skip to main content

Cacti & Succulents

String of pearls- when can I water a cutting?

7 years ago

Cut this on Monday, it is now Friday. It has been on cactus soil and not watered since (I've read not to water cuttings until roots grow). So, is this still the case for string of pearls or should I mist them? The first one closest to the bottom looks dried up and brown

thanks in advance.

Featured Answer

rina_Ontario,Canada 5a

7 years ago

You said there are no roots, so why don't you just leave it laying on the surface ad let it grow some? Picking cuttings up all the time is disturbing what they want to do - grow roots. Very fine roots get easily damaged, so be patient and leave it alone. There won't be roots in just 5 days. And do not mist the plant, only potting mix should be watered when is time to do it.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (12)

_daisy
Original Author
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I noticed the black brown piece so that's why I'm curious. When roots grow I should plant them at that time?
Related Discussions
Senecio Rowleyanus String of Pearls drying at roots
Q
Comments (7)
IMO, the weight of strings should not pull them out as long as the root system is healthy. But if damaged by over- or under-watering, or possibly some disease, the roots will be weak and not able to support the plant as they should. Succulents store lots of water in their stems and/or leaves, they are programmed to do so. The new growth signals that the roots has grown. Some ppl would advise to mist or spray the soil after a while, or just watering sparingly and not often (maybe after couple of weeks or so), trying to avoid wetting it too much and also avoiding the plants stems (as much as possible). If the leaves ('pearls') start shrivelling, that would be time to do it. Growers of plants use mix that usually contains lots of peat. It is light (great for shipping), inexpensive, and under conditions they can supply (the growers) performs well especially for young plants, grown from seeds or cuttings. But to replicate those conditions at home is usually difficult. Peat retains too much water, if left to dry up - it becomes hydrophobic. So unless the balance of correct amount of water+temperatures+light are right on, there are many problems. Growers also keep the plants for a short period of time - they are shipped to be sold, and problems may not show that fast. Many of us in colder climate use supplemental lights to give plants some more light. It could be just a simple light fixture hanging over a plant. It is best to use either CFL or LED lightbulbs, since they do not emit much heat and are much more economical to use. More elaborate 'grow lighting system' would be needed if there are many plants, and very low natural lighting.
...See More
String of pearls and string of hearts propagation
Q
Comments (3)
Hello & Pls stop worrying. A week is no time at all in plant time. I only know & grow String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii). You need to pls have some patience, likely to take 2-3 weeks or more to root in water. I wouldn't use a tall glass of water. Best to just keep an inch or so in the water, that's best not more. Time & patience is what you & the cuttings need.
...See More
How Much Light Can String of Pearls (Senecio Rowleyanus) Tolerate?
Q
Comments (2)
I grow mine on a lower shelf in the greenhouse so they don't get full sun. Pearls are full and green, showing no sign of etoliation. The yellow pearls in the top photo may be getting hot from the heating of the clay pot rim during sunny days as you suggest. I keep my plants moist most of the time.
...See More
Why is my string of pearls barely growing and what can I do?
Q
Comments (0)
Hi, I honestly don’t know why my string of pearls doesn’t want to thrive. I don’t give it too much or too little water. I just gave it succulent fertilizer for the first time recently. It is just growing soooo slow and I don’t know why. It also gets a lot of bright light. Is there anything else I should be doing to help it grow faster?
...See More
Kara 9b SF Bay Area CA
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I would just put the whole string stem down on some soil. Make sure the soil is high up. Almost flush to the edge of the pot. Put your string in a dry shady area. Leave alone and don't touch it. Remember a watched pot never boils;). As Rina said doing this can hurt the growing process. Zero water till roots. I usually see roots with this plant in about 2 wks. Maybe longer considering it's winter. You will know when roots happen because all of a sudden your plant will start looking healthier:). Just be patient. Goodluck:)
_daisy
Original Author
7 years ago
Thank you, Kara! I was wondering "How am I supposed to know when roots grow if I'm not supposed to touch it?" LOL. That helps. Thanks!
rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Daisy

Just lay the piece on top of potting mix. You could use just a small stone to hold it in place, or use paper clip, cut part of it off and leave just 'u' shape part to 'pin' the stem down. Plant will send roots into the soil, if it is healthy enough in quite short time. Sometimes, roots are visible. Plant will also start growing new leaves/beads once roots are growing. Until then, leave it undisturbed and do not make it wet
_daisy
Original Author
7 years ago
Oh, so with that method it will not extend the growth of the existing stem, it will shoot new stems?
rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
7 years ago
Existing stem will keep growing, and you should see some branching, and perhaps even new growth from the roots - assuming it is healthy. It can't be exactly predicted which way your cutting decides to grow...main thing is to give it best possible conditions, and it will grow...my plant grew over 4' in length in 3 years...and many string branched anywhere along, and it flowered too.
_daisy
Original Author
7 years ago
The current pearls are shriveling up.. Is that normal?
Kara 9b SF Bay Area CA
7 years ago
Ya they will get dehydrated. Don't mess with them though;). If you live in the US and they die on you I will send you some cuttings. I have strings of anything coming out my ears;).
lmontestella
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
The appearance of new growth is how you know things have rooted, that's the best indicator & involves NO TOUCHING AT ALL! ;>)
_daisy
Original Author
7 years ago
Thank you both! I live in Hawaii and I want to say that there may be some sort of restriction on import/export of agriculture.... I would have to check, but I do really appreciate the offer!! Will let you know for sure!
Gabby C (FL 9A)
7 years ago
I put my string of pearl cuttings into water until they shoot roots, and then plant.

Related Stories

THE POLITE HOUSE The Polite House: What Can I Do About My Neighbors’ Trash Cans?

If you’re tired of staring at unsightly garbage way before pickup day, it’s time to have some tough conversations

CONTRACTOR TIPS Building Permits: When a Permit Is Required and When It's Not

By Matt Clawson

In this article, the first in a series exploring permit processes and requirements, learn why and when you might need one

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Make Outdoor Magic With String Lighting

By Rachel Grace

Some enchanted evening, string lights may help your patio or porch put a sparkle in someone's eyes

LIGHTING Easy Sparkle: String Lights for Christmas and All Year

By Jen L'Italien

Enjoy the merry look of twinkling lights over desk, closet, shelf, mirror or table

HOUSEPLANTS DIY Project: How to Make a ‘Kokedama’ String Garden

By Shaunna Nygren

Dig in to create a simple, beautiful Japanese-inspired hanging garden

KITCHEN DESIGN Pearls of Wisdom From a Real-Life Kitchen Remodel

By Samantha Schoech

What your best friend would tell you if you were embarking on a renovation and she'd been there, done that

GARDENING GUIDES 7 Ecofriendly Gardening Ideas That Also Cut Chore Time

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Spend less time weeding, less money watering and more moments just sitting back and enjoying your healthy garden

LIFE The Polite House: How Can I Kindly Get Party Guests to Use Coasters?

Here’s how to handle the age-old entertaining conundrum to protect your furniture — and friendships

LIFE The Polite House: How Can I Tell a Construction Crew to Pipe Down?

If workers around your home are doing things that bother you, there’s a diplomatic way to approach them

DECORATING GUIDES Go for the Glow: Mother-of-Pearl Shines Around the Home

By The Sky is the Limit Design

Illuminate your interior designs with ethereally iridescent mother-of-pearl tiles, flooring, accents and more

Sponsored

NME Builders LLC

2 Reviews

Industry Leading Kitchen & Bath Remodelers in Franklin County, OH

More Discussions

Are cacti legal to sell online?

3

Can I trim this plant?

1

Easter Cacti in bloom

4

Hens and chicks - help needed

9

Jade in Need of Help

6