Trailing succulents, with their cascading elegance and low-maintenance nature, are a favorite among plant enthusiasts. String of things - Pearls, Hearts, Beans, Turtles, , Dolphins, and more - transform any space into a verdant oasis with their unique aesthetics. But to keep these stunning green gems thriving, one must understand their specific care requirements. Let's explore the best practices for nurturing these eye-catching plants, inspired by Wilderly's curated collection.
1. Watering: The Art of Restraint
Watering trailing succulents involves mastering the delicate balance they require, as their fleshy leaves store water. This makes them susceptible to overwatering, a common issue that can lead to root rot.
- Check Soil Moisture: Before you water, it's crucial to ensure the soil is dry about two inches deep. Stick your finger into the soil or use a moisture meter.
- Water Deeply: Once the soil is appropriately dry, water thoroughly. We like to use the "soak and dry" method, in which we bottom water the plants by placing it in a bin of water and letting it soak for a few hours and then letting it dry out before the next watering. Allow excess water to drain from the pot to avoid waterlogged roots. This method ensures the roots get enough moisture without the danger of rot due to stagnant water.
- Adjust for Seasons: During the dormant winter months, reduce watering frequency. For instance, the Variegated Wax Ivy prefers to stay dry in cooler conditions while thriving in temperatures above 40°F (4°C).
2. Lighting: Bright but Not Blazing
The lighting for your trailing succulents should mimic their native environments as much as possible. These plants often thrive in bright, indirect light conditions.
- String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii): Prefers the gentle rays of morning sunlight. However, during the afternoon, it is best to provide some shade to prevent the foliage from scorching.
- String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus): Enjoys bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sun exposure might bleach their delicate spheres, so avoid positioning them in harsh sunlight.
- Silver Dollar Vine (Xerosicyos danguyi): Grows well in partial shade but develops its characteristic silvery hue when exposed to brighter lighting conditions.
3. Soil: Drainage is Non-Negotiable
To prevent root rot and ensure optimal growth, trailing succulents require a well-draining soil mix. This is critical as their roots need to breathe.
- Opt for Specialized Mixes: Use a succulent potting mix, which you can find at Wilderly, to ensure proper drainage. Or, make your own by blending regular potting soil with perlite or coarse sand.
4. Propagation: Share the Love
One of the more rewarding aspects of trailing succulents is their ability to propagate, allowing you to expand your garden or share plants with friends and family.
- String of Pearls: Snip 2-3 inch sections of stem, let them callus for about 24 hours, and then plant them in fresh soil to root.
- String of Hearts: Propagate through leaf cuttings or division. These methods are often successful, with new plants potentially blooming within the first year.
- Variegated Wax Ivy: Utilizing stem cuttings, one can quickly establish new plants that add a lush cascading effect to any space.
5. Pest Patrol
Trailing succulents can sometimes become hosts to pests like aphids and mealybugs. Regular checks can prevent infestations from spreading.
- Routine Inspections: Inspect plants weekly. At the first sign of pests, treat with insecticidal soap. Isolating affected plants can also prevent the pests from spreading to healthy plants.
6. Seasonal Care
Understanding the seasonal needs of your trailing succulents can keep them thriving year-round.
- Spring/Summer: During the growing season, they benefit from a balanced fertilizer applied sparingly. Pruning leggy stems can encourage fuller growth.
- Fall/Winter: When temperatures dip, particularly below 40°F (4°C), it's wise to move your succulents indoors and reduce watering to about once a month.
Why Wilderly’s Trailing Succulents Shine
At Wilderly, our curated selection of trailing succulents stands out for their unique charm and adaptability, making them perfect for any plant lover's collection:
- String of Turtles: With its turtle-shell patterned leaves, it thrives in humidity-moderate settings, ideal for indoor placements.
- Silver Dollar Vine: Distinguished by its coin-like leaves, this vine is both drought-tolerant and visually striking.
- String of Dolphins: This plant features fleshy, curved leaves that closely resemble leaping dolphins, giving it its distinctive appearance.
- String of Hearts: One of the most popular plants - the String of Hearts plant features small, heart-shaped leaves that are typically dark green with silver variegation on the upper surface and a purplish hue on the underside.
- String of Pearls: The plant features long, trailing stems adorned with spherical, pea-shaped leaves that store water, giving it a bead-like appearance.
- String of Frogs: The leaves are small, bright green, and have a distinctive shape, resembling miniature oak leaves or frogs. They remain under 1/2 inch in size, creating a dense mat of foliage.
Pro Tip: DIY Hanging Displays
To truly showcase your trailing succulents, consider creating personalized hanging displays:
- Pair the delicate String of Hearts with the robust Silver Dollar Vine for a visually captivating contrast.
- Utilize macramé hangers or terrarium setups to highlight the cascading nature of the String of Pearls.
Enjoyed these tips? Dive deeper into the leafy world of unique succulents with Wilderly's curated collection. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting, our selection promises to elevate any indoor space with ease and elegance. Share your succulent journey with us on social media!
