How To Propagate String Of Pearls in 3 Easy Steps

Learn how to propagate string of pearls in this step-by-step guide by gardening expert Rachel Garcia. It's an easy and fun way to expand your succulent selection!

A close-up shot of a person holding a pot of succulent that is one of the methods on how to propagate string of pearls

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It takes years for an oyster to make a pearl, but not this plant! All it takes is a little preparation and work from you. Well, and knowledge on how to propagate string of pearls plants.

String of pearls looks so intriguing that you’d think it’s picky. However, this is one of the easiest succulents to grow and care for. It propagates easily due to its shallow and fast-growing roots. In fact, this is one of those plants known to occasionally propagate itself.

As if it isn’t already a super-plant, string of pearls has cinnamon-scented flowers and can grow in the shade. It truly is the perfect plant for those new to gardening and propagation. So, if you don’t have one already, find yourself one and try propagating string of pearls!

Propagating String of Pearls

Curio rowleyanus is best propagated by stem cuttings from a mother plant. Not only is this method fast and easy, but it also makes use of pruned stems. Stem cuttings are also a way to fix leggy plants by propagating from the etiolated stems. We definitely prefer this process to growing from seed, which is possible but lengthy.

The best time of year to propagate string of pearls is in the spring and summer. This is the growing season for most succulents and the time when the mother plant has the most energy. The stem cuttings you plant will have a lot of growing to do, so the timing is essential.

The string of pearls propagation method also works for string of bananas and string of hearts plants. These plants can even share the same container during the process.

Unlike the other ‘string’ plants, string of pearls plant is toxic. In humans, it causes nausea and vomiting, so wear gloves when working with this plant. It’s worse for dogs, so don’t let your pups chew on your pearls!

What You’ll Need

A close-up shot of various tools for cultivating plants and a person in the process of filling potting mix in a starting tray all placed on top of a clean surface in a well lit area indoors
Some tools and equipment are essential for cultivating these plants.

Collect the following materials to propagate string of pearls:

  • Clippers or scissors
  • Well-draining potting mix (succulent and cactus mix works great)
  • A small pot with a drainage hole
  • A misting bottle for watering
  • A string of pearls plant with healthy and mature stems

The following are optional, based on the planting method you choose:

  • A glass or cup
  • Chopsticks, toothpicks, or a pen
  • A large staple, paperclip, or floral pin

Step 1: Prepare the Cuttings

A close-up shot of a person's hand holding several cutting of plants or succulents piled up together in a well lit area
Cleanly cut the stems and avoid breaking them.

Your cuttings should be healthy and several inches long. Each pearl contains some of the water and nutrients needed to sustain the cutting while it grows. As such, your cuttings must each have at least a few pearls, not counting ones that are removed in later steps. If your string of pearls succulent has stems that are already growing roots, feel free to start with those!

Clip the stems with clean, sharp clippers or scissors. You need a clean cut, so don’t try to just break the stem with your hands.

Unless you’re rotting in water, let your new cuttings dry out before you plant. This allows the cut end to develop a callous that will keep out bacteria and prevent rot. Since the stem of string of pearls is so tiny, it should only take a few hours to a day to callous over. While the cuttings are drying, fill the small pot with potting soil or succulent soil.

Step 2: Plant the Stem Cuttings

A close-up shot of a plant that is placed on top of soil in a plastic pot that is placed on top of a black saucer-like container in a well lit are indoors
There are many options when planting this succulent.

To root stem cuttings, you have three options. You can lay it on the surface, plant it, or try rooting cuttings in water. Each method is simple and has its own benefits.

The first option is to lay the cutting flat on the potting mix. To really anchor it, pin it down with a staple, floral pin, or bent paperclip. This is the ideal method if the cutting already has some roots. 

In time, the roots will grow wherever the stem is touching damp soil. Because of this, the longer the cutting is, the bushier your new succulent will be. 

The second option is to remove some of the lower pearls and plant the cutting in succulent soil. Since the stem is fragile and can’t just be crammed in the soil, make a hole first. I like to use a toothpick, but chopsticks or the end of a pen work well too. 

The roots will grow from the nodes where you removed the pearls. The resulting plant will be more trailing than bushy at first.

Your third option for is to root the cutting in water. Strip off the lower leaves and stick that part of the stem in a glass of water. Maintain the water level until the cutting has grown several white roots. This usually takes a few weeks. You’re essentially giving the roots a head start before sticking them in the soil.

This method is great because you can watch the roots grow. Once there are several at least a few inches long, plant the cutting in soil. Remember that the setup here is only for water propagation and not hydroponics. Your cutting won’t survive if it’s kept in this setup permanently.

Step 3: Location and Care

A close-up and focused shot of a growing succulent in small pots with the same plant in the background, all situated in a well lit area
Keep the soil moist and have indirect sunlight.

Whichever planting method you choose, the soil needs to be kept moist. If you rooted your cuttings in water, this applies after you’ve moved them to the soil.

For the perfect amount of moisture, use a spray bottle. Mist the soil whenever it starts to dry out. Avoid using a stream of water, which will wash away the cuttings. Let the soil dry and then apply water gently.

Give your cuttings indirect lighting, keeping them away from direct sun. They should be just fine a few feet away from a bright window.

Your cuttings are considered full plants once the roots are established and the stems are actively growing. At this point, you can gradually transition to the regular watering and indirect, yet bright light requirements for the string of pearls plant. You can also move it to a hanging planter or other new container.

Caring for String of Pearls

A top-view shot of a person holding a pot of a succulent placed on top of a dark surface in a well lit area.
The environment plays a key role in this succulent’s health.

Care requirements for string of pearls are simple. This succulent needs the following:

  • Bright, indirect light
  • Warm weather—this plant can’t handle frost!
  • Well-draining soil
  • Limited watering

The rootball is small, so use a small container. If the pot is too large, you run the risk of high moisture and root rot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I propagate string of pearls in water?

Yes. This is one way to develop a root system on a cutting of string of pearls. However, once those roots develop, move the cutting to soil quickly. String of pearls tend to be more tender than other succulents.

Can you propagate string of pearl with just one pearl?

Yes. However, this process is not as easy as other propagation methods, nor does it have a high success rate.

How long does it take for string of pearls cuttings to root?

It takes anywhere from 3 to 5 weeks for string of pearls cuttings to root.

What is the fastest way to propagate string of pearls?

Rooting a stem cutting in soil is the fastest way to make new string of pearls plants.

How do you make string of pearls fuller?

You can trim the ends of your string of pearls plant and then plant them in the same pot as the existing plant. This gives your string of pearls a fuller look.

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