Senecio rowleyanus (String of Pearls) Care Indoors; Watering, Fertilizer, Propagation, Problems
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Senecio rowleyanus also called String of Pearls Plant or String of Beads Plant is one of the well-liked Senecio varieties, and features pendant thread-like stems on which spherical, green leaves grow making it resemble a neck-lace of beads or pearls, hence the common names.
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 which greatly reduces water loss.
The fleshy leaves and stems store water, which allows the plant to go for a considerably long period without being watered. String of Beads Plant is one of the drought-tolerant plants for the home.
Each leaf bears a translucent window that runs the length of the leaf which allows light to reach into interior of the leaf where photosynthesis takes place.
In its natural habitat, String of Pearls Plant grows as a trailer, with stems trailing on the ground, rooting where they touch and forming dense mats which places it among the string of plants, ideal for growing indoors.
This growth habit makes it perfect for a hanging basket, pedestal, tabletop, desktop or shelf where the stems can beautifully cascade downwards.
On account of its low maintenance, versatility and magnificent foliage, String of Pearls Plant is among popular plants for the home. It is almost certain to find at least one in most homes.
Senecio rowleyanus was named after the British Botanist, Gordon Douglas Rowley who specialized in Cactaceae and succulents.
Botanical name: Senecio rowleyanus
Synonmy: Curio rowleyanus
Family: Asteraceae
Common names: String of Pearls Plant, String of Beads Plant
Origin
Senecio rowleyanus also called Curio rowleyanus is a creeping, perennial, succulent vine native to the drier parts of Southwest Africa where it grows in the shaded conditions under other plants and rocks.
Is Senecio rowleyanus toxic?
Yes. The foliage of Senecio rowleyanus 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, cats, dogs and other pets to avoid mishaps.
Where to Buy Senecio rowleyanus
If you are looking to acquire the beautiful String of Beads Plants for your collection, you may get them online from Amazon (Link to Amazon).
How to Care for Senecio rowleyanus Indoors
To properly care for Senecio rowleyanus indoors, provide bright light with 6-8 hours of direct sunlight, warmth of 20-270C, humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained, succulents soil coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.
String of Pearls Plant requires pruning to keep the plant neat, to reduce pest and disease infestations and to rejuvenate growth. Repotting is only needed when the plant is root-bound. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.
Watering
How often should I water String of Pearls Plant?
Do not water Senecio rowleyanus on a schedule to avoid either overwatering or underwatering as both affect plant growth negatively. String of Beads Plant prefers the 'soak and dry' watering method.
Water String of Pearls Plant liberally in spring and summer until water drains through the drainage hole. Allow the top half of soil to dry out between waterings to keep the soil moderately moist. Take care not to overwater to avoid rotting, yellowing and leaf loss.
Significantly, cut down on watering in fall and winter to maintain the soil barely moist as growth is reduced at this time. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely for a prolonged period as it can lead to wilting, yellowing and leaf drop.
To prevent stunted growth and leaf loss due to cold shock, avoid consistently watering with cold water; use room temperature water. In addtion, use chlorine-free water like rainwater to prevent staining and browning of leaves.
Confirm that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is fast-draining to prevent sogginess which can lead to rotting and eventual death of the plant.
Avoid wetting the foliage during watering to minimize fungal diseases. You may water from the bottom. Always discard excess water from the saucer to prevent waterlogging of the soil.
Light Requirements
Do String of Pearls Plant need sunlight?
Yes. String of Pearls Plant grows best in bright light with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Protect it from hot midday sunshine to avoid scorching and loss of leaf color.
Where the natural lighting is not sufficient, consider growing Senecio rowleyanus under grow lights as too little light may result in yellowing, legginess and leaf drop.
Regularly turn the pot to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for uniform growth as well as prevent leggy growth and leaf drop.
Temperature & Humidity
String of Pearls Plant prospers in a warmth of 20-270C; a room temperature that is comfortable for you is ideal for this plant.
Keep it away from sources of drafts to prevent sudden temperature changes which can cause stunted growth, wilting, yellowing and leaf drop.
Senecio rowleyanus has no need for extra humidity; a humidity of 50-55% is ideal for this plant. Maintain good air circulation to prevent fungal disease infestations.
Fertilizer
What is the best fertilizer for String of Pearls Plant?
Feed String of Pearls Plant monthly with a balanced, liquid fertilizer in spring and summer to boost growth. This plant is not a heavy feeder so be careful when feeding.
Withhold feeding in fall and winter to prevent fertilizer burn as growth is minimal at this time. Fertilizer burn can cause death of the plant.
Potting Soil
The best soil for String of Pearls Plant should be rich in organic matter, loose and free-draining to avoid sogginess. The soil should be loose enough to allow water to drain out fast enough. A Cactus and succulents soil is ideal for this plant as it drains quickly.
Repotting
Senecio rowleyanus has a small root system so frequent repotting is not necessary. Repot it at the beginning of the growing season only when it becomes crowded in its current pot.
Use a pot 1 size larger that has a drainage hole to prevent waterlogging as it can lead to rotting. Use a shallow pot and be careful not to bury the stems to prevent rotting. Take a look at these succulents pots on Amazon.
Pruning
Pruning String of Pearls Plant involves removal of any dead beads or stems to keep the plant neat and to reduce pest and disease infestations.
Trim the stems at the beginning of the growing season, if they become too long or straggly to rejuvenate growth and promote a bushy, fuller plant.
Senecio rowleyanus Propagation
String of Pearls Plant is propagated at the beginning of the growing season from stem cuttings.
Propagating String of Pearls Plant from stem cuttings
- Take 3-5 inches of stem cuttings from a healthy plant. Ensure it has at least 2-3 leaf nodes as this is where new growth will begin.
- Allow the cuttings to dry (callus) for about 7 days to prevent rotting.
- Lay the stems 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 sunshine to prevent scorching.
- Maintain the soil moist until the stems are rooted.
- Allow substancial growth before transplanting the new plants to individual pots after which you can begin routine care.
Senecio rowleyanus Problems & Solutions
String of Pearls Plant common problems are plant dying, leaf drop, leggy growth, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.
Plant dying
Why do my String of Pearls keep dying?
Your String of Pearls Plant is dying due to basal stem-rot disease which is brought about by overwet conditions. It presents with a rotting plant base, yellowing and stems collapse.
The disease is difficult to treat because it spreads very fast. Use the upper healthy stems to propagate new plants and discard the infected plant together with its soil and pot to reduce spread. However, if caught early, the plant can be treated as follows:
How to treat early infestation
- Cut and discard or burn the diseased tissue to reduce spread.
- Keep the soil on the drier side; withhold watering for 10-14 days.
- Use a fast-draining soil and a pot that has a drainage hole.
- Ensure good ventillation to reduce the disease infestation.
- Keep the plant away from cold drafts to prevent temperature drops.
Leaf drop
Why are the leaves falling off my String of Pearls Plant falling off?
Leaves are falling off your String of Pearls Plant due to too low light, inconsistent watering, soggy soil, use of cold water or temperature stress.
How to fix it
Too low light: Position the plant in bright light with 6-8 hours of direct sunshine or instal a grow light if the natural lighting is not enough.
Inconsistent watering: Water the plant when the top half of soil dries out and do not allow the soilball to dry out completely.
Soggy soil: Use a pot with a drainage hole and a fast-draining soil.
Use of cold water: Use tepid water to avoid shocking this tropical plant.
Temperature stress: Keep the plant away from sources of drafts like open doors, drafty windows, AC units, hot air vents, heat sources among others.
Leggy growth
Leggy growth (elongated stems) on String of Pearls Plant is caused by soggy soil or insufficient light.
How to fix it
Soggy soil: Confirm that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is well-draining.
Insufficient light: Position the plant in a brighter spot where it will receive bright light with 6-8 hours of direct sunshine or use a grow light if the natural light is not adequate.
In addition, rotate the pot regularly to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for uniform growth.
Pests
Common pests of String of Beads Plant are spider mites, scales and mealybugs which are prevalent in dry conditions.
How to fix it
- Isolate the infested plant to minimize spread to other plants.
- Treat the infested plant a neem oil as per the manufacturer's instructions.
- Regularly inspect the plant for these pests and take timely control measures.
- Maintain the plant well pruned to discourage these pests.
- Raise humidity to reduce the pests infestation; set the pot on a wet pebble tray or group the plants together.
Diseases
Senecio rowleyanus is prone to the following diseases:
1. Powdery mildew and is prevalent in warm, humid conditions. It is characterized by spotting or coating of the leaf surface with a white powdery deposit.
How to fix it
- Remove the badly affected leaves and discard or burn to reduce spread to other parts of the plant.
- Treat the affected plant with neem oil as per the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Improve ventillation to reduce the occurrence of the disease.
2. Leaf spot disease which is promoted by poor air circulation and is characterized by brown, soft leaf spots.
How to fix it
- Isolate the affected plant to reduce spread to the other plants.
- Treat the affected plant with neem oil as per the manufacturer's instructions.
- Maintain free air circulation to discourage the diseases.
- Avoid wetting the foliage during watering or water the plant from the bottom.
- Allow the top half of soil to dry out between waterings.
- Use a pot with a drainage hole and fast-draining soil.
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