect Light: String of Pearls is a plant requiring bright, indirect sunlight. Its leaves may burn if the light is too intense at once. When light is lacking, the growth will be leggy and thin. This plant works well indoors, placed near a south or west window with filtered light.
- Infrequent Watering: This plant is drought-tolerant, so it’s essential not to overwater. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering. Water less often in winter.
- Temperature Range: String of Pearls likes temperatures between 70-80°F (21-27°C). The day temperature should be slightly cooler than the temperature at night. To keep a good tempreture, move it inside when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
- Light Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced fertilizer during growth periods — spring and summer—but very dilute. Once a month is adequate. Don’t feed in the fall and winter when a plant goes dormant.
- Well-draining Soil and Low Humidity: String of Pearls does very well in a cactus or succulent mix. You can also mix your own using regular potting soil with sand or perlite added to enhance its drainage.
Conclusion
Learn how to propagate a string of pearls in soil or in water. Either way, be it water or soil, propagation of the lovely plants is quite rewarding. You can increase your green oasis without too much expense on your wallet. So grab your cuttings, gather your materials, and get ready to watch your String of Pearls collection flourish!
