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String of pearls · Curio rowleyanus

Why are my string of pearls dropping their leaves?

When your string of pearls starts dropping beads, it is usually a sign of severe stress from either too much water or extreme dehydration. Check the soil texture to see if it is bone dry or waterlogged.

Check these first

  1. Check if the soil is completely dry or soaking wet.
  2. Gently tug on a strand to see if it detaches easily.
  3. Inspect the stems for any signs of pests like mealybugs.

Likely causes

  1. Root Rot

    Most likely

    How to tell: The pearls detach easily from the stem, which may look brown or mushy near the soil. This is caused by soil that stays wet for too long.

    What to do: Remove the plant from its pot and trim away any black, slimy roots. Repot into fresh, dry succulent soil. Do not water for at least one week after repotting to allow roots to heal.

  2. Severe Dehydration

    Most likely

    How to tell: The pearls look shriveled, deflated, and fall off at the slightest touch. This happens when the plant has gone too long without water.

    What to do: Give the plant a thorough watering until water runs out of the drainage holes. Ensure the soil is completely saturated, then wait until it is bone dry before watering again.

Find out what's wrong with your string of pearls

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

If you see large sections of the plant falling off, it is a sign of a major issue. A few dropped pearls after a move or a change in environment is normal.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule of 14 to 21 days, ensuring the soil is bone dry before adding more water.

Keep your string of pearls healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Can I propagate the fallen pearls?
Usually, fallen pearls are too damaged to propagate. It is better to take a healthy cutting from the stem to start a new plant.
Why do they fall off when I touch them?
This indicates the connection between the pearl and the stem has weakened due to rot or extreme stress. The plant is essentially shedding the damaged parts.

More problems with String of pearls

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This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.