Water String of Pearls Plant: 10 Fixes That Make It Look Intentional

String of pearls needs bright light, a shallow pot with fast-draining soil, and very little water. Most plants that fail are drowned, not neglected, so when in doubt, wait another few days.

If yours looks shriveled, bare or mushy, don't feel bad. It has a reputation as a fussy plant, but the rules are short. Here is how to care for string of pearls indoors, and how to keep it looking full and deliberate.

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

Put it near a bright window. The Iowa State extension notes that most houseplants grow and look their best in bright, indirect light indoors, and string of pearls is no exception. West Virginia University Extension goes further for succulents, saying a bright, sunny windowsill with at least six hours of direct daylight is preferred. In practice, that means an east window is a safe start, and a south or west window works if the plant sits a little back from the glass or behind a sheer curtain.

Distance matters more than people expect. Light levels drop quickly as you move away from a window, and spots more than a few feet from even a bright window are often too dim. A shelf across the room will not do.

How do you know the light is wrong?

Wisconsin Horticulture says too little light causes faded leaves and stunted growth, while too much can cause wilting, burning and a washed-out look. For string of pearls, stretched gaps between the beads are the usual sign of low light. Move it closer to the window.

String of pearls care: watering

This is where most plants are lost. Wisconsin Horticulture states that improper watering is a primary cause of plant death. Susan Mahr of the University of Wisconsin-Madison gives the rule for this plant: "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." (source)

When you do water, soak the soil thoroughly. Water should run out of the drainage holes, then empty the saucer. Never let the pot sit in standing water. For a more detailed routine, see our guide on how to water string of pearls.

Can it grow in water?

Cuttings can root in water, and some people keep them there as a display. The beads must stay above the waterline or they turn mushy, so only the roots should touch the water. Plants grown this way usually grow more slowly than in soil, and the water needs regular changing to stay clear.

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What soil and pot does it need?

Use a gritty cactus or succulent mix, and add perlite or coarse sand if the mix feels heavy. Choose a shallow pot with drainage holes. Wisconsin Horticulture explains why: the plant has a small root system, and if it cannot quickly remove moisture from a large volume of soil, it is more prone to root rot. A pot only slightly wider than the root ball is enough.

Terracotta helps because it breathes and dries faster than glazed ceramic. When the strands outgrow the pot, see how to repot string of pearls.

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How do you display it so it looks intentional?

A hanging pot or a high shelf lets the strands cascade, and it shows the plant off. Keep the crown, the top of the plant, in good light, since a shaded crown thins out. Trim uneven strands back to a similar length, or plan a deliberate cascade with a few longer pieces. Cuttings can be tucked back into the soil surface to add volume. For more on fullness, read how to make string of pearls fuller.

Many gardeners find the plant looks best with one clean container and nothing competing with it. As an architect, I'd pick a plain pot in a matte finish and let the strands be the decoration.

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Is string of pearls safe around pets?

It is generally listed as toxic to cats and dogs, so hang it well out of reach, not on a coffee table or low shelf. Dangling strands are tempting toys. If your pet chews any, call your vet. If it is in a hanging pot, check that the hook and ceiling anchor can hold a wet pot.

Should you use coffee grounds or fertilizer?

You do not need either. Feed lightly in the growing season with a diluted houseplant fertilizer, and skip feeding in winter. Coffee grounds can hold moisture in the pot, which works against a plant that wants to dry out, so I recommend leaving them for the compost bin.

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What are the common problems?

• Mushy, translucent beads: overwatering or poor drainage. Let the soil dry fully and check the roots.
• Shriveled, flat beads: the plant may be thirsty, or the roots may be rotted. Feel the soil before watering.
• Wide gaps between beads: not enough light.
• Bare top: the crown is shaded or the plant is old and needs trimming and propagating.

A string of pearls usually lasts several years when kept dry enough and bright enough, and cuttings let you restart it whenever the original gets leggy.

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