If our quiz made you want to buy a bunch of succulents, you’re not the only one. String succulents are pretty, unique, and sometimes look like they belong in another world. Yes, succulents are cute, can make any room look better, and they’re sure to get people talking. The best part is that they’re easy to take care of, so they’re great for beginners and people with weirdly colored thumbs. Here are the answers to our string succulents identification quiz.
As the name suggests, these succulents look like miniature watermelons. These beautiful plants are native to South Africa and Namibia, and they only need to be watered when the soil is completely dry. The little watermelon-shaped leaves have purple veining and produce white flowers in the spring. Don’t think watermelon is just for summer? Not when these are around! They’ll make you want a juicy slice, but don’t eat them because they are poisonous.
The string of pearls succulent is native to southwest Africa. This succulent blooms in the summer and its trailing pearl-shaped leaves make for a perfect hanging-basket plant. They do well inside and outside, and they like strong indirect light. If you’re growing them outside, put them somewhere shady but where they can still get indirect sunlight. In the summer, shoot your string of pearls every two weeks. In the winter, shoot them every month.
String of bananas looks like, well, bananas on a vine. They can handle almost any temperature, but don’t put them near a heater or air conditioner. And the shade is the key; don’t put it in direct sunlight or they will burn quickly. The trails can be up to 6 inches long. As with all succulents, make sure the soil is dry before you water them again because root rot can happen.
When blooming, the flowers of the string of tears plant has a cinnamon scent. With leaves shaped like a teardrop, these succulents can have a trail up to a foot long. They, too, like lots of indirect sunlight and will burn if placed in direct sun. They come from dry places, so their stems and leaves store water. Like other string succulents, you should only water them when the soil is completely dry.
People sometimes mistake the fish hook succulent for string of bananas. The fish hook succulent has bluish-green leaves that are less full than the banana variety. The fish hook succulent loves sunlight but not direct exposure. Water it thoroughly, but wait until the soil is dry to water again.
So there you have it, answers to our string succulents identification pop quiz. We hope you think they’re as cool and cute as we do. For novices and experts alike, string succulents make a delightful addition to any home or outdoor garden.
Take some time to look around this site. It’s full of great lessons and tips on how to take great care of your houseplants. You’ll become an expert in no time!
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String of Pearls vs String of Tears Key Differences Between These Trailing Succulents
String of pearls and string of tears are two popular trailing succulents that are often confused for one another. Though they look quite similar at first glance, there are some key differences between these two plants that set them apart.
Leaf Shape
The most noticeable difference between string of pearls and string of tears is the shape of their leaves. As the name suggests, string of pearls has rounded, pea-shaped leaves that look like little green beads lining the trailing stems. String of tears, on the other hand, has teardrop shaped leaves that resemble tiny raindrops dangling from the vines.
Leaf Size
In addition to the different leaf shapes, the size of the leaves varies between these two succulents String of pearls leaves are generally smaller, measuring about 1/4 inch in diameter String of tears leaves are slightly larger at around 1/3 inch across.
Growth Habit
These two succulents have differing growth habits as well. String of pearls is a more vigorous grower, with trailing stems that can reach up to three feet long given the right conditions. The stems grow horizontally along the ground or cascade from containers. String of tears has a slower, more compact growth habit, typically reaching just 10-12 inches long.
Ideal Growing Conditions
While string of pearls and string of tears share many of the same care needs, there are some small differences in their ideal growing conditions. String of pearls thrives in warm environments between 70-80°F and appreciates slightly more frequent waterings. String of tears does best in average room temperatures around 65°F and requires less frequent watering. Both need bright, indirect light to prevent scorching.
Blooms
Another way to distinguish these plants is by their blooms. In the summer, string of pearls may produce small white flowers along the stems. String of tears blooms in late summer into fall with trumpet-shaped white blooms on thin stalks. The flowers of both plants have a lovely cinnamon scent.
Native Region
String of pearls and string of tears both hail from arid regions of South Africa, but string of pearls is native to the southwestern Cape Province while string of tears comes from the eastern Cape Province. Their adaptations help them thrive in hot, dry conditions.
Growth Rate
Due to its faster growth habit, string of pearls grows at a rate of around 5-15 inches per year. String of tears has a slower growth rate, only about 10 inches annually. With the proper care, string of pearls can grow quite long in a short period of time compared to string of tears.
Cascading Shape
When allowed to trail, both string of pearls and string of tears take on a cascading shape with curved stems and dangling leaves. This gives them a beautiful, weeping effect as the strands gracefully drape down containers or over the edges of shelves. String of pearls has slightly longer, fuller cascades thanks to its faster growth.
Ease of Care
These succulents share a reputation for being easy to care for, even for beginners. Their drought-tolerant nature and low maintenance needs make them ideal for those new to plant parenting. Their main requirements are plenty of sunlight, well-draining soil, and occasional watering.
String of Tears vs String of Pearls
FAQ
What is the difference between String of Pearls and string of tears?
Are raindrops the same as strings of pearls?
What is the difference between string of beads and String of Pearls?
How do I propagate strings of tears?