7 Common Problems with String of Pearls Plant

The popular String of Pearls, or Senecio Rowleyanus, is an easy-to-care-for hanging succulent plant that grows well as an indoor plant.

Even though it is so easy to care for, you can run into some common problems like leggy or sticky pearls. Let’s find out how to save your plant!

Further reading: String of pearls care – How to propagate String of pearls.

Want to grow your own String of Pearls plant? Find it for sale on Amazon! 

What’s wrong with your String of Pearls plant?

Read on for all the fixes and what to look out for so you can quickly identify and take action to save your plant.

1. Make a String of Pearls plant grow fuller
2. Shriveling pearls
3. Brown, mushy pearls
4. Sticky pearls
5. Not flowering
6. Yellow pearls
7. Dry spots

How to Make a String of Pearls Plant Grow Fuller

If your String of Pearls is thinning out, you might want to get rid of those leggy stems and make your plant grow fuller again.

It all starts with enough light. If your String of Pearls isn’t receiving enough light, the pearls will grow further apart on the stems. Occasionally pearls fall off and leave you with bare-looking parts of the stem.

Easy Fix: To make your plant grow fuller, start by cutting those leggy stems off. The strings will grow back and branch out where you made the cut. You can propagate the cut stems in water and place them back into the pot.

GMake sure your plant is getting enough light. Move it to a brighter location, closer to a window, or under a grow light if needed.

Why are the Pearls Shriveling and Drying up?

It is perfectly normal for an occasional pearl to shrivel and wilt away. But if there is obviously more going on, start by checking the soil.

Easy Fix: Is the soil dry? When the pearls look deflated and shriveled while the soil feels dry, it is usually time to water. You should be able to revive your plant by giving it a good watering.

If you see shriveling pearls while the soil is still wet or moist, the reason could be that you overwatered your plant, or, if you have recently planted the stems, they might not have rooted yet.

Why are the Pearls Wrinkled and Mushy

Since the Sting of Pearls needs little water and can survive without for long periods, it is very easy to accidentally overwater your plant.

An overwatered string of pearls looks wrinkled and the pearls can turn black and mushy. You will recognize it when you see it, trust me.

Easy Fix: Remove any brown, mushy stems and pearls. Slow down your watering frequency and make sure your plant is in a fast-draining succulent potting mix.

Further reading: When to water indoor succulents.

Sticky Pearls

If the pearls are feeling a little sticky, don’t be alarmed. In the wild, this is how the String of Pearls plant sticks to surfaces so it doesn’t get dislodged easily by wind or critters.

BUT the stickiness could also be a sign of a pest infestation. String of Pearls are prone to aphids and mealy bugs. So check your plant thoroughly.

If you see any bugs, take action quickly. Move your plant away from any other plants and treat it with neem oil. This is all-natural and safe for people and pets. Learn more about common houseplant pests and what you can do to get rid of them. 

Why your String of Pearls isn’t Flowering

Many indoor String of Pearls plants don’t flower. So don’t feel bad if your plant doesn’t flower. The conditions must be just right for them to bloom.

Easy Fix: Use a succulent fertilizer in spring at the start of the active growing season. This extra boost in nutrients can help to encourage blooms.

You will also want to keep your String of Pearls plant cool and relatively dry in the winter. A cold winter period triggers flowers to grow when spring arrives. So keep your plant in a non-heated room or make sure to keep the temperatures low.

Why are the Pearls Turning Yellow?

Yellow pearls are often a sign that your plant has been overwatered, and can be a sign of root rot.

Easy fix: Allow the soil to thoroughly dry out before you water. If the situation is really bad, remove the wet soil and repot your plant in dry soil.

Plastic pots trap moisture inside, whereas a clay terracotta pot is porous and will dry out more quickly. So if you tend to overwater your plants, opt for terracotta pots!

Dry Spots on the Pearls

Small dry spots on your String of Pearls can appear if your plant is getting too much direct sun. These spots will not heal anymore, but your plant can still survive.

Move your plant a little further away from the window. If you can, give your plant a few hours of direct morning sun, followed by bright, indirect light for the rest of the day.