The string of pearls can grow rapidly during the summer and spring months if it gets favorable conditions. However, it doesn’t grow as much during the winter as this is the dormant period for these plants.
You might still be wondering what can you expect with your string of pearls? How fast does a string of pearls actually grow? Let’s find out!
On average, the string of pearls grows anywhere between 5-15 inches every year, depending upon living conditions. Being succulent, they thrive in temperature levels above 70°F and humidity levels below 50%. If the temperature falls below 60°F, the growth rate of your string of pearls will slow down.
The growth of your string of pearls can depend on various factors such as temperature, humidity, the intensity of light, etc. If you give in enough fertilizers, it will show rapid growth during the growing season. However, it will remain dormant during the winter months.
If you want to see your string of pearls grow fast, you will need to care for and nurture the plant. A little attention and the availability of proper growing conditions can make a big difference.
We will discuss the factors that affect the growth of your string of pearls in this article.
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Factors that affect the growth of the string of pearls
If you notice slow growth in your string of pearls plant, you will need to look at some of these factors.
- Season
- Watering schedule
- Light
- Temperature and humidity
- Pest infestation
- Type of soil
- The size of the pot
- Fertilization
- Pruning
- Adaptability
All these factors can affect the growth of your string of pearls so understanding these in detail is crucial to take better care of the plant.
Season
Like most other plants, the string of pearls grows during the growing season and rest during the dormant period.
The growing season for the string of pearls plant is in spring and summer. If you water it properly, give it enough light, and add fertilizer to it, you will see a lot of growth.
You might not see any growth during the dormant period, so don’t worry, as it is normal.
You should avoid giving your string of pearls fertilizer during winter as the plant will not be able to use it, and there will be an excess of fertilizer that can burn the roots of your string of pearls.
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Watering schedule
The string of pearls can suffer due to overwatering and under-watering.
You should always check the soil’s moisture by inserting your finger inside the soil or using a moisture meter. It is best to water only when the soil feels dry.
Overwatering can cause various diseases in the plant, and it will suffer and might even die if neglected.
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How to water the string of pearls correctly?
It would be best for you to follow the below-mentioned steps not to have a problem with watering.
- Check the soil before you water your string of pearls.
- If the soil is wet, let it dry for a few days.
- Checking the topsoil will not work. You should insert your finger into the soil and check the other layers as well.
- Keep the plant in well-draining soil.
- Check the drainage holes to ensure that they are not blocked.
- Get rid of the excess water on the tray that is placed under the pot.
- Don’t let the string of pearls sit on the water as it doesn’t enjoy that.
- Come up with a watering routine, so you don’t go wrong with watering.
- Use notes to remind you to water your plant.
The string of pearls is succulent, and it has low water requirements. Excess water will be harmful to the plant in many ways. During winter, the string of pearls can stay without water for as long as two to three weeks.
Also read: How Often Should You Water String Of Pearls?
Light
Light is an essential element as it can determine the growth of the plant.
The string of pearls can survive in both bright and low-light areas, but you will see faster growth if it is placed in a bright spot.
Placing the string of pearls under direct sunlight might show significant growth, but it will scorch the leaves and burn the plant.
The string of pearls will tolerate low-light conditions, but it will not grow much as low light is not the best condition for this plant.
A spot where the plant gets indirect light for four to six hours is ideal for both the growth and health of the plant.
If your plant is not getting adequate light, use artificial lights that you can purchase online.
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Also read: How Much Light Does String Of Pearls Need?
Temperature and humidity
The string of pearls plant doesn’t have any particular temperature or humidity requirements.
These succulents need average room temperature and humidity levels to thrive and grow.
However, lower temperatures or low humidity levels can affect the growth of the plant.
The humidity levels can go down during winter. It will help if you increase the humidity. You can do that by using a pebble tray, a humidifier, or simply relocating the plant in a room that contains more humidity, such as the bathroom or the kitchen.
You might want to keep the plant near radiators to increase the temperature, but keeping it too close to the radiator is harmful to the plant.
Avoid exposing the plant to cold drafts during the winter, and if it is placed near a window that gets cold drafts, you should move it from there or close the window.
Also read: Where Should I Keep My String Of Pearls Plant?
Pest infestation
The string of pearls can get infested by bugs such as mealybugs, aphids, scales, spider mites, etc.
Overwatering is a common reason for pest infestation. Overwatering causes root rot, and that invites pests. Pests can bring more diseases and stop the growth of the plant.
The pests feed on the plant’s sap and suck out all the nutrients, and weaken the plant. Therefore, if you notice pests on your plant, you should get rid of them as soon as possible.
The first step is to quarantine the infected string of pearls so that the infestation doesn’t spread to the other plants around it. Disinfect the area where you had placed the plant.
You can either use an organic way to treat the plant or use a pesticide to eliminate the pests.
Give your plant a good shower to get rid of as many pests as possible. Spray diluted neem oil to the string of pearls for two weeks to eliminate the pests and their eggs.
If you want to opt for a pesticide, there are many available in the market. But read the label to ensure that it doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals that can harm the plant.
Apply the pesticide as per the instructions given on the back of the bottle and never overdo it.
Give the plant ample time to recover, and then you can move it back to its original location again.
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Type of soil
The growth of your string of pearls can also depend on the type of soil that you are using.
If you are using the wrong soil, it will cause problems to the plant, and the plant will neither remain healthy nor grow.
So, if you notice slow growth in your string of pearls, it might be due to using the wrong soil mix.
The string of pearls needs soil that will allow excess water to pass out of the system.
Using regular potting mix will retain too much water, and the roots will stay wet for too long.
You can use a well-draining potting soil mix for your string of pearls. A good cactus or succulent mix will work well for these plants.
Along with good drainage, the soil should allow air to pass between the roots for them to remain healthy.
Also read: What Kind Of Soil Does String Of Pearls Need?
The size of the pot
The size of the pot might not seem important, but it is. The growth of the plant can also depend on the size of the pot.
If you have placed the plant in an undersized pot, it will become rootbound.
Once a plant is rootbound, it cannot grow the roots, and the roots cannot absorb enough nutrition and water.
A rootbound plant is nutrient-deficient and doesn’t grow.
On the other hand, using a bigger pot will hold a lot of water, and the plant will concentrate on growing the roots rather than the other parts.
It is necessary to use a pot that is the right size and is neither too big nor too small.
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Fertilization
Fertilizers are added to the plants to help them grow, so fertilization plays a significant role in the growth of your string of pearls.
Over-fertilization is common in the string of pearls as many plant-owners don’t understand the plant’s needs and end up over-fertilizing.
The string of pearls needs light doses once or twice during the growing months, and that will be enough to see growth in it.
Giving it more fertilizers than that will lead to an over-fertilized plant. And the plant might start shedding leaves.
The string of pearls doesn’t need fertilizer at all during winter. Adding fertilizer during this time will only cause a build-up and will damage the roots.
Giving a strong dose of fertilizer to your plant will lead to a similar situation as over-fertilization as it will cause the same damages to the plant.
Therefore, the best thing to do is avoid fertilizing in the winter and mildly fertilize during the growing season.
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Also read: Should You Fertilize String Of Pearls?
How to fix an over-fertilized string of pearls?
Wash the plant thoroughly under running water at least three to four times to eliminate the excess fertilizer.
Consider repotting the plant in a new pot and don’t fertilize for a month. Provide sufficient water and light and let your plant recover.
Pruning
Pruning helps the plants to stay in shape and get rid of damaged parts and leggy growths.
Pruning the damaged parts helps the plant to focus its energy on new growth instead of trying to recover the damages. So, pruning can help the plant to grow fast.
Lack of pruning can result in stunted growth in the string of pearls.
Therefore, you should take out some time once in a while and check your plant and prune the unrequired leaves and stems.
Things to keep in mind while pruning
Before you start pruning your string of pearls, we have listed down some points that you can check to avoid any problem.
- Always use sterilized pruners or scissors to prune the plant.
- Prune the yellow or brown leaves as they will not turn healthy anymore.
- Prune the plant during the growing season.
- Avoid pruning during the winter as that will stress the plant.
- After you complete pruning the string of pearls, water it and place it under indirect light.
Adaptability
The string of pearls takes some time to adapt to changes like most other houseplants.
If you make sudden changes, the plant will not adapt and suffer from stress or shock.
The plant might go through shock after you have purchased and brought it home. It would help if you let it be so that it can recover.
You can water it if the soil is dry but do not add fertilizer immediately after purchasing it. You should avoid fertilizing for at least one or two weeks.
Final Words
If you want to see your string of pearls plant grow fast, you need to give it some care and attention.
We have already mentioned all the things that you need to take care of. Give the plant enough light, proper watering, and adequate fertilizer, and avoid stressing the plant by making any sudden change.
Also, remember that the plant will need a different care routine during winter, even though you might not see any growth during this time.
Ref: Wikipedia, Missouri Botanical Garden, University of Wisconsin.