The string of pearls is the most beautiful and delicate hanging succulent plant. Unfavorable conditions will make your string of pearls turn white, yellow, brown, and purple. These are the most noticeable problems when growing the string of pearls indoors.
So, why is my string of pearls turning white? The white spots on a string of pearls are due to molds, pest infestation, low-light, over-fertilization, overwatering, misting, and extreme temperature changes.
There is no need to raise concern since these white spots are fixable. The golden rule is to identify the reasons behind the white spots on your string of pearls before implementing measures for fixing them.
The information in this article will help you identify the exact causes and their respective solutions. Read on for the fixes and what to look out for so you can quickly identify and take action to save your string of pearls plant.
You May Also Read: Why Is My String of Pearls Turning Yellow?
Reasons for String of Pearls Turning White
Pest Infestations
The string of pearls plant is more vulnerable to bugs or pests. These sap-sucking creatures drain nutrients and weaken the succulent plant.
Mealybugs appear as white cottony substances on the string of pearls. These tiny bugs tend to multiply rapidly and cause more problems on your hanging succulent plant.
Other symptoms of pest infestations are leaves curling, yellowing, and browning. I recommend pruning the infected and damaged areas on your plant.
Use an insecticidal spray to eliminate the pests from your string of pearls. Always inspect your succulent plant to spot bugs infestation at early stages.
Direct Sunlight Exposure
The string of pearls prefers bright indirect sunlight to thrive well. Direct sunlight will scorch and discolor your hanging succulent plant.
Besides that, low-lighting conditions will result in leggy and stunted growth. The best option is to move the plant to a spot that receives diffused indirect sunlight.
Early morning or late evening direct sunlight will not hurt your string of pearls plant. The succulent plant requires six to eight hours of indirect sunlight to thrive well.
Move the plant a few feet away from the window with sheer curtains during harsh afternoon hours. It will help protect your string of pearls from turning white.
White Molds on the String of Pearls
White molds are a type of fungal disease. It occurs due to improper care and pest infestations. The white molds make this succulent plant look ugly and die in the long run.
Provide bright indirect sunlight and adequate water to combat white mold growth. Ensure the potting soil does not get soggy to inhibit fungal growth.
Use well-draining soil to facilitate adequate airflow around the plant. Keep an eye on the succulent plant to note any weird signs of white molds.
Over-fertilization Problem
The string of pearls does not need fertilizer application to thrive well. But the addition of fertilizer nutrients helps to foster vegetative and healthy growth.
Excess fertilizer nutrients will burn the roots and turn your string of pearls white. Flush the potting soil to remove the excess salt buildup.
I recommend feeding your succulent plant every month during spring and summer. Do not apply fertilizer to your string of pearls during winter due to dormancy.
You Can Also Read: How to Propagate String of Hearts
Chlorine and Fluoride in Water
Tap water can turn your string of pearls white due to chlorine and fluoride compounds. These white spots’ development is due to excess salt buildup.
These minerals from the tap water can also limit plant growth and foster bacterial or fungal infection. Switch to filtered water to combat your string of pearls from turning white.
I recommend watering your succulent plant with distilled water or rainwater. Another excellent option is to allow the tap water to sit overnight before using it.
Improper Pruning Routines
The string of pearls can tolerate extreme conditions without becoming fussy. But improper care routines will result in white spots, yellow, brown, and curled leaves.
I recommend pruning the string of pearls more often to allow the plant to recover. The regime will help discourage fungal growth and pest infestations.
Use sharp and sterilized scissors to prune the plant. Besides that, wear protective gloves to prevent skin irritation from the plant sap.
Re-Potting Effect
The string of pearls is a quite sensitive and delicate succulent plant. Any minimal disruption will make the roots weak and slow down their growth.
The hanging succulent plant will turn white due to frequent re-potting during winter. I recommend re-potting the succulent plant during spring.
Use a slightly bigger container than the plant and fungicide spray in the potting soil to keep the infection away. Besides that, reduce the frequency of re-potting your string of pearls.
You May Also Like: Why Is My String of Pearls Turning Brown?
Related Questions
Can String of Pearls be Root Bound?
No. The string of pearls has a shallow root system that does not become root-bound fast. It may take years for the roots to grow long.
Why Is My String of Pearls Growing Upwards?
The string of pearls growing upwards is due to overwatering, wrong potting mix, improper sunlight, under-watering, and pest infestations.
Overwatered vs Under-watered String of Pearls
An overwatered string of pearls has yellow leaves with mushy stems. An under-watered string of pearls has shriveled leaves that end up drying.
You May Also Like: Why Is My String of Pearls Turning Purple?
Final Thoughts
The string of pearls is tolerant to drought conditions. But prolonged exposure to unfavorable conditions will result in white spots, yellow or brown leaves, and curled leaves.
Molds, overwatering, and pest infestations are common factors that cause your string of pearls to turn white. Avoid overwatering and use a neem oil spray to keep the pests away.
Overwatering and low light conditions will make the succulent plant weak and vulnerable to diseases. Besides that, such an environment attracts pests and leads to fungal infections.
Feel free to share this information with other houseplant enthusiasts in your circle. Kindly leave a comment on your experience in dealing with a string of pearls turning white.
You May Also Read: Why Is My String of Pearls Dying?
