How to Propagate String of Pearls

Whenever we come across a home gardening enthusiast, we all think of the pretty flowers they have hanging on their patios or front porch. However, many tend to own original and stranger looking plants that are unavailable in the wild. Some of the species they grow are hard to identify, but in appearance, they beautify the space like no other.

One of those plants is the incredible string of pearls. The flower has unique pearl-sized leaves with the round shape and shining in its green splendor that is its color. What is inviting is not just the beady leaves, but also the simplicity in the care manual for the plant.

At a glance, the plant may appear as the most difficult to care in comparison to other plants such as rose flowers. However, these are easiest such that beginners, regardless of location, can follow the simple steps and see through their plant’s growth.

It does not require ample attention to make it shine or thrive. Only an adequate watering schedule and warmth from the sun or heating mechanism and your plant are right.

The problem or challenge comes in trying to propagate the desirable plant. The main aim is to increase its fragrance around your home while enhancing your décor or ambiance.

When the flower opens up and blossoms under the rays, not only does a sweet, powdery fragrance or scent fill your home, but the flowers also provide ample foliage making a considerable change in its appearance.

What essential features should you know regarding the plant?

Since care follows all other plants, the main question is how much of each element for a healthy and succulent plant. These features include factors like composition of the soil in the planting pot, heat levels the plants have exposure to, and watering frequency. Let us have a more in-depth look into these features.

1. Light levels

Extreme sunshine exposure for the plant is not advisable. If caring for this mystical plant for the first time, consider placing it under the sun for a short period, maybe 2 or three hours. Monitor continuously to identify the effects of extreme sunshine like withering or losing the glossy green color.

However, those hours do not condemn the plant to the rest of the day in a darker room. Please place it in a location that it can access the light but is not directly under the sun. Your front porch high up in the ceiling, the patio, or your room balcony offers bright spaces to store the plant without worry. They have ample lighting and protect against the sun by providing the plant with adequate shade throughout the day.

2. Composition of the Soil

The string of pearls origins remains in the sandy deserts in Africa. The composition of the land there is sandy and dry in terms of moisture composition. Since you want to grow the plant and keep it within your home’s comforts, it is crucial that you not only replicate but also provide a similar environmental condition for it to grow and thrive. Pick cactus based ground soil from your favorite retail store. Mix the purchased soil mix with regular soil to arrive at the best possible combination.

3. Watering Frequency

Desert based plants store water in their stems and leaves. Thus, they only require watering a few times and can hold their water levels for a while. However, it does not mean that their soil becomes waterlogged! It will not only damage the plant but can also lead to its death.

Pick soil and a container or pot that drains well to plant this mystical plant and avoid direct watering. You may decide to sprinkle the water over the plant instead of feeding it directly to the plant. If in its initial stage of growth, moisturize the ground, keep it that way, and not soak through all the way.

4. When Does It Flower?

Since the original plant habitat is the desert and other semi-arid environments, it is crucial to know and understand the biology that allows the plants to survive.  For instance, their roots are shallow and hold on to the topmost section of the soil. They don’t grow downwards like other plants holding onto the earth, instead, they spread out. Since they are hanging plants, it is fundamental to provide them with ample space for growth. Planting it in a larger pot will allow the plant to breathe.

Their fragile expressions extend to their damage under direct sunlight. The condition also applies to the roots which dry-off, causing the plant to wither and die. The plant beady leaves discolor under the extreme sunshine, which damages their appearance.

Spring presents the best period to plant and nurture the young spring of pearl plants. During summer, the high heat and the continuous wind bringing down a cooling breeze accelerate their growth and appearance. Winter poses a challenge as the plants do not work well with the low temperatures. However, when exposed to the tropical environment, these plants thrive to higher proportions.

Propagating the String of Pearls

Replanting the mystical desert plant requires proper knowledge of this species. However, once the plant is old enough and starts to die approximately four or five years after planting, it is advisable to cut and transfer to a new pot. Proliferating allows you to use the older plant to acquire new plants or single plants with new features.

The procedure is simple as you only need to cut a single step, plant it in the right conditions, and wait for the indicated period for the plant to develop roots. Once they form, you can plant it in a larger pot and continue to care for it for the next five or so years. Sometimes, there is no need to propagate as the plant precedes the process. All you need to do is replant.

How do you accomplish the task?

Step one

Cut two different stems that are similar in length and medium size. Check to ensure they are healthy. Remove the beady leaves at the bottom of the stems to allow space for roots to form. Breaking the stems manually or using hands is damaging to the plant physique. Therefore, use a sharp object like a knife to perform the cut.

Step two

Leave the cut-out from the parent plant to dry out. Leave for a whole day. It helps eliminate any bacteria that may be present from cutting the stem.

Step three

Planting involves placing the dried cut-outs in a pot with the right soil combination for the pearl plant. Please put it in a way that it is in contact with the damp earth.

Otherwise, place the cut-outs in a glass with water and allow it to sit for a while. Change the water if it appears dirt for the duration until the roots develop fully.

Conclusion

The propagation procedure is not stylish, relaxing, or fun, but it is the simplest and follows every rule to ensure a healthy plant. Besides, maintaining the growth process and regulating the plant’s lighting, water, and nutritional needs is straightforward. Once the plant blossoms, your home décor changes, and the fragrance is incomparable. Seek to have and own one of these pearl plants, and your days will be brighter!