How often to water a string of pearls
Curio rowleyanus (formerly Senecio)
Every 2 to 3 weeks, when the soil has dried out.
The pearls are water stores, so this plant prefers to dry out between waterings. Rot at the soil line is the most common problem, and it comes from water, not from thirst.
String of pearls schedule
Water
- Spring and summer
- About every 2 weeks
- Fall and winter
- About once a month
Feed
- Spring and summer
- Once or twice in the season, diluted
- Fall and winter
- None
Check the soil first. Water only when it is as dry as this guide says.
How to tell it is time to water
Wait until the soil is dry, then water thoroughly and let it drain. Slightly wrinkled pearls are a reliable sign it is ready.
Signs of overwatering
- Mushy, see-through or yellow pearls
- Stems turning brown or black at the soil
- Strands falling away from the pot
Signs of underwatering
- Shriveled, flattened or wrinkled pearls
- Dry, brittle strands
Light and pot
- Light
- Bright, indirect light with a little gentle direct sun.
- Pot and soil
- A shallow pot with a drainage hole and a gritty succulent mix. Terracotta helps it dry evenly.
This schedule is general guidance for a healthy indoor plant. Light, temperature, humidity, pot size and soil all change how fast it dries out, so check the soil before you water and adjust.