The string of pearls is the most beautiful and delicate hanging succulent plant. The green pearl-like leaves can spark your living space. The string of pearls turning yellow is an indicator of the underlying problem.
So, why is my string of pearls turning yellow? Yellow leaves on the string of pearls are due to incorrect lighting, inappropriate watering, nutritional deficiency, pest infestations, poor soil drainage, and plant diseases.
There is no need to freak when your string of pearls turns yellow. The information in this article will help you figure out the exact causes with their respective solutions. Take the time to read through it and learn how to fix an overwatered string of pearls.
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Reasons for String of Pearls Turning Yellow
Incorrect Lighting Condition
The string of pearls thrives in bright indirect sunlight. It requires six to eight hours of indirect sunlight to grow fast and stay healthy.
Direct sunlight exposure will result in scorching and yellowing of leaves. Besides that, the condition will make the string of pearls lose more water and become dehydrated.
Low lighting condition is another cause of the string of pearls turning yellow. The low light will also foster leggy and stunted growth.
Place the succulent plant near the window with sheer curtains. These curtains will prevent the succulent plant from direct sunlight. Use artificial lights to correct the low-lighting problem.
Overwatering Problem
Overwatering is a life-threatening problem to a string of pearls. It is an issue that houseplant enthusiasts make when growing tropical plants.
The string of pearls is a succulent tropical plant. It requires low watering frequency to thrive well at home. Too much soil moisture will damage its root system and cause yellow leaves.
Remove the succulent plant from the pot and inspect its root system. Trim the affected parts and transplant them in fresh potting soil.
Learning how to fix overwatered string of pearls plants is vital. It is the best way of solving yellow leaves on the string of pearls.
Poor Drainage System
The string of pearls prefers lightweight and well-draining potting soil. The root systems of this succulent plant hate sitting in a damp environment.
Overwatering is due to the poor drainage system. The excess soil moisture encourages fungal pathogens to thrive and damage the root systems.
Use a pot with drainage holes at the bottom to drain excess water. Besides that, the well-draining potting mix should have the capability to retain moderate moisture.
Well-draining potting media help to allow airflow around the root systems. It also helps inhibit fungal pathogen growth and prevent the string of pearls from turning yellow.
Fertilization Problem
The string of pearls is a light-feeder succulent plant. Besides that, this succulent plant can grow and thrive well without the need for fertilizer application.
But adding fertilizer to the potting mix will help to foster faster and vegetative growth. I recommend using water-soluble fertilizer every month during spring and summer.
Under-feeding your string of pearls will lead to leaves turning yellow. Besides that, over-feeding the succulent plant will cause scorching and yellowing of leaves due to damaged roots.
Always flush the potting soil with distilled water every three months. The string of pearls caring tip will help prevent salt buildup in the potting mix.
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Pest Infestation
The string of pearls is more vulnerable to insect infestation under unfavorable growing conditions. These sap-sucking creatures drain nutrients from the plant and make it weak.
Insect infestation is the leading cause of yellow and brown leaves on this succulent plant. Scales, aphids, spider mites, and ants are the most common pests on the string of pearls.
Always inspect your string of pearls for pests. Remember to isolate the plant and use a neem oil spray to eradicate these sap-sucking insects.
Fungal Diseases
Fungal pathogens can take a toll on your string of pearls plant health. The fungal condition inhibits the plant parts from functioning and limits photosynthesis.
Fungal diseases are due to poor drainage systems and extreme weather conditions. The condition can make the leaves on your string of pearls turn yellow.
Use a well-draining potting mix to encourage proper airflow around the roots. Ensure the pot has drainage holes at the bottom to drain excess water.
Under-watering Issue
The string of pearls can tolerate drought for a short period. But prolonged exposure to inadequate watering will make the succulent plant leggy with yellow leaves.
The thin stems cannot retain more water for an extended period. Soak the potting mix to rehydrate the plant and solve the yellow leaves problem.
The string of pearls uses more water during spring and summer. Reduce the watering frequency during winter due to the dormancy effect.
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Related Questions
Why Is My String of Pearls Turning White?
Direct sunlight and pest infestations are the leading cause of a string of pearls turning white. Take time to investigate the plant and identify the exact cause.
Why Is My String of Pearls Turning Brown?
Under-watering and direct sunlight exposure are the reasons for the string of pearls turning brown. Identify the exact cause and take measures to resolve the problem.
Why Is My String of Pearls Shriveling?
Shriveling string of pearls is due to direct sunlight exposure. The heat from the sun tends to scorch the leaves and cause dark scars on the crowns.
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Final Thoughts
Ultimate caring routine for the string of pearls will prevent or stop the leaves from turning yellow. Provide bright indirect sunlight, a proper drainage system, and well-draining soil.
Always inspect the string of pearls to note pest infestations and fungal infection at early stages. It will make the treatment plan easier and protect the plant from turning yellow.
Feel free to share this information with other houseplant enthusiasts in your communities. You can also share your experience on the string of pearls turning yellow in the comment section.
