Learn the secrets of How to Grow a String of Pearls Fuller and Bigger with the tips mentioned in this post.
If you want to know how to grow a string of pearls fuller and bigger, then follow this post with easy tips that you can try to make your plant more lush and huge.
How to Grow a String of Pearls Fuller
1. Give Appropriate Lighting Indoors
While growing outdoors, place your curio rowleyanus in partial shade and keep it indoors in a spot where it receives bright sunlight; an east-facing window will be the perfect area. Also, avoid keeping a string of pearls in an area that gets intense afternoon sun during summer.
Note: You can grow the plant in full shade, but it will turn leggy and thin.
2. Keep an Eye on Watering Needs
You can keep the plant fuller and bigger with the right balance of when to water and when to stop. Water the plant frequently in the growing season and allow the soil to dry out between watering. The string of pearls is drought-tolerant but do not let the soil stay dry for too long.
Note: Avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot.
Watering in Summer: Check your string of pearls in a heatwave or warm season, protect them from burning sun and water once a week.
Watering During Winter: Reduce the watering rate in the winter months and water only when the soil is entirely dry.
3. Correct Container Size
Keep in mind to not use an extra-large pot for growing string of pearl plant, select right-size containers which are not too deep and wide. The string of pearls has thin roots and stems. Too deep or big planter increases the chances of rot and diseases.
Make sure not to plant a string of pearls too deep as it can encourage rot and fungal growth. Drainage holes are also important, so extra water drip out of the container. The crown has to be 1/2-1 inch below the top of the container.
4. Select the Right Soil
The string of pearls loves to stay hydrated but not remain wet for long; at this time, drainage is the key. This plant has long, thin roots and stems that require a well-draining potting mix for preventing root rot. You can amend the soil by mixing all-purpose potting mix to perlite in a 2:1 ratio or prepare a blend cactus mix and perlite in the same ratio.
5. Protect From Frost
Protect your string of pearls from extreme cold, as it’s not a frost-resistant plant. It can withstand a temperature of around 20 F (6.67 C). During prolonged frost, bring plants indoors or protect them from freezing temperatures.
6. Repot Newly Purchased Plants
Do not overlook repotting newly bought plants, as repotting a string of pearls is essential and assures its survival. New plants come in improper potting mix that either keeps them wet or dry. Take out the plant from the original potting mix and repot in a fresh one. Use the correct size pot, which is not too deep and has drainage holes.
7. The Trick to Make It Fuller!
You can make the string of pearls fuller by trimming the few cuttings with at least some leaves. Root them in the same pot as the mother plant. Do this trick whenever it grows long, and you will have a bushier, fuller, healthier plant.
8. Feed
Fertilize your plant once a year using a dilute solution of balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during summer at half the recommended strength.
It’s also a good option to apply a 1/2 inch layer of worm compost topped with a 1/4 inch layer of compost during early spring.
Note: Frequent fertilization that is too heavy on the ratio can damage the roots of the plant.