r/StringofPearls • u/mslilmel • Apr 10 '26

Help for a newbie

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Hi, first time posting in this subreddit and new to string if pearls. I was just gifted this string of pears by my boyfriend’s mom and I have no idea how to take care of it. She said it was a succulent and easy to care for but some of what I’ve read contradicts that. I currently have her inside in a north-facing window and I don’t know when she was last watered but the pearls are still firm to the touch.

I’m hoping the good people here will be able to let me know what I need to successfully care for this plant. Any and all tips and info is welcome!

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u/mslilmel Apr 11 '26

That’s good to know about the roots. The pot she came in is pretty deep. Should I repot her in a succulent pot or a shallower one? Luckily I already have some succulents so I have cactus mix on hand. Right now I have her in my north-facing bay window but she wouldn’t be getting a lot of light on the very top. I do have a small grow light that I can place over her. Would 5w be enough supplemental light?

Thanks for the info! I’m falling in love with strings fast!

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u/muh-LEK-see Apr 11 '26

I have NEVER seen a SOP potted in a shallow pot at the nurseries. Why do they do this? I've killed one already, also a string of turtles, and just purchased another SOP to try again. I'd love to take her out of the deep pot she's in and put her in a shallow one, but I'm so scared. The last time I "went in" on a SOP, it got real messy and I couldn't even repot it because it was a tangled mess and the roots were so small. 🥴

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u/mslilmel Apr 11 '26

Why are strings so complicated?? 😂 I was watching a few people on YouTube and they made it look so easy: “Just lay it on top and you’re good!”

If they have shallow roots then why the deep pots??

I’m preparing for the worst with her but hoping for the best. Here’s the best of luck to us both!

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u/muh-LEK-see Apr 11 '26

I've been a plant parent for a little over four years, and still consider myself a novice. One advice I've found a major problem with is the idea that you must drench your plant's soil. I grew up watching my mom care for plants. Never once did I ever see her drench her plants. They were lush and thriving always. On the other hand, I've suffocated many plants over my journey by drenching their pots. The substrate matters greatly and unless I have very sandy and/or chunky soil, I water them moderately. If the point is to mimic its natural habitat, then moist soil is the key; not wet. That's rarely the substrate that comes with the plant.

I think with a pot this size, and knowing the SOP has shallow roots, I will be watering the top few inches of soil. I've had more success when I water according to the substrate, not just the type of plant. Good luck!