Winter check in time for your String of Pearls

Understanding why they don’t need much water in winter

String of pearls are succulents and if healthy, every little pearl is full of moisture which the plant can access as needed. When the weather is cold the plant reduces its growing rates as it tries to adapt to this strange occurrence, so it does not need as much water as it would love during the hotter weather. There is a simple message for winter watering. When the pearls are plump (top pic) they are storing moisture and watering them can result in rot. If they show signs of dehydration by shriveling up then they need a drink (bottom pic).

Checking in on their light

The secondary statement of death or inability to thrive would probably note there was simply not enough light. String of pearls are silver succulents, originating from arid regions around South Africa where they have evolved to reflect light and heat and scramble over rocks and terrain looking for the best place to live and thrive. The spherical shape of their leaf structure enables them to store moisture and also reduces the amount of leaf surface that is exposed to extreme levels of blistering sunlight. So if they are put in low light environments they simple can’t function properly. When winter comes make sure your string or pearls are placed somewhere for maximum light, they need to be on top of the shelf, not inside the shelf.

A side note to consider is a plant in lower light will need even less water so reducing watering in a low light cold environment is even more crucial. 

Get them out of the weather

Whilst String of pearls can happily grow outside in Gippsland once that cooler weather hits you should aim to ensure they are out of the direct line of an dew or frost as well as hail and rain. If possible over the winter you want to be in charge of their watering, you need to keep them dry as they would experience in their natural habitat.

Have your pearls gone red?

Significant colour change in the pearls is often referred to as environmental stress. This is often bought on by sudden drops or fluctuations in temperature. Don't be too concerned unless the pearls start to fall off or go mushy, in which case check the plant is not too wet.

Give them a toupee if they are balding on top

If you pearls are starting to go bald in the colder weather, its generally from lack of light or overwatering. Address both of these issues first then fold any long hanging pieces up onto the top of the pearly pot. If you can see visible aerial roots make a particular effort to fold these into the top of the plant and add a little bit of succulent potting mix so they can sucker in and start the natural regrowth of the plant. 

Flowering

Have you seen your pearls flower? It really is a cool sight, have a good look at them. Did you know that they are actually distant cousins of dandelions? It will become more evident once the flowers open. Have smell as well, you should vibe cinnamon.

As summer approaches

As spring hits and summer approaches, reconsider everything noted here and switch into summer mode. Your pearls will love to be watered well, provided they are well drained an in plenty of light. Take note of their position and move them out of harsh suns once it really starts to heat up. Sudden discolouration of your pearls without them shrivelling or collapsing is generally a sign of too much direct sun.

Need to know more ?  

If you want to talk more about COLD CLIMATE winter plant care pop in and have a chat with us at 60 Wallis Rd Inverloch and follow us on Insta or Facebook for more plant love and to check opening hours.

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