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Variegated String of Pearls

4.3 out of 5 (9 experiences)

Easy to propagate

Fast grower

About Variegated String of Pearls

String of pearls evolved their signature shape as an adaptation to store water in dry environments. In place of leaves, cells in the green pearls perform photosynthesis to feed the plant. Translucent crescents act like windows to allow sunlight to reach cells on the inside of the pearl and increase their ability to capture the sun! 🪟☀️

Taxonomy

Scientific name

Curio rowleyanus 'Variegata'

Genus

Curio

Family

Asteraceae

Order

Asterales

How to care for Variegated String of Pearls

💦 Water

How often to water your Variegated String of Pearls

Variegated String of Pearls needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

No Yes

Select the pot size

☀️ Light

Finding light for Variegated String of Pearls in your home

Variegated String of Pearls love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.

Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Variegated String of Pearls does not tolerate low-light 🚫.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Variegated String of Pearls in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Variegated String of Pearls

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Variegated String of Pearls: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Variegated String of Pearls after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Browse #VariegatedStringOfPearls

💡 FAQs

💦 Water Needs

Variegated String of Pearls prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Variegated String of Pearls Water Frequency →

Variegated String of Pearls Root Rot →

☀️ Sunlight Needs

Variegated String of Pearls requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.

Variegated String of Pearls Light Requirements →

Variegated String of Pearls Direct Sunlight Needs & Tolerance →

🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.

If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.

Variegated String of Pearls Toxicity to Cats →

Variegated String of Pearls Toxicity to Dogs →

Variegated String of Pearls Toxicity to Humans →

💨 Humidity

Variegated String of Pearls prefers dry environments. Providing extra humidity or misting your plant allows water to linger on leaves, which can create the perfect environment for harmful types of fungi.

Variegated String of Pearls Humidity Needs →

🪴 Soil

Variegated String of Pearls is very sensitive to wet soil, so choose a potting soil that drains very well and doesn’t retain too much moisture. A good soil will have lots of perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition. A few handfuls of perlite added to regular store-bought cactus soil will do the trick!

Best Soil Mix for Variegated String of Pearls →

When and How to Successfully Repot Variegated String of Pearls →

What Are Healthy Variegated String of Pearls Roots →

💩 Fertilizer

Variegated String of Pearls grows very slowly and doesn’t require added fertilizer. Replacing your plant’s potting soil once a year should provide them with more than enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!

How Much and When to Fertilize Variegated String of Pearls →

❄️ Dormancy

It’s common for Variegated String of Pearls to go dormant in the wintertime and you may notice their growth slow down. Waterings should be spaced out more during this time.

🌎 Native Region

Variegated String of Pearls is native to Southwestern Africa.

🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.

Common Bugs Affecting Variegated String of Pearls →

What Eats Variegated String of Pearls? →

Care Summary for Variegated String of Pearls

Variegated String of Pearls

Greg recommends:

Water

0.5 cups every 9 days

Placement

< 1ft from a window

Nutrients

Repot after 2x growth

Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

What other plant parents say

Easy to propagate 4

Fast grower 4

Survivor 2

Browns easily 1

@@The_real_shamu

9 Plants

892 XP

Kihei, HI

06/20/2021

Very rewarding plant, doesn’t need much water or care. But grows like crazy in bright indirect light:)

Easy to propagate

Fast grower

Survivor

Variegated String of Pearls plant photo by @The_real_shamu named Wasabi on Greg, the plant care app.

@@caleea_s

6 Plants

117 XP

05/30/2021

Very beautiful but it’s very important to give it a lot of light to stay alive! My first VSOP died because I did not give it enough light. My new VSOP is directly under my grow lights and it’s thriving. The white variegation is turning pink under the grow lights and it’s so stunning.

Fast grower