How to grow Variegated String of Pearls

You simply must have one of these all-time favourite plants in your succulent collection.

Revered for its elegant, long, trailing stems of unique pea-like pearls which can grow to form a very impressive specimen plant. Each pearl has varying amounts of green and creamy white marbling as well as it’s own translucent window. At times the pearls can also develop a soft pink hue.

The variegated form of String of Pearls is slower growing than it’s green counterpart.

In autumn and winter dainty lilac buds appear which open into white pom pom-like flowers with prominent lilac stamens. The flowers are slightly fragrant.

Variegated String of Pearls grows very well indoors or outdoors on verandahs or patios where it is protected from direct sun.

Due to the variegation, this plant is best grown in indirect light or shaded positions. Variegated plants are generally much more sensitive to direct sun due to their lack of chlorophyll and can very easily suffer from sunburn if grown in too much direct sun.

Use a good quality succulent potting mix. Alternatively, add a little perlite or river sand to a good quality potting soil to increase the drainage.

A perfect plant for growing in hanging baskets so as to appreciate the beautiful long strings of pearls which can easily grow up to 1 metre or more in length.

Water the plant thoroughly ensuring that the water runs through the potting mix and out of the pot’s drainage holes. Never leave your String of beads standing in water for any length of time. Always pour off any excess water that may accumulate in the drip tray. It is important to ensure that your plant is never water logged.

Allow the plant to almost dry out completely before watering again. The frequency of watering may need to be reduced slightly during the cooler months.

While this plant can handle a little more water than many other succulents, we advise that care is taken to examine the potting soil to ensure its almost dry before watering the plant again. Over-watering can very quickly lead to parts of the plant becoming mushy and decaying.

We recommend a water-soluble balanced fertilizer applied once a month during spring and summer. During the cooler months of the year the growth of the plant is much slower and the frequency of fertiliser applications can be reduced or even withheld.

HAPPY GROWING