Owners of houseplants often talk about String of Pearls or Senecio Rowleyanus, and they love it when it’s hanging.
It draws attention with its sprawling vines and bubble, plum-like leaves and looks lovely, cascading across a desk or bookcase or even hanging on a windowsill where the tendrils can trickle down for intrigue.
The string of pearls is a typical indoor plant that goes dormant in the winter. During the winter months, the String of Pearls rests and grows slowly. Winter requires a different care regimen, and regular attention may be damaging the health of your plant.
Can String of Pearls Survive in Winter?
To survive the winter’s harsh conditions, the majority of plants require a time of dormancy. Despite not being frost-tolerant, String of Pearls can survive the winter if you take precautions to keep it warm.
On indoor plants, the string of pearls typically goes dormant over the winter. Due to the existence of steady humidity and temperature, the plant’s health can also be affected by dehydration. Only water your plants when the soil seems just a little bit dry.
Excessive watering can cause root rot as well as bug infestations. In the winter, String of Pearls may survive without water for up to 10 days. Overwatering, root rot, and pest issues can all come from regular watering of the String of Pearls.
To keep it from contracting parasite infections, fertilise it over the winter. Both stunted growth and root burning can result from over-fertilising.
Ideal Temperature to Grow String of Pearls
The string of pearl plants grows best in temperatures ranging from 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. During the winter, you should lower the temperature to 50 to 65 F and use less water. Keep the string of Pearls plants where the humidity is the lowest because they don’t thrive in humid environments.
String of Pearls Winter Care: Do’s & Don’ts
Maintain a cool temperature for the plant during the winter, between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid keeping them in places with the draft, air conditioners, or open windows since the cold air may cause the leaves to fall. Because the string of pearls is not frost-resistant, they must be relocated indoors throughout the winter.
Do’s
- Give Adequate Indoor Lighting
- Choose a suitable Pot Size
- Only water once the top has dried out.
- Protect it From Frost.
- Use only Cactus Soil for the improvement of your plant.
Also Read: How much light does string of pearls need?
Don’ts
- Avoid direct sunlight.
- Avoid planting too deeply.
- Don’t overwater it.
- Resist transplanting it in winter.
How to Care for String of Pearls in Winter?
The string of pearls loves bright, indirect light when kept indoors; this could be provided by a south-facing window or a location in your house that receives a significant amount of sunlight.
If maintained outside, they prefer to be in a moderately shaded area during the hot months and brought inside during the winter.
Your string of pearls should not be placed near air conditioners or other draughty spaces, as is the case with most plants. If its leaves begin to fall, this could indicate a chill.
The string of pearls may accept light fertilizing once per month during the spring and summer months, but over-fertilizing can destroy your plant. In the fall and winter, when plants are less concerned about growth, stop this habit.
#1 Watering
A most common cause of a string of pearl decline is over-watering. They should be kept in shallow pots because of their shallow roots and watered carefully only when fully dry.
You will need to water your indoor plant more frequently if it is in terra-cotta or clay pots or if it is in direct sunlight. They will require more water during the summer and less throughout the winter.
#2 Fertilization
A string of pearls does not require fertilization in winter, as it goes dormant. Also their succulent leaves help keep the plant moist.
Fish emulsion or a highly diluted ¼-strength complete liquid fertilizer can be used to feed them once each month during the growing season. In the spring, you can also top-coat the soil with worm castings or rich compost.
Check this out: What is the Best Soil for Growing String of Pearls?
#3 Light
There should be enough indirect light for a string of pearls. It is critical to allow light to reach the plant’s top as well. It aids in soil drying and guards against fungus brought on by over-watering.
They can even tolerate direct sunlight, so put them as close to the window as you can. However, in this location, you will need to water them more frequently.
#4 Humidity
String of Pearls can tolerate any ordinary household humidity level, but try to keep it at 50% or above.
#5 Temperature
This plant prefers hot weather in the summer and cool weather in the winter (50-65°F). Summer heat encourages a lot of growth; just make sure to keep fungus and germs at bay with sufficient air circulation.
In winter, its growth slows down and requires water only when it gets dry.
Also Read: Why Is My String of Pearls Plant Dying?
Common Problems With String of Pearls Plant in Winter
Shrivelled leaves and stems are obvious signs that your String of Pearls is not being properly cared for.
Why does this beautiful plant shrivel?
You might be wondering. One of the main causes of your succulent’s shrivelled leaves is likely a watering problem.
1. Watering Problems
Common causes of shrivelling String of Pearls include watering problems. When their water reserves are depleted, their small round leaves start to shrink. Always remember that young succulents require more water than mature ones.
However, overwatering can also lead leaves to dry up and shrivel into a string of pearls. Reduce the amount and frequency of watering to once every two weeks if you observe that despite frequent watering, your plant still appears shrivelled.
2. Inadequate Sunlight
Excessive or insufficient sunlight might also cause your plant to shrivel. It is obvious that the hot sun has started to damage your strand of pearls if you see that the beads are getting scars and the leaves are drying up.
Place your succulent in a location where it don’t receive direct sunlight.
3. Soil Drainage Problem
You must examine the soil mix first if you’ve observed that your String of Pearls has stopped growing or is exhibiting signs of root rot.
One of the most crucial items in a recipe for attractive and thriving succulents is soil mix. A cactus and succulent soil mix is a good thing, to begin with, and it can easily be found at a nearby garden store.
4. Fertilizing Problem
Fertilizer is not a must for String of Pearls right away, but it is undoubtedly beneficial to the plant. Nonetheless, too much fertilizer might also damage your plant! Over-fertilising can cause root damage, which weakens the plant.
Fertilize your plant only once or twice a year to avoid overfeeding.
Also Read: Can you use eggshells for hydrangeas?
5. Falling Leaves Of String Of Pearls
If the leaves on your string of pearls are falling, you have probably kept them in draughty areas where it is either cold or mild. Remember that this plant does nicely in typical indoor temperatures.
6. Infestation Problems
If you notice your string of pearls’ succulent leaves turning yellow, falling leaves, sooty leaves, aphids, or mealybugs, this indicates that insects have settled inside your string of pearls.
To eradicate these insects, use insecticidal soap or a spritz of water. Since these bothersome pests are rapidly disseminated by ants, treatment is.
How cold can String of Pearls tolerate?
In the winter, keep the plant at a cool temperature, between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The leaves may drop off if you leave them in cold places with open windows or draughty areas.
Can String of Pearls live outside in winter?
In a warm, dry atmosphere, the string of pearls indoor plant grows well. Moving the string of pearls outside won’t be possible if you live in a cold area with freezing temperatures all year long because the plant won’t survive.
Check this out: Can Angel Wing Begonias Grow Outside?
How often should I water my string of pearls in winter?
Water the string of pearls plant every two weeks during the winter. When the soil is fully dry, water your string of pearls plant. Usually, the potting mix needs at least 14 days to thoroughly dry out.
Important Tips to Take Care of String of Pearls in Winter
- A healthy Senecio should not be transplanted. They have shallow roots that can easily be destroyed.
- Check that the indirect sunlight is getting to the top of the plant.
- Check the pearls if you’re unsure whether to water them or not.
- Plant in a shallow, big pot. This will just trap moisture and encourage root rot.
Few related articles:
How Can Peace Lily Survive Winter?
Can You Leave Calla Lilies in Pots Over-Winter
Conclusion
Houseplants like string of pearls must be saved from frost and sudden temperature drop.
String of pearls winter care needs little attention from you. As it goes dormant, you don’t have to water often or fertilize the plant. It will survive longer and look better if given some care.
It is simple to propagate a new String of Pearls once you have learned the art of growing them. Simply plant the cuttings in the soil and let them grow.
Khaja Moinuddin, a computer science graduate, finds joy in gardening and homesteading. Join him on this blog as he shares his experiences in homesteading, gardening, and composting