To repot or not to repot?
I've got this succulent some 2.5 years ago, I ordered string of pearls but it came with a friend (monkey tail?) At the time I just left it but now it's growing 3 new babies and I am worried string of pearls doesn't have enough space for herself.
Would you repot and separate the two plants now there's spring? I am worried I might hurt them if I try to detangle them now.
#succulentsquad #succulentlove #succulents #stringofpearls
Would you repot and separate the two plants now there's spring? I am worried I might hurt them if I try to detangle them now.
#succulentsquad #succulentlove #succulents #stringofpearls
3” pot with drainage
Last watered 1 week ago
5
Best Answer
@nadsplants Well Yes, string of pearls (Curio rowleyanus) and monkey tail cactus (Hildewintera colademononis) can be grown together successfully, but it requires careful management. Both are succulents that thrive on bright, indirect light and similar, well-draining soil mixes, making them visually striking pairing options, especially in hanging planters. Key Considerations for Success:
Water Needs: While both are succulents, the monkey tail is a cactus that prefers to dry out completely, whereas the string of pearls prefers slightly more consistent moisture (but still dries out between waterings). Ensure the soil dries thoroughly to prevent root rot in the pearls.
Soil and Drainage: Use a high-quality cactus and succulent mix amended with extra pumice or perlite for maximum drainage.
Light: Both require bright, indirect light. Too much direct, harsh sun can scorch the string of pearls.
Potting: Keep them together in a pot with ample drainage holes to prevent standing water.
Water Needs: While both are succulents, the monkey tail is a cactus that prefers to dry out completely, whereas the string of pearls prefers slightly more consistent moisture (but still dries out between waterings). Ensure the soil dries thoroughly to prevent root rot in the pearls.
Soil and Drainage: Use a high-quality cactus and succulent mix amended with extra pumice or perlite for maximum drainage.
Light: Both require bright, indirect light. Too much direct, harsh sun can scorch the string of pearls.
Potting: Keep them together in a pot with ample drainage holes to prevent standing water.
If you would rather risk saving your string of pearls over the orphan freebie, you could always cut the stems free of the freebie and try propagating it if you’re not comfortable splitting the 2 plants. After 2.5 years, the roots will likely be combined. I do agree with the above comment that it might be time to repot in new soil, not necessarily upgrading pot size, just a fresh soil exchange. I want to also comment on the lighting suggestion, depending on where you live. I live in Seattle, Washington and I put my string of pearls and burros tail both outside in south facing sun in the spring and summer. I train them to do so by setting a timer in the spring for a couple of hours each day for a week and then several hours of direct light the next week, gradually increasing hours until they are out there full time. They absolutely LOVE IT and thrive with gifting me a bunch of full growth. I keep in mind that my fertilizer and watering demands increase because they are no longer indoor for a season. I find that this method helps boost my plants for winter drolls. When summer is over, I repeat the process in the opposite direction to acclimatize them to indoors again. If you live in the desert or the south, possibilities of doing this might look different. I just wanted to share that since the ‘bright indirect light’ is a caveat and not necessarily true. They love bright direct light given they are acclimated properly.
I would get it out of that plastic pot. You can separate the two plants pretty easily since you’ve got them in a really small pot and you could probably just rinse the soil away and work them away from each other gently. You can put both of them in terra-cotta pots that are just slightly larger than what you’ve got now. And that’s a burro’s‘s tail (Sedum morganianum).