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Hi all,
I've accidently left these String of Pearls under direct summer sun, what is the best way to save them?
Leaves and stems near the top have been badly damaged, but they are very healthy on the side.
Thank you!
Hi @noooooidea,
Don’t feel too bad, String of Pearls are very easy to scorch in strong summer sun, and this is a common issue.
The good news is that if the sides of the plant are still healthy, it is very likely to recover. Unfortunately, any pearls and stems that have been badly sunburnt will not green up again, so the first step is to gently trim away the damaged growth with clean scissors. This helps the plant redirect its energy into healthy growth rather than trying to support tissue that will not recover.
Once trimmed, move the plant into a bright but protected position, ideally somewhere it gets plenty of indirect light or gentle morning sun, but no harsh afternoon sun. String of Pearls naturally grow trailing under other plants, so they prefer filtered light rather than full exposure, especially in summer.
Check the soil and make sure it is free draining, as stressed plants are more prone to rot if kept too wet. Water sparingly and only once the soil has dried out completely, as overwatering at this stage can do more harm than good. If any healthy strands are long enough, you can also lay them gently on top of the soil or take cuttings, as they root very easily and can help fill the pot back out over time.
With a bit of patience and the right position, your plant should bounce back and start putting on fresh growth once conditions improve.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
Hi @noooooidea, and happy new year to you too. I’m really glad to hear the reply gave you some confidence, String of Pearls are tougher than they look once they’re in the right conditions.
Yes, your understanding is spot on. Trimming off the sunburnt growth and salvaging the healthy strands below it is exactly the right approach. Letting those cut ends dry and callus for a day is a good habit, especially in warmer weather, as it greatly reduces the risk of rot once they touch soil.
You can absolutely either lay the healthy strands on top of the soil or gently tuck parts of the stem into the soil. Neither method is really better than the other, as they root very readily wherever a node touches the mix. Given your soil is coarse with perlite and mulch, lightly pressing sections of the strand into the soil can help ensure good contact, but you don’t need to bury them deeply. Just enough contact is all they need to start rooting.
In terms of watering, stick with your normal succulent approach. Avoid misting, as it can encourage rot and doesn’t really help root development. Bottom watering is fine, but only once the soil has fully dried out. Until roots form, it’s better to err on the dry side rather than keep things damp. The plant will use stored moisture while it establishes new roots.
Mitchell
