The String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) is a popular trailing succulent known for its unique, bead-like foliage. Like most succulents, it stores water in its spherical leaves, making it drought-tolerant but highly prone to root rot if the soil remains wet for too long. Mastering the timing and technique of watering is paramount to maintaining a healthy plant.
Reading the Signs for Watering
Watering frequency should never be based on a fixed calendar schedule, but rather on the plant’s specific needs. Confirm that the soil has completely dried out before adding water. Check this by inserting a finger or a wooden skewer into the top one to two inches of the potting mix. If you feel dampness or see soil cling to the skewer, postpone watering.
The plant provides clear visual cues when it is thirsty. Plump and firm pearls indicate the plant is fully hydrated and does not need water. When internal water reserves are low, the spherical leaves will lose turgidity and show slight wrinkling or puckering. This slight deflation is the signal to water, indicating the plant is ready to drink. Watch for this subtle wrinkling and avoid waiting until the pearls are fully shriveled and flat, which signifies severe thirst. Conversely, a mushy, translucent, or yellowing appearance is a sign of overwatering.
The Soak and Drain Method
When the soil is dry and the pearls show signs of thirst, the proper way to hydrate the plant is through the deep, thorough “soak and drain” method. This technique contrasts sharply with shallow, frequent sprinklings that only wet the top layer of soil. Saturate the soil completely, pouring water slowly over the surface until it flows freely out of the pot’s drainage holes.
Deep saturation ensures the entire shallow root system has access to moisture. Once the water has drained, immediately empty any excess water that collects in the saucer or cachepot. Allowing the container to sit in drained water negates the benefit of well-draining soil and leads directly to root rot.
Adjusting Watering for Seasonal Changes
The frequency of the soak and drain method must be adjusted according to the plant’s growth cycle and the surrounding environment. During spring and summer, which is the active growing season, higher light levels and warmer temperatures cause the plant to use water more quickly. You may water every one to two weeks during this period, depending on how rapidly the soil dries.
As temperatures cool and daylight hours shorten in the fall and winter, the String of Pearls enters a period of reduced growth or near dormancy. The plant’s metabolic rate slows down significantly, requiring far less water. Watering frequency should be drastically reduced, often to once every three to four weeks or less, to prevent roots from sitting in cold, damp soil.