How to Propagate String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)

The Senecio rowleyanus, commonly called String of pearls plant, is a popular hanging succulent plant that is very easy to propagate and grows roots fairly quickly.

Over time, stems can become very long, or grow leggy when in low light. Taking cuttings is simple and by propagating them you can turn one plant into more plants or make the original plant grow fuller.

Large plants can be divided, or stem cuttings rooted in water or in soil.

Related reading: String of pearls care – Common care problems – Beginners guide to indoor succulents.

String of Pearls Water Propagation

• Take stem cuttings that are at least about 4 to 5 inches long.
• Remove a few pearls from the bottom of the cutting (the side where you made the cut). The leaf nodes are where you removed the pearls and where the roots will grow from.
• Place the cutting in a small glass or jar with just enough water to cover the bottom part.   
• Keep it in bright, indirect light.  
• Change the water regularly to prevent algae from building up.
• Wait for roots to appear. Pot them up when the roots are at least one to two inches long.

Further reading: 6 house plant propagation methods. 

String of Pearls Propagation in Soil

• Take stem cuttings, again remove the bottom pearls.  
• Apply a bit of rooting hormone powder to the end of the cutting before planting it. This powder helps to speed up the formation of roots, resulting in stronger, better-rooted plants. If you don’t have any, you can skip it. The propagation process might take a little longer. 
• Plant the cuttings in well-draining succulent soil.
• Place in bright, indirect light and water sparingly until you see new growth. At that time, continue with regular care. 

You can plant the string-of-pearls cuttings with the stems hanging down from the pot, or curled up on top of slightly moist soil. This way you will start with a full crown of pearls. Over time new stems will grow out and trail over the pot.

Propagating String of Pearls by Division

• Take the large string of pearls plant out of its pot. Gently remove as much old soil as possible without damaging the roots. 
• Decide where to divide the plant. Gently separate the roots and foliage with your hands. 
• If the root ball is very tangled, make a clean cut with a sharp knife to split the plant. 
• Transplant each part in its own planter. Keep them in bright indirect light.   
• Water once, and wait to water again until you see new growth. 

Propagation from Single Pearls

Some people have said to had success propagating single pearls. I have never seen it.

More often than not, it doesn’t work. The pearls either rot, shrivel up, or simply do nothing since there is no part of the stem with a leaf node for roots or new stems to grow from. And even if it does work, it will take a long time before you end up with a decent-sized plant.

If you have tried propagating from single pearls, do let me know! I would love to hear if it worked or not!

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