I can’t keep a string of pearls alive. I’ve spent so much money on buying string of pearls and every single one of them dies. I keep them in direct sun, lightly shaded and indirect light and all locations they’ve died. It seems like the soil goes mould and the pearls dry up.. any ideas?
Agreed, these can be finicky given the conflicting instructions I've seen from Planta and other websites, so I've been winging care loosely based on Planta advice. If your plant goes mouldy, then it's likely not using up the water it already has. What works for me: Mine thrive in full sun (south facing) and I currently only water once every 4 weeks (winter low light = doesn't dry out quickly). I improvise with the Planta schedule - I follow the watering dates, but if the pearls look like they're starting to shrivel, I'll give the plant a misting over the soil to carry it through to the actual watering day. It's a balance that seems to have worked for me. Random pearls on my plant go wrinkly on the vines, so if you're looking for "I need water" signs make sure your plant is looking like it's thirsty in more than one spot before you give it a drink. Hopefully your next string will bring you some jungle vibes!
3 gillningar
I’ve found the soil they come in equals certain death in my home. I’ve had success repotting in a mix of equal parts cactus potting mix, perlite and decomposed granite in a shallowish pot. Let the media dry between waterings and give it lots of morning sun.
5 gillningar I forgot I repotted mine after it had safely adjusted to my home. Good tip!
1 gillaThank you both x
1 gilla
so sorry about that! mine grow directly in a south facing window getting direct sun on the crown or top of the plant. often people forget that it’s the top of the soil that must get all the sun. I water when the soil is 100% dry. and don’t keep them in very deep pots. their roots are delicate and somewhat shallow so a more shallow pot would be best.
5 gillningarYes, I didn’t think about the top needing the sun, I think that’s possibly where I’m going wrong. Thank you
1 gilla that might definitely be what’s happening!! always make sure the top/crown is getting most of the light.
1 gilla
I’ve had mine in the same pot and soil I bought it in back in April 2022, I think from Home Depot. It’s right next to a southeast facing window and I water about every three weeks… which by then the soil is so dry it’s pulling away from the pot. I have found with strings of things that if I repot them they die, so I just leave them be and add new soil to the top every once in awhile. I think one of the most important things is that it gets light on the top of the pot. When I first brought mine home I had a grow-light over the top and it did really well. Then when the strings started getting too long I put in the window and now they are about 3.5 ft long.
Wow!! They look amazing!! I don’t think mine are getting enough light on the top of soil, I might try and do the grow light and see if I have success. Thank you
1 gilla