How Often Do You Water String of Pearls?

The String of Pearls, or Senecio rowleyanus, is a distinctive trailing succulent known for its pearl-like leaves, often seen cascading from hanging baskets. As a succulent native to Southwest Africa, its round leaves are adapted to store water. This adaptation makes the plant highly sensitive to overwatering and requires a specific approach to thrive indoors.

Determining Watering Frequency

A common guideline for watering a String of Pearls is once every two weeks, but this is not a rigid schedule. The most reliable method is to check the soil moisture. Before adding more water, the top inch or two of the soil should feel completely dry to the touch. Sticking your finger into the soil is a direct way to assess its dampness.

Several environmental factors influence how quickly the soil dries. During the active growing season in spring and summer, the plant uses more water and needs watering more frequently. In the winter, the plant enters a dormant period, and watering should be reduced to as little as once every three to four weeks.

The amount of light the plant receives also plays a part; a String of Pearls in a bright spot will need water more often than one in lower light. The type of pot is another consideration, as porous materials like terracotta allow soil to dry out faster than plastic or glazed ceramic pots. Humidity levels in your home will also affect the watering schedule, with plants in more humid environments requiring less frequent attention.

Proper Watering Technique

The best way to water a String of Pearls is the “soak and dry” method. Water the plant thoroughly, allowing the entire soil volume to become saturated until water freely exits the pot’s drainage holes. After this deep watering, let the soil dry out completely before the next watering cycle.

A pot with adequate drainage holes is necessary for the health of a String of Pearls, as it prevents water from accumulating at the bottom. You can either pour water over the top of the soil or use the bottom-watering method. To bottom-water, place the pot in a saucer of water and allow the soil to absorb moisture from the bottom up for about half an hour. This technique helps ensure the delicate leaves and crown of the plant do not stay wet.

Identifying Overwatering and Underwatering

Signs of Overwatering

Overwatering is the most common issue for this plant. The signature “pearls” may look mushy, translucent, or turn yellow, and can even burst from excessive water. You might also observe the stem near the soil line becoming soft and brown, which indicates stem rot. This is caused by root rot from excess moisture, which can be fatal if not addressed quickly. It is always better to underwater this plant than to overwater it.

Signs of Underwatering

While tolerant of dry conditions, a String of Pearls will show signs of stress when it needs more water. The spherical leaves will start to look shriveled, deflated, or flattened, which indicates the plant is using its internal water reserves. Another sign is the soil pulling away from the sides of the pot. If you notice these signs, a thorough watering will help the pearls plump back up.