The String of Pearls (Curio rowleyanus) is a popular trailing succulent prized for its cascading strands of small, pea-shaped leaves. Native to the arid regions of Southwest Africa, its spherical foliage is an adaptation for minimizing water loss, making it remarkably drought-tolerant. While often appreciated for its low-maintenance care, regular pruning is necessary to keep the String of Pearls healthy and maintain its distinct aesthetic.
Reasons for Trimming
Trimming serves several important purposes for the overall health and appearance of the plant. A primary objective is to maintain a dense and full crown near the soil surface. Cutting back longer strands encourages new lateral growth closer to the pot, preventing the top of the plant from becoming sparse or “balding.” Pruning also helps manage the plant’s shape and length. Furthermore, the removal of desiccated, damaged, or dead stems redirects the plant’s resources toward healthy, active growth. Fungal issues are less likely to develop when the plant’s interior has good air circulation, which trimming helps to provide.
Step-by-Step Pruning Method
The best time to prune is during its active growing season, typically in the spring and summer months. Use a pair of scissors or sharp snips that have been sterilized with rubbing alcohol to ensure a clean cut and minimize stress. Clean tools prevent the introduction of pathogens.
Identify the sections you wish to remove, focusing on any leggy, sparse, or damaged growth. Make your cut on the stem just above a “pearl,” which is the leaf node where new growth can emerge. Cutting at a node signals the plant to branch out, promoting a fuller growth habit.
Handle the delicate strands gently, as the spherical leaves are easily dislodged. For density pruning, trim vines by three to five inches, but avoid removing too much foliage at once, which could shock the plant. After trimming, allow the plant to rest for about a week before its next watering, giving the cuts time to heal.
Turning Cuttings into New Plants
The healthy material removed during pruning can be used to create new plants through propagation. The first step is to allow the cut ends of the stems to dry out for one to three days, a process called callousing. This allows a protective scab to form over the wound, defending against rot and disease when the cutting is introduced to moisture.
Once the cut ends are calloused, you can choose between two primary methods for rooting the cuttings. The simplest method involves laying the stems directly on the surface of a well-draining succulent soil mix, ensuring the stems have good contact with the soil. You can secure the strands to the soil using a bent paperclip or floral pin to hold the nodes in place, as roots will emerge from these points.
Alternatively, you can root the cuttings in water, though this method requires careful monitoring. Place the calloused stem ends into a shallow glass of room-temperature water, ensuring no pearls are submerged, as they will rot. Place the cuttings in a location that receives bright, indirect light. Maintain a slightly moist soil environment for soil-rooted cuttings, or change the water regularly for water-rooted ones. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new plants can be treated as established succulents.