How to Repot String of Pearls: A Step-by-Step Guide

String of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) is a trailing succulent that is beloved for its unique spherical leaves that resemble a string of pearls With its cascading stems and easy-going nature, string of pearls makes an excellent houseplant. However, even low-maintenance string of pearls needs to be repotted every now and then to refresh the soil and give the plant room to grow.

Repotting string of pearls is a relatively straightforward process, but it requires some special care to avoid damaging the delicate stems and pearl-like leaves. In this article, we will walk through the steps for successfully repotting string of pearls, from choosing the right pot and soil to caring for the plant after repotting.

When to Repot String of Pearls

String of pearls prefers to be a bit rootbound, so you only need to repot every 2-3 years. The best time to repot is in early spring, before the plant enters its active growing season. Repotting in spring gives the roots time to establish before summer.

Avoid repotting in fall or winter when growth has slowed Repotting during dormancy can shock the plant

Signs it’s time to repot your string of pearls:

• The plant is pot-bound with a dense mass of circling roots.
• Growth has slowed.
• You see roots coming out of the drainage holes.
• The soil stays wet longer after watering.

Choosing a Pot for String of Pearls

Pick a pot that is 1 to 2 inches larger than the current pot. The small root system of string of pearls doesn’t require much extra space.

Make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent soggy soil. A porous terra cotta pot helps soil dry out.

For a trailing plant like string of pearls, select a shallow pot or hanging basket. The wide shape gives the stems room to spread out.

You can also plant string of pearls in a decorative pot without drainage holes. Use a plastic grow pot as a liner inside to hold the soil and roots.

Potting Mix for String of Pearls

Use a fast-draining cactus or succulent potting mix, or make your own mixture:

• 1 part potting soil
• 1 part perlite or pumice for drainage
• 1 part sand for weight and drainage

Avoid regular potting soil, which holds too much moisture.

Amend bagged succulent mix with extra perlite if it’s still too dense. The mix should pour through your fingers and have visible chunks of perlite or gravel.

How to Repot String of Pearls Step-by-Step

Follow these steps to gently repot your string of pearls:

Gather supplies:

• String of pearls plant
• New pot
• Potting mix
• Scoop or trowel
• Scissors (optional)

Prepare the plant:

• Water the plant 1-2 days before repotting. Dry soil is harder to remove.
• Remove any dead or damaged leaves and stems.
• Untangle and arrange the stems if needed.

Prepare the pot:

• Wash the new pot in soapy water if reused.
• Add drainage holes if needed.
• Fill the bottom with potting mix (1-2 inches).

Remove the plant:

• Tip the pot upside down with one hand supporting the soil and plant. Gently squeeze the pot to loosen.
• If the plant doesn’t slide out, carefully run a blunt knife around the edges.
• Gently loosen and untangle the roots if rootbound. Don’t break all of the roots.

Repot the plant:

• Place the root ball on top of the soil in the new pot. The old soil should sit slightly above the rim.
• Fill around the root ball with fresh, dry potting mix.
• Pack the soil lightly with your fingers, leaving 1 inch below the rim.
• Arrange the stems and pearls around the pot.

Aftercare:

• Don’t water for 1 week to allow roots to heal.
• Resume normal care.
• Provide bright, indirect light.
• Let the soil dry between waterings.

Be extremely gentle when handling the delicate stems and pearls of string of pearls. Some leaves may fall off during repotting, but the plant will recover. With the right pot, soil, and care, your string of pearls will thrive in its new home!

Troubleshooting Common Repotting Issues

Repotting string of pearls does take some finesse. Here are some common issues and how to avoid them:

The stems keep breaking

• Handle the stems gently and support the plant when removing from the pot.
• Consider using scissors to trim away stems instead of pulling them out.

Lots of pearls are falling off

• This is normal, but try to handle the plant as little possible.
• Water 1-2 days before repotting to make removal easier.

Lower leaves drop after repotting

• Older leaves naturally drop as the plant puts energy into new growth.
• Make sure to resume watering once the plant is established, about 7-10 days after repotting.

White roots appear after repotting

• New root growth is a good sign! Just leave the roots exposed.
• If roots remain exposed long-term, the plant is too shallow in the pot. Repot in a deeper container.

Plant is drooping and shriveling

• Don’t let the plant dry out completely right after repotting.
• Check that the plant is not planted too deeply in the pot.

With proper care when repotting, your string of pearls will transition smoothly into its new home. Pay close attention to the plant in the weeks after repotting to ensure it adjusts well.

How Often to Repot String of Pearls

String of pearls ideally should be repotted every 2-3 years. Repotting too often can stress the plant, while leaving it too long leads to stunted growth.

Here are some signs it’s time for a new pot:

• The potting mix pulls away from the sides of the pot.
• Roots are crowded and circling the bottom of the pot.
• Growth slows down and lower leaves drop.
• You need to water much more frequently.

Younger plants may need repotting more often than mature plants. Provide larger pots as the plant grows bigger.

If your string of pearls seems happy in its current pot, you can wait up to 5 years between repotting.

Key Tips for Repotting String of Pearls Successfully

Follow these tips for stress-free repotting of string of pearls:

• Water 1-2 days before repotting to moisten the soil.

• Choose a pot only 1-2 inches larger than the previous one.

• Fill the new pot 1/3 with fresh, dry potting mix before repotting.

• Carefully remove the root ball and loosen circling roots.

• Place the root ball on the soil so the old soil sits just above the pot rim.

• Pack soil around the root ball, leaving 1 inch of space below the pot rim.

• Arrange the cascading stems and pearls around the pot.

• Allow 7-10 days for the roots to heal before watering.

• Provide the same bright, indirect light as before repotting.

• Resume fertilizing 3-4 weeks after repotting.

With the proper soil, pot, and a gentle hand, repotting string of pearls doesn’t have to be difficult. In its new home, your string of pearls will have the space it needs to continue growing into a long, lush trailing plant.