If you’re looking to add a touch of greenery to your home, you may have considered getting a string of pearls plant. Also known as Senecio rowleyanus, this succulent is native to Africa and is prized for its long, cascading stems and round, pearl-like leaves. But before you run out and buy one, there’s something important you need to know: does a string of pearls need direct sunlight? We are here to help you make an informed decision.
So, does a string of pearls need direct sunlight? The answer is both yes and no. While a string of pearls can tolerate direct sunlight, too much sun can cause the leaves to fade from green to yellow. If you live in an area with scorching summers, place your plant in a spot that gets partial sun. That way, it will still get enough light to thrive without being exposed to too much heat.
Also, remember that the plant is succulent, meaning it stores water in its leaves. Therefore, the leaves are highly susceptible to burning if exposed to direct sunlight for too long.
This blog post discusses everything you need to know about the string of pearls and sunlight. Read on to learn more.
String of Pearls: Light and Temperature Requirements
To understand whether the string of pearls plant requires direct sunlight to survive or not, we need to look at its natural habitat. The plant is native to arid regions of Africa, specifically the northern parts of Kenya and Sudan.
The climate is hot and dry most of the year in these parts of the world. During the rainy season, which typically lasts from July to September, the string of pearls plant experiences a brief period of growth. The plant produces small white flowers during this time.
After the rains end, the temperature and sunlight increase significantly. The climate becomes arid again, and the string of pearls goes dormant until the next rainy season.
Based on its natural habitat, it’s safe to say that the string of pearls plant is accustomed to high temperatures and direct sunlight. However, the plant does need a period of dormancy to thrive.
In its natural habitat, the string of pearls experiences a dormant period during the dry season. The plant conserves its energy and stores water in its leaves.
When grown as a houseplant, the string of pearls plant also needs a dormant period. This can be achieved by reducing the amount of water and fertilizer you give the plant during winter.
It’s also important to note that, like all succulents, the string of pearls is adapted to surviving in low-light conditions. If you live in an area with little sunlight, you can grow the plant indoors near a window that gets indirect light.
What Is Direct Sunlight in the Context of Growing Plants?
When we talk about direct sunlight, we’re referring to the sun’s rays that hit the earth’s surface directly. This sunlight is typically very intense and can cause plants to overheat, especially during summer.
If you live in an area with hot summers, place your string of pearls plant in a spot that gets partial sun. That way, it will still get enough light to thrive without being exposed to too much heat.
Generally, the plant is highly susceptible to sunburn. If the leaves are exposed to direct sunlight for too long, they will start to fade from green to yellow. In extreme cases, the leaves can become brown and crispy.
If you notice that your plant is getting sunburned, it’s best to move it to a spot with less direct sunlight.
How Can You Provide Shade for Your String of Pearls Plant?
There are a few ways to provide shade for your string of pearls plant. One option is to grow the plant indoors near a window with indirect light. Ensure the spot is not too shady, as the plant needs some light to photosynthesize.
Another option is to place the plant outdoors in an area that gets dappled sunlight. Dappled sunlight is sunlight that filters through the leaves of a tree. This light is less intense than direct sunlight and won’t scorch your plant’s leaves.
If you grow the plant outdoors, consider placing it under a tree or porch where it will be protected from the harsh midday sun. You can also build a simple shade structure for your plant using a piece of cloth or lattice.
You can also grow the plant under a sheer curtain or in a spot where it will only be exposed to sunlight for a few hours each day.
How Much Sunlight Is Enough for a String of Pearls?
Now that we know the string of pearls plant can tolerate direct sunlight, you may wonder how much sun is enough. The answer depends on several factors, including the climate you live in and the type of potting soil you use.
If you live in an area with hot summers, position your string of pearls plant in a spot that gets partial sun. That way, it will still get enough light to thrive without being exposed to too much heat.
Generally, the plant is highly susceptible to sunburn. If the leaves are exposed to direct sunlight for too long, they will start to fade from green to yellow. In extreme cases, the leaves can become brown and crispy.
If you notice that your plant is getting sunburned, it’s best to move it to a spot with less direct sunlight.
What Happens If the String of Pearls Gets Too Much Sunlight?
If the string of pearls plant is exposed to direct sunlight for too long, the leaves will start to fade from green to yellow. In extreme cases, the leaves can become brown and crispy.
If you notice that your plant is getting sunburned, it’s best to move it to a spot with less direct sunlight.
You can also provide some shade for the plant by placing it under a tree or porch, where it will be protected from the harsh midday sun.
Alternatively, consider growing it under a sheer curtain or in a spot where it will only be exposed to sunlight for a few hours each day.
Can the String of Pearls Plant Receive Too Little Sunlight?
While most of us entirely focus on ensuring our string of pearls plant doesn’t get too much sunlight, it’s important to remember that the plant can also suffer from too little sun.
If the plant isn’t getting enough light, it will start to stretch and become leggy. The leaves will also become smaller and more spaced out. In extreme cases, the plant may stop growing altogether.
If you notice that your plant is not getting enough sun, move it to a spot where it will receive more light. You can also increase the amount of time the plant is exposed to sunlight daily.
A combination of too little sunlight and too much water can also lead to root rot. Root rot is a severe condition that can kill the plant.
If you notice the leaves of your plant turning yellow and falling off, check the roots to see if they’re soft and mushy. If they are, it’s best to replant the succulent in a fresh potting mix.
How Often Should You Water a String of Pearls Plant?
The string of pearls plant is a succulent, which means it’s adapted to store water in its leaves. As a result, the plant doesn’t need to be watered very often.
In general, you should only water the string of pearls plant when the potting mix is dry. The frequency will depend on several factors, including the size of the pot, the type of potting mix, and the climate you live in.
If you live in a hot, dry climate, you may need to water the plant more often. Conversely, if you live in cool, humid weather, you may only need to water it once every few weeks.
It’s important not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot. If you are not sure whether the succulent needs water, err on the side of caution and wait a few extra days.
If the leaves of your plant start to turn yellow and fall off, this is usually a sign that you’re watering them too often. If this happens, stop watering the plant for a week or two and see if the problem improves.
Summary
In conclusion, a string of pearls needs direct sunlight to thrive but can also tolerate lower light levels.
If you are growing a string of pearls indoors, place it near a window where it will get plenty of bright light throughout the day.
And if you live in an area with sweltering summers, consider giving your string of pearls some afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch.
We hope you enjoyed this post. For more gardening tips and advice, check out our blog regularly.
Last update on 2023-07-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
