String of Lemons Plant (Senecio citriformis) Indoor Care; Watering, Propagation, Problems

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Senecio citriformis also called String of Lemons Plant, String of Tears Plant or String of Teardrops Plant is among 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 favorite drought-tolerant plants for low water conditions.

On account of its compact size, drought tolerance and requirement for bright light with exposure to some direct sunshine, String of Teardrops Plant is among low-maintenance plants for a sunny balcony and other sunny locations.

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 string of plants and one of the favored hanging succulent plants for the home or office space.

Is String of Lemons Plant toxic?

Yes. 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 for your collection, you may get String of Teardrops Plants from Etsy (Link to Etsy).

How to Care for Senecio citriformis Indoors

Care for String of Lemons Plant indoors, entails providing bright light with 4-6 hours of sunlight, warmth of 20-27⁰C, humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained, succulents soils coupled with monthly feeding in 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.

Watering

Water String of Lemons Plant liberally in spring and summer while allowing the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Maintain the soil moderately moist and avoid overwatering to prevent rotting, yellowing and leaf drop.

Lessen watering in fall and winter to keep the soil barely moist since growth is slowed at this time. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely to avoid wilting, yellowing and leaf loss.

Use water that is at room temperature to avoid cold shock which can cause reduced growth and leaf drop. Confirm the water is free of chlorine and other dissolved chemicals to prevent staining of the leaves.

Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is fast-draining to prevent waterlogging as it can lead in root-rot and death of the plant. Always discard excess water from the saucer to prevent soil sogginess.

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.

If the light is not sufficient, Senecio citriformis responds with leggy growth and yellowing. Therefore, instal a full spectrum grow light where the natural lighting is not adequate.

Regularly turn the pot to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for uniform growth and prevent leggy growth.

Temperature & Humidity

String of Lemons Plant thrives in a warmth of 20-27⁰C; a temperature that is comfortable for you is ideal for this plant. Keep it away from drafts to prevent temperature flactuations which can result in stunted growth, wilting, yellowing and leaf drop.

Curio citriformis has no need for extra humidity; a humidity of 50-55% is ideal for this plant. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.

Fertilizer

Feed String of Lemons Plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer monthly in spring and summer for a lush growth. The plant is not a heavy feeder so be careful when feeding.

Do not feed in fall and winter 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 Teardrops Plant should be rich in organic matter, loose and well-draining to avoid waterlogging. The soil should be loose enough to allow water to drain out fast enough. A Cactus and succulents soil is ideal as it drain 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.

Select a pot that is only 1 size larger that has a drainage hole to prevent 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 on Amazon.

Pruning

Pruning String of Teardrops 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.

Senecio citriformis Propagation

String of Lemons Plant is propagated from stem cuttings at the beginning of the growing season (spring to early summer), for a faster establishment.

Propagating String of Lemons Plant from stem cuttings

1. Take 3-5 inches stem cuttings from a healthy plant.


2. Allow the cuttings to dry (callus) for about 7 days.


3. Lay the stem cuttings on moist, well-draining soil and lightly press the stems into the soil at the nodes.


4. Place the set up in a warm, well-lit spot away from direct sunlight to avoid scorching.


5. Maintain the soil moist until the stems are well rooted.


6. Allow substancial growth before transplanting the new plants after which you can begin routine care.

Senecio citriformis Problems & Remedies

String of Lemons Plant problems are leaf drop, leggy growth, leaf spots, wilting, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to solve them.

Leaf drop

Leaf drop off String of Lemons Plant is caused by cold water, inconsistent watering, soggy soil or temperature stress.

How to fix it

Cold water: Water the plant with water that is at room temperature to avoid shocking this tropical plant.

Inconsistent watering: Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry but never allow the soil ball to dry out completely.

Soggy soil: Use a pot with a drainage hole and well-draining soil.

Temperature stress: Keep the plant away from drafts emanating from AC units, hot air vents, stoves, windy doors, drafty windows and others.

Leggy growth

Leggy growth or elongated stems on Senecio citriformis in fall and winter 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 in happens in spring and summer, then the cause is too little light. Move the plant to a brighter spot where it will receive bright light with at least 4-6 hours of direct sunshine or instal a grow light if the natural lighting is not adequate.

Brown dry spots

Brown dry spots on String of Lemons Plant are due to underwatering. Water the plant when the top 2-3 inches of soil dry. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely.

Wilted, discolored leaves

Wilted and discolored leaves on String of Lemons Plant are caused by overwatering in fall and winter. Significantly decrease watering in the cold season to keep the soil barely moist as growth is reduced at this time.

Pests

Common pests of String of Lemons Plant are spider mites, scales and mealybugs which are common in dry conditions.

How to fix it

1. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other plants.


2. Treat the infested plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap as per the manufacturers' recommendations.


3. Check between the leaves for these pests and take timely control measures.


4. Keep the plant well groomed to discourage the pest infestations.


5. To reduce pest infestations, increase humidity; set the pot on a wet pebble tray or group the plants together.

Diseases

Senecio citriformis is prone to the following three diseases:

1. Leaf spot disease which presents as brown, soft leaf spots.

How to fix it

1. Isolate the affected plant to minimize spread.


2. Treat infected plant with systemic fungicide as per the manufacturers' recommendations.


3. Avoid wetting the leaves during watering to minimize the disease infestation; you may water from the bottom.


4. Maintan a good air flow for the plant to discourage the disease.

2. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease characterized by spotting or coating of the leaf surface with a white powdery deposit.

How to fix it

1. Remove the badly affected leaves and discard or burn to reduce spread to other parts of the plant.


2. Spray the plant with a systemic fungicide. Ensure to follow the instructions on the label.


3. Improve the air circulation for your plant to reduce the occurrence of the disease.

3. Basal stem-rot disease which is prevalent in overwet conditions. It is characterized by rotting plant base and stems collapse.

How to fix it

1. Use the upper healthy stems to propagate new plants and discard the infected parts to reduce spread to the rest of the plant.


2. Reduce watering; water only when the top 2-3 inches of the soil dry out.

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