Whether you put your string of pearl cuttings in soil or water to root, it’s easy to grow your plants.
If you like string succulents, Curio rowleyanus, also known as string of pearls, is still one of the most popular choices among plant lovers. In addition to its many benefits, this succulent is very easy to grow more of, so you can quickly add to your collection.
Although it’s possible to grow string of pearls from single leaves or even seeds, it’s easiest to do so from cuttings, which will give you quick and reliable results.
You can take several cuttings at once to make a new string of pearls plant, or you can root any healthy vines you cut off when you prune. ( credit: Creative by Nature/Alamy Stock Photo).
The string of pearls plant (Senecio rowleyanus) is a unique succulent prized for its cascading strands of round, bead-like leaves With its graceful trailing stems and ornamental foliage, it’s easy to see why this plant is so popular among indoor gardeners
Propagating string of pearls is a great way to get more of these stunning plants without spending any money Water propagation, in particular, is an easy and effective method for producing new string of pearls plants
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through the steps for propagating string of pearls in water. We will cover how to select cuttings, prepare them, monitor their progress, and finally transplant the new plantlets into soil.
An Overview of Propagating String of Pearls in Water
Propagating houseplants in water is a common technique that involves rooting plant cuttings in a container of water instead of potting soil. It allows you to observe the rooting process and ensures the developing roots have constant moisture.
Water propagation causes rapid root growth. For succulents like string of pearls, it often produces faster results compared to traditional soil propagation. Within a few weeks, you can have new string of pearls babies ready to pot up.
While water propagation has a high success rate, it does come with a slight risk of rot when not done properly. Proper care must be taken to use clean water, sterilized tools, and optimal lighting conditions. We will go over all the important steps for avoiding problems and ensuring success.
When to Propagate String of Pearls
Timing is an important factor when propagating plants. For best results, propagate string of pearls during the active growing season in spring and summer. The increased warmth and sunlight during this period boosts the plant’s growth hormones and promotes faster root development.
Avoid propagating when the plant is stressed, unhealthy, or experiencing a dormant period in fall/winter. Aim to take cuttings from an actively growing mother plant that is free of pests and diseases.
Signs your string of pearls is ready for propagation:
- The plant looks full, healthy, and free of problems
- You notice new growth emerging, indicating an active growth cycle
- Long vines are becoming leggy or unattractive
Step 1: Select and Prepare the Cuttings
Choosing which cuttings to propagate is an important first step. Pick stems that are healthy, mature, and not too thick or thin. The ideal thickness is like the width of a pencil. The cuttings should have several leaves to allow photosynthesis.
Avoid cuttings that are damaged, diseased, or desiccated. Also steer clear of the youngest, immature stems which often fail to root well. Mature, middle-aged stems with some length perform best.
Once you have selected some robust stems, follow these tips for preparing the cuttings:
- Use clean, sterilized scissors or pruning shears to prevent disease transmission
- Cut just below the leaf node, leaving 2-6 inches of bare stem
- Remove the bottom 1-2 pairs of leaves by gently pulling downwards
- Optional: Let cut ends callus for 1-2 days before water propagation
Callusing, or letting cut ends dry and scab over, helps prevent rotting but is not mandatory. Some gardeners skip this step with string of pearls and place cuttings directly into water.
Step 2: Choose a Suitable Water Propagation Vessel
For rooting string of pearls in water, you need a clear container like a glass jar, vase, or drinking glass. The vessel should:
- Be wide enough to accommodate the cutting’s length
- Have straight, vertical sides for optimal water/air exposure
- Be made of transparent material to monitor root growth
- Have a narrow opening to support the cutting above the water
Avoid using cloudy containers or opaque materials like plastic. The transparency allows you to check water levels and see the roots emerge without disturbance.
Clean the propagation vessel thoroughly with soap and hot water before use. Any dirt or bacteria present can cause the cuttings to rot. Changing the water 1-2 times per week will also keep it clean.
Step 3: Place the Cuttings in Water
Once your container is prepped, fill it about halfway with room temperature water. Tap water is fine as long as it’s dechlorinated. Or you can use distilled, filtered, or rain water.
Next, put the string of pearls cuttings into the water. Ensure the cut end remains fully submerged while the upper portion rests above the water line. The leaves and nodes should not be below the surface.
If needed, prop up large cuttings with stones or stakes to keep them upright. Overcrowding the vessel can lead to fungal problems, so space the cuttings 1-2 inches apart. Place in a warm area with bright, indirect light.
Step 4: Monitor Water Levels and Root Growth
Maintain the proper water level in the vessel as the cuttings begin to root. Top it up whenever it drops below halfway. Changing the water weekly prevents it from becoming stagnant.
Within 1-4 weeks, tiny white roots should emerge from the cut end and grow down into the water. Once the roots reach 1-2 inches long, the cutting is ready for transplanting.
Signs of successful water propagation:
- New roots growing from the stem’s bottom
- Leaves remain plump and unshrivelled
- Stem appears green and firm
- Small new leaves may emerge
Monitor for any signs of poor health like wrinkled leaves, slimy stems, foul odors, or leaf drop. This may indicate rotting due to overwatering or unsanitary conditions. Remove any cuttings showing mold, discoloration, or rot immediately to prevent spreading.
Step 5: Transition the Rooted Cuttings to Soil
Once the string of pearls cuttings have an established root system, it’s time to pot them up in soil! This transition from water to soil is a delicate process. Go slow and minimize disturbances to the young roots.
Fill small starter pots with a fast-draining cactus/succulent potting mix amended with extra perlite for aeration. Moisten the soil before planting.
Gently lift each rooted cutting from the water. Use a spoon or tongs to support the fragile new roots if needed. Carefully place into the planting hole and fill in the sides with soil.
Initially, keep the soil slightly dry to prevent the succulent’s delicate new roots from rotting. Propagated string of pearls need a period to adjust from water to soil before resuming normal watering routines. Slowly increase watering over 2-4 weeks.
Caring for Propagated String of Pearls Plants
With the right care, your new water propagated string of pearls will continue growing into full-size, trailing plants. Here are some tips for caring for them:
- Acclimate to sun exposure gradually to avoid sunburn
- Water only when the top inch of soil is dry
- Use gritty, fast-draining succulent soil
- Provide warmer temperatures around 70°F
- Increase watering during the active growing period
- Limit fertilizer to prevent excessive, weak growth
- Repot annually in spring into a slightly larger container
- Prune leggy strands to encourage bushier fills
Monitor for signs of stress like shriveling, leaf drop, stretching, or loss of beads. Adjust care accordingly if the plant seems unhealthy. With proper light, soil, water, and humidity your propagated string of pearls will flourish.
Troubleshooting Problems with Propagating String of Pearls in Water
While water propagation is mostly simple, issues can arise if care instructions aren’t followed precisely. Here are some common problems and solutions:
Rotting stems: Prevent rotting by using distilled water, changing it weekly, keeping leaves above water, and sterilizing cutting tools. Discard any cuttings that show rot immediately.
Minimal root growth: Optimize light exposure and water temperature. Avoid disturbing or overcrowding the cuttings. Be patient as some plants root slower than others.
Roots are small and brittle: Transition the plantlet to soil sooner before the roots over-acclimate to water. Handle gently and do not let roots dry out.
Leaves shrivel or drop: Increase humidity around the propagating container. Ensure leaves remain above water and get adequate sunlight.
Stem collapse: Support large or top-heavy cuttings with stakes to remain upright in the water and prevent stem damage.
Fungal growth: Change water frequently and remove dead leaves or rotting stems. Only propagate healthy cuttings and sterilize equipment between uses.
Failure to root: Take cuttings from actively growing plants during ideal seasons for propagation. Select mature stems and remove lower leaves.
Propagating String of Pearls FAQ
Propagating houseplants does not always go smoothly, especially when you are still learning. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about string of pearls propagation:
How long does it take string of pearls cuttings to root in water?
Rooting time is 1-6 weeks. Growth factors like warmth, light exposure, and genetics influence how quickly roots develop.
Can you propagate string of pearls in just water?
Yes! String of pearls can be fully propagated in water. But the plantlets need to be transplanted to soil once rooted to support long-term growth.
How much of the string of pearls stem should be submerged?
Just the cut end should be underwater, about 1-2 inches. The remaining stem and all leaves should rise above the waterline.
Why are the string of pearls cutting’s leaves falling off?
Leaf drop generally indicates rotting from overwatering or bacterial infections. Remove the cutting and sterilize tools to prevent spreading issues.
Should string of pearls cuttings be allowed to callus before water propagation?
Callusing is optional but helps protect the cut end from rotting after being submerged.
Can you use rooting hormone powder when propagating string of pearls in water?
Rooting hormone is not necessary for water propagation. The constant moisture already encourages quick root growth.
Final Thoughts on Water Propagating String of Pearls
Propagating string of pearls in water is an easy, rewarding way to expand your collection of these trailing succulents. Following the steps outlined above will set you up for propagation success.
Patience and attentive care for the cuttings are essential, especially when transitioning to soil. But the payoff is worth it when you end up with newly rooted, glowing string of pearls to add to planters or give as gifts.
Under ideal conditions, water propagation offers faster rooting compared to soil. And watching those delicate white tendrils emerge right before your eyes in the clear water is an amazing experience.
As you gain propagation experience, feel free to experiment with different stem lengths, water vessels, and light exposures. Get to know your specific growing conditions and make adjustments as needed.
In no time, you can create an endless supply of string of pearls babies to cascade from pots, hanging baskets, and custom planters!
Step-by-step tips on how to propagate string of pearls
You can grow a full, healthy plant in just a couple of months from a few cuttings of a healthy string of pearls. These cuttings are usually taken in the spring and summer.
When a vine gets too long, I like to take cuttings to make more plants by cutting off the ends of each one. This keeps the plant small and cute and takes pressure off the vines, which is very important if it’s going to be used as a trailing plant in a hanging basket. You can take plant cuttings from any vine, though, as long as the string of pearls is healthy and the stems aren’t broken.
Remove your cuttings
Start by choosing the spots you want to take cuttings from. To make sure you don’t make a mistake when taking plant cuttings, the vines should be free of any bugs or damage. It’s best to remove a few at a time to create a fuller plant in the new container.
Also consider the look of the original plant when deciding which cuttings to remove. You don’t want to trim only one side back, leaving the growth lop-sided. You can take as many cuttings as you need from the hanging vines. These indoor plants are tough and will grow back quickly.
Grab a clean and sharp pair of pruning shears to snip off a few cuttings. The length of each piece should be about 5 inches, or a little less if you want to root them in water (see below). Take cuttings from the plant’s longer vines first and turn the pot until all the sides are even. This will help shape the plant.
Some gardeners recommend leaving the cuttings to sit for a day or two before rooting to prevent rot. You can do this step if you want to be extra careful, but my string of pearls has never broken when I planted them right away. Because they grow a little differently from other succulents, I think the risk of rotting is lower than you might think when you send succulents to other people to grow.