Propagating a String of pearls from leaves or the pearls is straightforward and gives faster growth if done correctly at the right time. Typically, the best time to propagate String of pearls is the warmer months when the plant is in active growth season and can withstand any stress. The propagation also goes well in spring or summer; otherwise, do it in the fall if you live in a warmer climate. At the right time, choose the given method and follow all guidelines to grow your String of pearls. 

Can String of Pearls Propagate from Pearls?

The String of pearls is a common houseplant with rounded leaves that look like pearls or peas. It is often a cause of concern for gardeners growing String of pearls and inquire whether they can grow a plant with the pearls or not. However, it's not so common but is possible. It takes a little time, and you can grow a whole new string of pearls with the leaves. Remember, the leaves are susceptible to rot, and it becomes challenging if you have started with only the pearl. The best way is to take multiple leaves and grow in the same or different pots for successful propagation.  

How to Propagate String of Pearls from Leaves or Pearls? 

If you want to grow a String of pearls from leaves or pearls, follow all guidelines and give new plants ideal growth conditions. Before that, manage all the things needed to propagate the String of pearls. 

Things you need:

• Clean scissors/shears
• Parent plant – String of pearls
• Container
• Growth medium – soil/water
• Rooting hormone
• Spray bottle

String of Pearls Propagation in Soil 

After collecting all the essential things, follow all these steps to propagate a String of pearls from one pear: 

1. Getting Pearls from the Plant 

Take a String of pearls parent plant to get leaves or pearls. Ensure the plant is sufficiently hydrated as dehydrated plants are under stress and do not propagate in the new growth medium. Secondly, your plant must not have insects or diseases to avoid transferring it to the new plant. 

Once the plant is marked healthy and a good fit for propagation, take sharp and sterilized scissors to cut the pearls. You can also cut the leaves with a knife or share, but it should be sharp enough to neatly cut the stem without tearing the leaves. 

Now let the leaves dry overnight. Callus – a mass of cells will form at the stem tips to keep the leaf from rotting. 

2. Fill the Container with Potting Mix 

After getting pearls from the plant, the next is to fill the container with the potting mix soil to about an inch depth. The soil must be well draining because the String of pearls is drought tolerant, and consistently soggy soil will rot pearls and fail propagation. So, pay special attention to the soil mix. 

You can also add sand, perlite or pumice to make a grainy soil mixture. Additionally, the growing medium must be well hydrated. You can keep the top layer moist by misting it with the spray bottle but try not to fill the pot with water.  

3. Set the Pearls in Growing Medium 

It is the most crucial step of the String of pearls propagation and decides the success of your procedure. 

Place the pearls on the growing medium in such a way that the stem tip rests on the soil when placing your callused leaves. Do not bury leaves deep into the medium, as this can lead to rotting. Similarly, you can use a rooting hormone here to speed up new growth. Just dip the leaves stem into the hormone before putting it in the planter.  

When growing multiple leaves in the same container, make sure not to crowd the space. Maintain proper spacing to avoid any problems. 

4. Move the Pot to a Suitable Place

Now is the turn to move the planter to the right site. It should not be facing the direct sun. The ideal location for propagating pearls is a site with bright indirect light. 

You will see new roots emerging from the pearls within 1 to 2 months. Typically smaller pearls take longer than larger ones so be patient and do not dig the soil to check for roots. Just push the pearl gently and if you do not feel any movement, understand that roots have grown. Simply put your baby plant in a new pot. 

String of Pearls Propagation in Water 

You can also propagate a String of pearls in water but it is a bit tricky. Tiny pearls can sink in the water leaving behind no growth. Thus the best approach is to select a dynamic container. It should not be a deep pot. Try finding any tiny container to hold little water that could be a lid of the bottle or anything similar. 

Follow the same steps to cut pearls and fill the bottle lids with water. Place each pearl in a lid and let them rest for rooting. You will get to see tiny roots emerging from the pearls. 

String of Pearls Post Propagation Care

• Newly grown roots from the String of pearls are delicate and cannot withstand harsh treatments. It is best to avoid exposure to direct sunlight, and you can place the pot in filtered bright light.
• You can also use a thin piece of paper or a piece of fabric to shade the pot without moving the planter.
• Similarly, keep an eye on the watering schedule. Do not water unless the soil is fairly dry. Watering also depends on your local climatic conditions. So, it is great to do a finger test before watering your plant. Just insert an inch of your finger in the soil, water only if it feels dry.
• The best way to water the String of pearls tiny roots is by misting. Pouring water can in the pot smash the roots.

Click here to know more about how to take care of string of pearls succulents.

Conclusion 

Propagating a String of pearls from tiny pearls or leaves is a unique approach that may need your patience. The small leaves can rot easily in the soil, especially if buried deep. So, if you want ideal growth, just follow all the above-mentioned steps the way they are described. Wait, take care of the propagating pearls and you will get new plants in the meantime.