Hey plant lovers! I’ve been growing string of pearls for years, and I gotta tell you – while most folks stick to cuttings, growing these beauties from seeds is totally possible and super rewarding! Today, I’m gonna share everything I’ve learned about starting these stunning succulents from tiny seeds
What Makes String of Pearls Special?
String of pearls, or Senecio rowleyanus, is a beautiful trailing succulent with the cutest pea-shaped leaves that look like a necklace of pearls. I love how they fall from hanging baskets; it would look great on Instagram! When they’re happy, these plants can grow about 5 to 15 inches a year.
Getting Started with Seeds
Where to Get Seeds
You’ve got two options here:
- Harvest from your existing plant (if you’re lucky enough to have one that flowers!)
- Buy from reliable online sellers (just make sure they look plump and healthy)
What You’ll Need
Here’s your shopping list
- Seed starting mix (gotta be well-draining!)
- Small pots or germination trays
- Plastic wrap or humidity dome
- Spray bottle
- Gardening gloves
- Heat mat (optional but super helpful)
Step-by-Step Seed Growing Guide
1. Seed Preparation
First things first:
- Soak seeds in lukewarm water overnight
- This helps wake them up and boosts germination chances
- Don’t soak too long tho – we don’t want them drowning!
2. Planting Process
1. Fill containers with seed starting mix2. Sprinkle seeds on surface3. Press lightly into soil (don't bury too deep!)4. Space seeds about 1-2 inches apart5. Mist gently with water6. Cover with plastic wrap3. Creating Perfect Growing Conditions
Temperature & Light:
- Keep temp between 70-80°F (21-27°C)
- Provide bright, indirect light
- Consider using grow lights if needed
Moisture & Care:
- Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy
- Mist when top soil feels dry
- Maintain high humidity (90%+)
Timeline & What to Expect
| Stage | Timeframe | What’s Happening |
|---|---|---|
| Germination | 2-8 weeks | Seeds sprout |
| Early Growth | 3 months | Root development |
| Established Plant | 6-12 months | Ready for regular care |
Common Problems & Solutions
Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here’s what might go wrong and how to fix it:
Seeds Not Germinating?
- Check seed freshness
- Maintain consistent warmth
- Don’t plant too deep
- Keep moisture levels steady
Leggy Seedlings?
- Increase light exposure
- Rotate pots regularly
- Move closer to light source
Tips for Success
- Start seeds in spring/summer for best results
- Don’t overwater – these are succulents after all!
- Be patient – it can take up to 3 months to see good growth
- Keep away from direct hot sun until established
Aftercare & Maintenance
Once your seedlings are growing strong:
- Water when top soil is dry
- Feed with diluted succulent fertilizer every 2-3 weeks
- Repot annually in well-draining soil
- Pinch back tips to encourage fuller growth
Final Thoughts
Look, growing string of pearls from seeds ain’t the quickest way – but it’s super satisfying! Just remember to give them lots of patience and love. Sometimes my seeds take forever to sprout, but when they do… oh boy, it’s worth the wait!
Pro tip: While you’re waiting for your seeds to grow, maybe take some stem cuttings too. That way, you’ve got backup plants if something goes wrong with the seeds. Trust me, I learned this the hard way!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article further?
Propagating String of Pearls Plant With Ease: A Step-by-Step Guide
To propagate, you can use the stem and seeds of your string of pearls, which is a robust and quick grower, gaining about five to fifteen inches per year; but does not live long without propagation.
The best times to propagate string of pearls are in summer and spring. All you need is some soil, some water, and some place for it to grow.
Growing String of Pearls Indoors
For people living in zones 8 and below, you can bring it inside and let it grow. It does well in some shade and low humidity. Plant your succulent in a succulent potting mix to improve drainage. Avoid overwatering and keep the soil moisture-free. These trailing plants prefer full sun in the morning hours, so you can place your plant in an east-facing window or sunny west-facing window where it will get intense sunlight.
If you want an easy-care succulent that looks great and doesn’t need much attention for your indoor garden, try these Senecio rowleyanus string of pearl plants and see how they do.
Plants 101 | String of Pearls
FAQ
Can you grow strings of pearls from seed?
The String of Pearls or Senecio Rowleyanus can be propagated from seeds as well.
What do string of pearl seeds look like?
String of pearls seeds, produced after the plant flowers, resemble small, cylindrical or rectangular shapes with a cottony pappus that aids in wind dispersal. They are not the same as the “pearls” (leaves) of the plant, which are often mistaken for seeds.
Will strings of pearls grow from one pearl?
It takes a little time, and you can grow a whole new string of pearls with the leaves. Remember that the leaves can rot, and it’s hard to do if you only have the pearl at the beginning. Taking more than one leaf and growing them in the same or different pots is the best way to make more plants.