If you’re a gardener, you know that certain plants are just a little harder to grow than others. Well, the string of turtles is one of those plants.
But don’t worry – this complete growing guide will show you how to take care of your string of turtles and get them to grow healthy and strong. So read on!
About String of Turtles
Why is the plant Peperomia prostrata also called a string of turtles? Its name is given by the slow-growing small leaves that look like the shell of a miniature turtle strung together. They are also called peperomia rotundifolia and jade necklaces.
Is String of Turtles Rare?
The string of turtles was formerly difficult to come by and rare, although it is getting more popular and accessible these days. Strings of turtles do not grow very fast. So large strings of turtles are more difficult to find and are more expensive.
Is String of Turtles Succulents?
The plant is a native succulent thriving in the rainforests of Brazil. String of turtles are famous indoor semi-succulent plants. These tiny succulents love warm climates!
If you have them at home, there’s nothing to worry about. They also adapt well to average household conditions. It can even grow to 12 inches long and 3 to 4 inches wide.
String of Turtles Plant Care (Growing Instructions)
So, how do you take good care of your sting of turtles? Here’s how:
- Put them in bright indirect sunlight.
- Allow the plants to dry out before watering.
- Put them in humid places.
- Ensure that the temperature is from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit only.
- Put them in a well-draining pot.
- Use half-strength fertilizer
- Repot when it outgrows its current pot.
Light
Keep your string of turtles in bright filtered lighting that reaches all its areas. Do not expose them under direct full sun to avoid damaging the leaves. However, if it has too little light, it will fail to produce new growth.
To achieve a trailing effect, it is ideal for putting your plant on the top shelf.
Water
String of turtles prefers slightly moist conditions. Therefore, you have to water it well. But make sure that the pots have sufficient drainage holes. Also, let the soil dry out before watering again.
Water only if the top two inches of the soil have dried out. Consider watering every two to three weeks.
Temperature
Keep your plant at an environmental temperature of 68 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not put it near exterior doors or windows. This is because it does not like cold or too hot temperatures.
Humidity
The plant likes a cooler and humid environment. If the weather becomes too hot, like in the summer months, use a mister or a humidifier. This is to increase humidity around the plant.
Soil
Plant it in a mixture of organic matter. Having soil that drains well is advisable.
Fertilizer
Prepare a diluted houseplant fertilizer. Put it around your plant every two weeks during the growing season. This is to help it have a bright shiny vigor. Also, it will ensure the leaves’ color and pattern are held throughout. Do not fertilize the plant during the fall or winter months.
Repotting
Be careful when moving or repotting since the plant is delicate. The leaves may fall off. However, if they do, then there’s nothing to worry about. They can be propagated!
Pruning
Make sure to prune your string of turtles regularly. This is to avoid an unkempt, ragged, and leggy appearance.
Pruning them will remove dead and damaged stems and leaves. This will tame unwanted growth, too. New and more vigorous growth will start.
Do not forget to use sanitized scissors or snips!
Climbing and Support
The string of turtles is a vine. It does not climb. However, you may make trellis or use wire for them to grow on! You may use soft plant ties to support them and avoid damage.
Toxicity
The plant is non-toxic! However, it’s best to keep the plant from furry friends’ reach regardless.
How to Propagate
Check the mature mother plant for plant nodes. Snip off a few cuttings just below the nodes. Cut at least 3 inches long.
- Remove the leaves found in the lower part of the cutting.
- Put a prepared potting mix in a small pot. Make sure that it is moist but not soggy.
- Put the cutting in the pot. Make sure that at least an inch is below the soil’s surface. You can dip the stem in the rooting hormone first if you want.
- Place it where it can get indirect bright sunlight.
- Ensure that the soil is moist but not soggy. To know if roots have developed, try gently tugging the cutting after a few weeks. If there is a feeling of resistance, the roots have been formed.
Common Problems
The plant is not overly susceptible to pests or diseases. They are vulnerable to whiteflies, mealybugs, and spider mites. So if you see signs of infection, you can treat it with insecticidal soap or neem oil. For mealybugs, spray the leaves with a isopropyl alcohol and water mixture. Use ten parts water for every one part of alcohol.
They are sensitive to overwatering. If not placed in a pot with ample drainage holes, they may develop root rot.
Conclusion
String of turtles is not difficult to care for. Just ensure enough draining holes and sufficient indirect sunlight. No need to have a full-strength fertilizer for it to grow. Even if it might take time for it to grow, future pots can be propagated from cuttings.
