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Cacti & Succulents

String of turtles cutting growing better in water than in soil

Esther-B, Zone 7a

2 years ago

The original plant is barely hanging on in succulent soil with good drainage, in a terracotta pot. But this piece, accidentally torn off, was placed in water with only the cut end in the water, and it's not only rooting, but growing new leaves like crazy. How should I be keeping this plant? I moved the original pot closer to the plant light. What else can I do to make this thrive?

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Comments (5)

rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
2 years ago
photo?

You may be overwatering or underwatering. They will root in water as most plants do, but it is nor a 'water' plant. It is peperomia and prefers some humidity and bright but indirect light.

I let them dry up a little between wateringl and let it soak the water from the bottom when I water. But don't let sit in a saucer full of water for long time - shallow roots will rot fast
Esther-B, Zone 7a thanked rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
Esther-B, Zone 7a
Original Author
2 years ago
Rina, I would love for my string of turtles to look like yours. I potted the tiny plant I bought in succulent soil with a light layer of fine gravel as a top dressing. It is under grow lights which cause its neighbor plants to thrive. I water it sparingly when the soil feels dry. But it has barely been hanging on. But when I put the broken off branch into the water, it exploded with growth, growing long roots and new branches rapidly. I don't get it. Any suggestions?
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I'd chop 'em all off just above the crown and keep the soil damp, but not wet. WHILE you repot, it's important to keep the roots constantly wet. That means you need to be dipping them in a tub of water at least every minute, or removing the old soil with water pressure. The all-important fine roots dry out and die quickly unless you stay on top of keeping them wet. AFTER the repot, it's important that you keep the soil moist where it's occupied by the roots, That might mean watering every day until the roots start to colonize the deeper part of the pot. Other than that, you'll need to get a feel for how many fine roots you must leave to support the water needs of the top of the plant. I regularly remove up to 90% of a plant's roots during a repot and I almost never ever lose a plant unless it blows out or an animal helps it out of the pot. Al
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s g
2 years ago
I root cuttings from the string or dolphins in water but plant in soil as soon as they develop roots. Don't leave them in water too long before planting.

You may be underwatering. 'Water sparingly'? Soak them when watering then let them dry out before watering again.
Esther-B, Zone 7a thanked s g
Esther-B, Zone 7a
Original Author
2 years ago
Ya-ha!!! I think I've figured out the formula for a happier and therefore better growing String of Turtles: I elevated their pot to be a lot closer to the grow light. The plant seems happier, as it's sending out numerous new leaves and stems. I will water it lavishly when it feels dry and let it dry out again.
Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Sometimes when a plant isn't happy, the best thing to do is propagate the good parts and start over. And/or change the soil. It IS fun to watch roots form in water. So glad to hear your turtles are working out that way.

I've propagated all of the following plants in soil too but it's so much more fun to watch it happen in water, and I find cuttings so much easier to tend this way. I don't have to wonder how much water to add, or if it's too soon, or wrong time of day. The mama plants of these cuttings aren't struggling, I just gotta propagate. But I do start propagating new plants immediately because I have a terrible time keeping them alive when in "store soil."

This is Rhipsalis stuck in water immediately after cutting.

Jade (Crassula ovata.) I let this stem dry for a week before putting in water.

Epiphyllum, in water right away

This Sedum stem is using Neoregelia as a "vase." No waiting, right in water.

The cups are always full of water.

I watched the same thing as you, Esther. String of dolphins made roots in about 4 days. I can't remember if I let them dry overnight or put right in water.

Another kind of Sedum, right into water.

ornamental purslane (Portulaca umbraticola), directly into water.

Rina, that may be the best pot of it I've ever seen! I'm borrowing somebody else's thumbs to give 4 thumbs up!

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