String of Pearls: General care and propagation ofSenecio Rowleyanus

String of Pearls or Senecio Rowleyanus if you want to get fancy about it, are one of my favourite succulents. They are a fantastic hanging succulent and also look lovely trailing over the edge of a pot in a succulent arrangement. It is an easy-to-grow houseplant and makes an eye-catching addition to any home. You can buy regular string of pearls here or variegated here.

General Care

Once you have the basics covered with String of Pearls they should thrive with minimal care. The first thing is the soil, make sure you have it planted up in succulent-friendly soil, I shared my soil 'recipe' here. Good drainage is essential to make sure that they aren't sitting in water and prevent rot so make sure whatever way you decide to display it that it has a drainage hole, a pot like this would be ideal. Like all succulents String of Pearls appreciate bright light, I did find out early on though much to my Pearls detriment, that they burn easily and keeping them out of direct midday sun is a good idea.

 At the moment I have mine in a north-facing window and it has never looked better. Pearls actively grow in Spring/Summer and are dormant in Autumn/Winter, this means that in S/S you water them more frequently, I find that watering once a week during this period works well. If you are unsure when to water a moisture meter works well. Fertiliser is also important during this time, I use this one, I add it to their water about once every two weeks. In A/W you slow the watering down to once monthly, if you notice the little pearls flattening a little that probably means they could do with a little more. 

Propagation

There are two ways you can propagate Pearls. I have to admit that I have never been successful doing it the first way but the second works every time. So although I haven't had success propagating them this way I am assured that it does actually work. It is(supposedly) pretty simple, you cut a string off, strip a few pearls off the end of the cut side, and stick it in soil. It sounds easy right? Not for me, they have never actually rooted this way but I would love to know if you have had luck doing it this way? 

Now for the way that has never let me down! This way is pretty simple too, just like the last time you take a little cutting from your plant then you put the cut end of the cutting in a glass of water making sure it is submerged, and leave the rest of the cutting hanging over the side. Within a week you should see white roots. Then you pot it up!