String of Lemons Plant (Senecio citriformis) Indoor Care, Propagation, Problems and Solutions
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String of Lemons Plant (Senecio citriformis) prefers bright light with some direct sunlight, moderate warmth, average humidity and moderately moist, rich, well-drained, succulents soils coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.
Senecio citriformis also called String of Tears Plant or String of Teardrops Plant is among the popular Senecio varieties and bears erect stems on which grow oval, succulent, green to dark-green, teardrop-shaped or lemon-shaped leaves.
The leaves have translucent longitudinal stripes (windows). Each leaf bears the translucent windows that run the length of the leaf and allows light to reach into interior of the leaf where photosynthesis takes place.
The odd shaped leaves is an adaptation to arid conditions and allows for the storage of water while exposing minimum surface area to the dry desert air.
This greatly reduces water loss as the fleshy leaves and stems store water, which allows the plant to go for a considerably long period without being watered. String of Teardrops Plant is one of the drought-tolerant plants with low water needs.
On account of its compact size, drought tolerance and requirement for bright light with exposure to some direct sunshine, String of Teardrops Plant is one of best low-maintenance plants for a sunny balcony.
Botanical name: Senecio citriformis
Synonmy: Curio citriformis
Family: Asteraceae
Common names: String of Lemons Plant, String of Tears Plant, String of Teardrops Plant
Origin
Senecio citriformis also called Curio citriformis is a perennial, succulent vine native to the drier parts of Southwest Africa. It is among the popular string of plants and one of the best hanging succulent plants for the home or office space.
Toxicity
String of Lemons Plant like other Senecio species is toxic to humans and pets as outlined by ASPCA. If ingested, it can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy. Contact with the plant sap may cause skin irritation or skin rash in sensitive skin therefore, always wear gloves when handling the plant. Keep it away from the reach of children and pets to avoid mishaps.
Where to Buy
If you are looking to acquire these plants to your collection, beautiful String of Teardrops Plants are available online on Etsy (Link to Etsy).
Senecio citriformis Care Indoors
String of Lemons Plant (Senecio citriformis) performs best in bright light with 4-6 hours of direct sunlight, moderate warmth of 20-270C, average humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained, succulents soils coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.
Curio citriformis requires pruning to keep the plant neat, to minimize pest and disease infestations and rejuvenate growth. Repotting is only needed when the plant has become pot-bound. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.
Light Requirements
String of Lemons Plant grows best in bright light with at least 4-6 hours of morning or late afternoon sunlight. Protect it from hot midday sunshine to avoid scorching and loss of leaf color.
You may also grow Curio citriformis under a grow light where the natural lighting is inadequate. Check out these full spectrum grow lights on Amazon.
Regularly turn the pot to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for uniform growth and prevent leggy growth.
Watering
Water String of Lemons Plant liberally during the growing season and allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings to maintain the soil moderately moist.
Lessen watering during the cold period to maintain the soil barely moist but do not allow the soil to dry out completely as it can lead to wilting and leaf drop.
Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole inorder to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it may lead in root-rot and death of the plant.
Temperature and Humidity
Average warmth of 20-270C is ideal for String of Lemons Plant. A room temperature that is comfortable for you is ideal for this plant. Keep it away from cold drafts as they can cause sudden drops in temperature which result in stunted growth and leaf drop.
String of Teardrops Plant has no need for extra humidity. Average room humidity of 50-55% is ideal for this plant. Ensure that there is good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases infestations.
Feeding
Feed String of Lemons Plant monthly during the growing season with a balanced, liquid fertilizer for a lush growth. The plant is not a heavy feeder so be careful when feeding.
Do not feed in the cold season as growth is minimal at this time and feeding at this time can cause fertilizer burn and eventual death of the plant.
Potting Soil
The best soil for String of Lemons Plant should be rich in organic matter, loose and free-draining to avoid getting soggy soil. The soil should be loose enough to allow water to drain out fast enough. Cactus and succulents soil is ideal as it drains easily.
Repotting
String of Lemons Plant has a small root system so frequent repotting is not necessary. Repot at the beginning of the growing season only when it becomes crowded in its current pot.
Use a pot that is only 1 size larger than the current one and one that has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot. Use a shallow pot as the root system is tiny and be careful not to bury the stems to prevent rotting. Check out these succulents pots available on Amazon.
Pruning
Pruning String of Lemons Plant involves removal of any dead leaves or stems to keep the plant neat and also reduce pest and disease infestations. Trim the stems if they become too long or straggly to rejuvenate growth.
Propagation
String of Lemons Plant (Senecio citriformis) can be propagated at the beginning of the growing season from stem cuttings.
How to propagate String of Lemons Plant from stem cuttings
Take 3-5 inches stem cuttings from a healthy String of Lemons Plant and allow the cuttings to dry (callus) for about 7 days.
Lay the stem cuttings on moist free-draining soil and lightly press the stems into the soil at the nodes.
Place the set up in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight and maintain the soil moist until the stems are rooted.
Allow substancial growth before transplanting the new Senecio citriformis after which you can begin routine care.
Senecio citriformis Growing Problems and Solutions
String of Lemons Plant (Senecio citriformis) growing problems include leaf drop, leggy growth, leaf spots, rotting, wilting, plant death, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to solve them.
Brown, soft leaf spots
Brown, soft leaf spots in String of Lemons Plant are an indication of leaf spot disease. Avoid wetting the leaves and improve air circulation to prevent disease infestations.
Diseases
String of Lemons Plant is prone to powdery mildew. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to the other plants and treat it for the disease.
Pests
The common pests in String of Lemons Plant are spider mites, scales and mealy bugs. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to the rest of the plants and treat it for the pests. Learn how to identify and get rid of pests in houseplants.
Rotting base and stem collapse
Rotting plant base and stems collapse in String of Lemons Plant is an indication of basal stem rot disease which is prevalent in overwet conditions. Use the upper healthy stems to propagate new plants and discard the infected parts to reduce spread to the rest of the plant.
Thereafter, water the plant moderately during the growing season while allowing the top 2-3 inches of the soil to dry out between waterings. Significantly reduce watering during the cold season to maintain the soil barely moist as growth is minimal at this time.
Sudden leaf drop
There are two possible causes of sudden leaf drop in String of Lemons Plant. One possible cause of sudden leaf drop is watering with very cold water. Being a tropical plant where temperatures are warm, watering it with too cold water will shock the plant. Water the plant with water that is at room temperature to avoid shocking it.
The second possible cause of sudden leaf drop in String of Lemons Plant is underwatering. Water the plant liberally during the growing season and allow the soil to dry out between waterings to keep it moderately moist. Cut down on watering during the cold period to maintain the soil slightly moist but never allow the soil ball to dry out completely. Learn more on how to water indoor plants correctly.
Leggy growth (elongated stems)
Leggy growth (elongated stems) in String of Lemons plant during the cold season is due to overwatering or soggy soil. Water the plant less during the cold season to maintain the soil barely moist and ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy.
If leggy growth (elongated stems) in happens during the growing season, then the cause is too little light. Move the plant to a brighter spot and ensure it receives bright light with at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight or instal a grow light if the natural lighting is not adequate.
In addition, turn the pot regularly to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for even growth. Check out this post on understanding light for houseplants.
Brown dry spots
Brown dry spots in String of Lemons Plant are due to underwatering resulting in too little moisture in the soil. Water the plant liberally during the growing season while allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to keep it moderately moist. Decrease watering during the cold period to maintain the soil slightly moist but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
Wilted and discolored leaves
Wilted and discolored leaves in String of Lemons Plant are caused by overwatering during the cold period. Significantly decrease watering during the cold season to maintain the soil barely moist as growth is reduced at this time.
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