String of Pearls Care: Light, Water and Placement

String of pearls care comes down to three things: plenty of light, a fast-draining pot, and water only after the soil has dried out. Get those right and this trailing succulent is easier than it looks.

If you've lost one already, don't feel bad. Overwatering and a dim spot are the usual culprits, and both are simple to fix. One note: this post used to be about Boston ferns, which want the opposite treatment (steady moisture and humidity). A string of pearls is a succulent, so don't borrow fern habits.

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What kind of plant is a string of pearls?

It's a trailing succulent whose round, bead-like leaves store water. That's why it tolerates dry spells better than soggy ones. Its roots are fine and shallow, which shapes how you pot and water it.

What light does it need indoors?

It wants bright light, and a little direct sun is welcome. The WVU Extension's succulent guide says that indoors, "a bright, sunny windowsill is preferred with at least six hours of direct daylight." Many houseplant guides describe the broader target as string of pearls bright indirect light, so a spot that gets strong light without scorching afternoon rays is a safe middle ground.

Too little light shows up as faded growth and stunted strands, while too much can burn or wash out the leaves, as the Wisconsin Horticulture houseplant guide explains. If the beads look pale or flat, or the strands stretch with wide gaps, move it toward the window.

Where is the best place to put a string of pearls?

Put it right at a bright window, ideally one facing south, east or west. Iowa State's extension notes that light levels drop quickly as you get further from the window, and areas more than a few feet away are often too dim for houseplants.

A hanging planter or a high shelf beside the window lets the strands trail without touching the glass. It also keeps them out of reach of a curious dog or cat. I'd check with your vet if a pet has chewed on it, since I can't speak to its safety for animals.

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How often should you water it?

Less than you think. Susan Mahr of the University of Wisconsin-Madison advises on the Wisconsin Horticulture string of pearls page: "Allow the potting medium to dry out completely between waterings, providing more water in summer than in winter when the plant is not actively growing."

When you do water, soak the soil until water runs out of the drainage holes, as the WVU Extension recommends, then empty the saucer. Improper watering is a primary cause of plant death, according to Wisconsin Horticulture, so this step matters most.

• Wrinkled, deflated beads mean thirst.
• Mushy, translucent or yellowing beads mean too much water.
• Cut back in winter, when growth slows.

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Which pot and soil work best?

Choose a pot with drainage holes and keep it shallow. Wisconsin Horticulture recommends a shallow container because the plant doesn't grow an extensive root system, and a big volume of wet soil raises the risk of root rot.

Use a gritty cactus or succulent mix. Unglazed terracotta helps, since it lets the soil dry faster. As an architect, I like a hanging pot with a drip saucer clipped underneath, so the plant stays high and the floor stays dry.

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How long can a string of pearls last?

With bright light and careful watering, it can live for years. Strands tend to get thin and bare at the base over time, so many growers trim and re-pot cuttings to keep the pot full.

Can you grow it outdoors?

It can summer outside in a spot with bright light and some shade from harsh midday sun. Bring it in before temperatures drop, and keep it out of rain-soaked pots without drainage. For string of pearls care outdoor, the same rule applies: soil dries between waterings.

Are coffee grounds good for it?

I wouldn't bother. Grounds hold moisture, which is the opposite of what this plant wants in its pot. If you want to feed it, use a diluted houseplant or succulent fertilizer during the growing season only.

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Looking for a plant with different needs? Our guides to Boston ferns and staghorn ferns cover plants that like more moisture.

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