String of Pearls Problems: Causes & Quick Fixes
Quick answer
String of Pearls is prone to 17 common issues - each link below is a plant-specific fix guide.
String of Pearls problems
Use the guides below to diagnose and fix common issues on String of Pearls. Each problem page explains why it happens on this species and what to do first.
Or use our problem diagnosis tool to narrow down symptoms.
Common problems on String of Pearls
Root Rot
HighLikely cause: Overwatering or moisture-retaining soil; the most common cause of death in this plant
Quick fix: Remove from pot; cut away black or mushy roots and stems; repot in dry cactus mix; do not water for 7–10 days
Full fix guide →Drooping Leaves
MediumLikely cause: Underwatering causes wrinkled, shrivelled pearls that cause strands to droop
Quick fix: Water thoroughly and allow to drain completely; pearls should plump up within 24 hours
Full fix guide →Crispy Leaves
MediumLikely cause: Too much direct afternoon sun or prolonged underwatering
Quick fix: Move out of direct afternoon sun; check if soil is bone dry and water if so
Full fix guide →Mealybugs
MediumLikely cause: Mealybugs colonise in the crown where strands are dense
Quick fix: Dab with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; apply neem oil spray weekly
Full fix guide →Yellow Leaves
MediumLikely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.
Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.
Full fix guide →Brown Tips
MediumLikely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.
Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.
Full fix guide →Overwatering
MediumLikely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.
Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.
Full fix guide →Underwatering
MediumLikely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.
Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.
Full fix guide →Spider Mites
MediumLikely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.
Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.
Full fix guide →Aphids
MediumLikely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.
Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.
Full fix guide →Leggy Growth
MediumLikely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.
Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.
Full fix guide →Slow Growth
MediumLikely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.
Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.
Full fix guide →Wilting
MediumLikely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.
Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.
Full fix guide →Low Humidity
MediumLikely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.
Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.
Full fix guide →Not Enough Light
MediumLikely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.
Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.
Full fix guide →Fungus Gnats
MediumLikely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.
Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.
Full fix guide →Mold on Soil
MediumLikely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.
Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.
Full fix guide →