String of Pearls Overwatered vs Underwatered: How to Tell

The String of Pearls, or Senecio rowleyanus, is a popular succulent admired for its trailing stems of bead-like leaves. Its appearance makes it a favorite for hanging baskets where its foliage can cascade. This plant’s succulent nature means its water needs are specific, making proper watering a challenge. Since the signs for too much and too little water can appear similar, understanding the plant’s signals is important for its health. This guide clarifies the symptoms of overwatering and underwatering for a confident diagnosis.

Signs of an Overwatered String of Pearls

When a String of Pearls is overwatered, its firm pearls become soft, mushy, and may even look translucent or burst. This happens when the plant’s cells become oversaturated with water, causing them to swell. The pearls and connecting stems may also turn yellow, a condition known as chlorosis, and overall growth will lack vigor.

Persistently damp soil creates an environment for fungal growth, leading to root rot. This occurs when waterlogged soil deprives the roots of oxygen, causing them to turn black, soft, and unable to absorb nutrients. A foul or musty odor from the soil is a clear indicator of root rot, which can cause the plant’s health to decline rapidly.

Signs of an Underwatered String of Pearls

An underwatered String of Pearls shows different symptoms. The pearls lose their plump, spherical shape and appear shriveled, wrinkled, or deflated. This occurs as the plant uses its internal water reserves, causing the succulent leaves to lose volume.

The vibrant green color of the pearls will also fade to a dull or dusty look. The stems may become dry and brittle, snapping easily. You might observe the strands looking sparse as the plant sheds leaves to conserve its limited water.

The soil provides another clue. The potting mix will be completely dry from top to bottom. In severe cases, the soil can contract and pull away from the pot’s edges. This indicates the soil has become hydrophobic, meaning it will initially repel water and make rehydration more challenging.

How to Revive Your String of Pearls

Reviving an Overwatered Plant

If your plant is overwatered, act immediately. Stop watering and move it to an area with good air circulation to help the soil dry. Remove the plant from its pot to inspect the roots. Healthy roots are firm and white or light tan; trim away any that are black, mushy, or smell foul using sterile scissors. Repot the plant in a new container with fresh, dry, well-draining succulent soil.

Reviving an Underwatered Plant

For an underwatered plant, the goal is to rehydrate it thoroughly. An effective method is bottom-watering. Place the pot in a saucer of water for 30-45 minutes, allowing the soil to absorb moisture from the bottom up. Once the top soil is moist, remove the pot and let it drain completely. Avoid overcompensating with frequent watering after this initial soak.

Proper Watering Techniques for Prevention

A correct watering routine is the best way to prevent future issues. For a String of Pearls, use the “soak and dry” method. Water the plant thoroughly until water runs from the drainage holes, then wait for the soil to dry out completely before watering again. This cycle prevents the roots from sitting in prolonged moisture.

To determine when to water, insert your finger about two inches into the soil; if it feels completely dry, it is time to water. For a more precise measurement, a soil moisture meter can be used. Be aware that your plant’s watering needs change with the seasons. It will require more water during the spring and summer growing season and less during its fall and winter dormancy.