---
title: "Update and question two weeks ago away where the top of my string of…"
description: "Update and question two weeks ago away where the top of my string of hearts was very sparse and balding, and the little balls were coming out of the dirt. I…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/vOLjreBcQ-OpqrHIhVSc4w/65a2be9fde4fc67441401d38"
community: "The Cactus & Succulent Circle"
author: "Doll"
published: "2024-01-13T16:47:27.144Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/T1TxrQrOWF0YpZfxUfasLUFKGAHTr9aIdpcBDBYxkeU/5ddef2032a07478194090b583fe38c2c.webp?size=large"
---

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# Update and question two weeks ago away where the top of my string of…

_Posted by Doll on 2024-01-13_

Update and question two weeks ago away where the top of my string of hearts was very sparse and balding, and the little balls were coming out of the dirt. I got some advice from you all took it apart and rinsed it with peroxide. I’m trying to propagate in water, but I see a little film forming around the balls. Do I need to let that grow or should I wash it off and how often should I change the water? Thank you in advance, plant heads🤍🪴

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/T1TxrQrOWF0YpZfxUfasLUFKGAHTr9aIdpcBDBYxkeU/5ddef2032a07478194090b583fe38c2c.webp?size=large)

## 6 comments

### Katnipjuice commented on 2024-01-13

Take it out of the water. It’s basically rotting. Rinse and spray with some diluted peroxide. I would prop in some slightly damp sphagnum moss ( or some people prefer perlite or leca) and keep it in a clear closed plastic container with some holes. This way you can keep an eye on the moisture for the roots and gives a bit of humidity for the leaves.

### Plant Father commented on 2024-01-13

pretty sure this is helpful bacteria actually, i let this white filmy cloud sit on my props of various species and haven’t noticed any ill effects. if you’re concerned i’d recommend rinsing the roots again and another peroxide soak. it may be helpful to add a few drops of hydrogen peroxide to the water to help aerate it, if you continue with water propagation. in my experience though these plants do best rooting in perlite with additional humidity (like in a lidded takeout container); most of my water props rotted

#### Doll replied on 2024-01-13

Is it to late to switch it to perlite? And do I must it daily?

#### Plant Father replied on 2024-01-13

not at all! i actually start most of my props in water before moving to perlite. if you have a container with a lid to put the perlite in, there’s no need to mist. just keep a bit of water in the perlite and let the humidity accumulate as the water evaporates. it’s helpful to open the lid for a few minutes each day for airflow, to prevent mold. if you don’t have an empty takeout container a plastic cup with some plastic wrap over top would also work. i wait for the perlite to be totally dry for a few days before adding more water for succulents like string of hearts

### GreenGirl commented on 2024-01-13

Also make sure no tap water :)

#### Hi replied on 2024-01-16

It’s died

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