Common Problems With String Of Pearls Plant

Introduction

The beautiful String of Pearls is a plant every plant parent should aspire to keep. Its beauty and unique structure make it a sight to behold. However, the beauty of the plant is mainly dependent on its health. The plant will give you its best look when it is healthy. You need to be equipped with the knowledge of the challenges you may experience with the plant to prepare for them. This article can also act as a checklist for what to look out for to see if your plant is healthy. Poor nutrition, pests, or diseases may cause the problems below.

Common Problems & Solutions When Growing String of Pearls

Why is my String of Pearls shriveling?

• Insufficient water: There could be various causes for a shriveling String of Pearls, one of which is inadequate water. We have already established that the plant doesn’t require too much water, but like all other plants, it can’t survive without its quota.

We shall see several other possible reasons why the plant may shrivel. Therefore, you have to troubleshoot to see the most likely scenario. The problem is most likely to be a lack of water if you haven’t watered the plant for a long time or your area has been experiencing drought. You can save your plant by giving adequate water. 

• Root rot: Root rot is one of the most common diseases affecting succulents and it is easy to get it too. You are only required to over-water your String of Pearls or plant it in a waterproof substrate. Root rot eliminates your plant’s ability to transport water from the pottage to the rest of the plant. This can cause your plant to shrivel up.
• Pests: A severe infestation of aphids, mealybug, or scale insects can cause the plant to shrivel. This is because the bugs suck the plant’s sap causing it to be less succulent than it is.
• Inadequate sunlight: Sunlight is vital for photosynthesis and the string of pearls, like many succulents, needs it. A plant that lacks adequate light is incapable of feeding itself, therefore, likely to wilt.

Why is my String of Pearls drying up?

There are various reasons why the plant may dry up, most of which are the same as listed above. The plant would dry up if you dint take remedial measures to correct the initial problem. Thus you should water your String of Pearls if you find it wilting. You can take care of root rot by reducing water in the substrate or repotting if the substrate is the problem.

There is another possible reason for the plant drying up. This is if the plant could have suffered catastrophic mechanical damage. String of Pearls isn’t cold hardy and can quickly dry up if you keep it in a freezing environment for too long.

Why is my String of Pearls mushy?

Root rot is one main reason your String of Pearls can become mushy. Of course, the disease is so advanced at this point that it can’t be cured. At this point, you can only cut up the remaining healthy parts of the plant and use the cuttings for propagation. You can avoid getting to this point by being attentive to your watering and the substrate you use.

Why is my String of Pearls turning brown?

If you notice your String of Pearls turning brown, it is because the leaves are being scorched by the sun. The plant isn’t entirely opposed to direct sunlight, but too much of it will burn the leaves. If you find these leaves turning brown, move the succulent so an area with shade. You can put a sheer curtain between the plant and direct sunlight to ensure it gets adequate sunlight while remaining shielded from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

Failure to take remedial measures in this situation will lead to the death of your String of Pearls.

Why is my String of Pearls turning yellow?

The yellowing leaf is a first step toward drying up, and it can be caused by any of the causes of the plant drying up. These include under-watering, root rot and pests. Furthermore, yellow leaves can be caused by over-fertilizing. This is because too much fertilizer leads to the accumulation of harmful chemical fertilizers in the substrate and the chemicals can end up destroying the plant’s roots. Ruined roots inhibit the Sting of Pearl’s feeding mechanism, thus the yellowing.

The roots can also turn yellow if the plant isn’t getting enough nitrogen. You can remedy this situation by applying a natural, well-balanced fertilizer with a good nitrogen component. Be sure to apply the fertilizer during the String of Pearls growing seasons and ensure the fertilizer is mixed to the correct ratios per the care guide.

Why my String of Pearls has white spots?

White spots on a String of Pearls can appear for various reasons. These include exposure to cold environments or an infestation of mealy bugs or scale insects. If this happens in winter, you can be sure your plant is exposed and move it indoors to protect it from the cold. One of the most apparent indicators that your plant is infested with mealy bugs is the presence of tiny, white, cotton ball-like spots on the lower part of the leaf. You need to cure the infestation using suitable pesticides.

Why is my String of Pearls dropping leaves?

All the reasons mentioned above can cause your plant’s leaves to drop. The most common cause of leaf drops is lack of adequate sunlight. Keeping the plant in the dark will see leaves drop. Also, root rot can lead to dropping leaves since they don’t get sufficient water when the plant is infected. Dropping leaves can be an indication of poor nutrition.

Read More: How To Repot String of Pearls

Final Words

A proper care regime can remedy all these problems facing your String of Pearls; all of them can be avoided or reversed. To keep your plant in its best possible condition, you must pay close attention to it. Doing so will keep your plant from experiencing these problems and catch them early if they occur.