Repotting guide

When & how to repot Variegated String of Pearls (Curio rowleyanus 'Variegatus')

Also called Variegated String of Beads.

More about variegated string of pearls

About Variegated String of Pearls

Curio rowleyanus 'Variegatus' · also called Variegated String of Beads · houseplant

Variegated String of Pearls is the cream-and-green form of Curio rowleyanus, a trailing succulent with pea-shaped leaves strung along thin stems. The white sectors lack chlorophyll, so it grows slower and needs more bright light than the plain form. Give it gritty soil, infrequent deep watering, and a hanging spot to cascade.

Mature size: Trailing strands reach 0.6-1 m; pearls about 0.6-1 cm in diameter.

How to tell variegated string of pearls needs repotting

Repotting on a calendar is less reliable than reading the plant. For variegated string of pearls, watch for these signs:

Roots growing out of the drainage holes, or the rootball lifting the plant proud of the rim.
Soil that has shrunk away from the pot sides and no longer holds water.
The pot is unstable because the plant has grown top-heavy.
Old, compacted, broken-down mix that stays wet too long — for a succulent that is a rot risk, so refresh it even if the pot size is fine.

For the underlying biology of a pot-bound root system and why it stalls a plant, see our guide to spotting and fixing a root-bound plant.

How often to repot variegated string of pearls

Every 2–3 years, into bone-dry mix. Variegated String of Pearls's growth habit — trailing succulent with wiry stems of spherical leaves; cascades from hanging pots and roots where stems touch soil. slower and less vigorous than the all-green form because of reduced chlorophyll. — sets the pace. Variegated String of Pearls is the cream-and-green form of Curio rowleyanus, a trailing succulent with pea-shaped leaves strung along thin stems. The white sectors lack chlorophyll, so it grows slower and needs more bright light than the plain form. Give it gritty soil, infrequent deep watering, and a hanging spot to cascade.

What size pot to step variegated string of pearls up to

Use a pot only one size up — or even the same pot with fresh gritty mix if the roots have room. Variegated String of Pearls stores water and rots in a large pot of slow-drying soil. A tight terracotta pot that dries fast is far safer than a generous plastic one. Never up-pot a succulent by several sizes.

Not sure of the exact diameter? Our pot size calculator takes the current pot and root spread and tells you the right next size — it deliberately recommends a single step up, never a big jump.

The best time of year to repot variegated string of pearls

Spring or summer, while variegated string of pearls is in active growth and warm, is best — roots recover fastest then, and the plant is not sitting in cool damp soil. Avoid repotting a succulent in winter dormancy.

Step-by-step: repotting variegated string of pearls

Repot dry. Do not water variegated string of pearls for several days first. Working with dry roots and dry mix dramatically lowers the rot risk for a succulent.
Pick a snug, fast-draining pot. Choose terracotta one size up at most, with a drainage hole. Have gritty gritty, fast-draining cactus and succulent mix ready.
Tip it out and clean the roots. Slide the plant out, crumble off the old soil, and trim any black, mushy or dead roots with clean snips.
Pot into dry mix. Set variegated string of pearls at its original depth in dry gritty mix, firming gently. Do not bury the stem deeper than it was.
Wait a week before watering. Leave it completely dry and out of harsh sun for about 7 days so any damaged roots callus. Only then water lightly.

Aftercare

Keep variegated string of pearls completely dry and out of fierce sun for about a week so any nicked roots callus before they meet moisture; watering a freshly repotted succulent is the classic way to rot it. Then resume the normal lean, dry rhythm. Do not fertilise for about 3 weeks — fresh mix already carries nutrients and feeding freshly disturbed roots scorches them.

The right soil mix for variegated string of pearls

Variegated String of Pearls wants gritty, fast-draining cactus and succulent mix. Use cactus compost with added perlite or pumice for sharp drainage. Shallow pots with drainage holes suit its fine surface roots. Always use fresh mix when you repot — reusing old, broken-down soil reintroduces the compaction and poor drainage you are repotting to fix.

Repotting variegated string of pearls — frequently asked questions

How often should you repot variegated string of pearls?

Every 2–3 years, into bone-dry mix for variegated string of pearls. Repot variegated string of pearls every 2–3 years into a snug pot of gritty, fast-draining cactus and succulent mix, ideally in spring or summer. Let it sit in dry soil and do not water for about a week afterwards so any nicked roots can callus. Over-potting and watering straight away is what rots succulents.

What size pot does variegated string of pearls need?

When is the best time of year to repot variegated string of pearls?

Should you water variegated string of pearls after repotting?

No — not straight away. Repot variegated string of pearls into dry mix and wait about a week before the first watering so any damaged roots callus over. Watering a freshly repotted succulent is the single most common way to rot one.

Should you fertilise variegated string of pearls after repotting?

Not immediately. Wait about 3 weeks after repotting variegated string of pearls. Fresh mix already contains nutrients, and feeding freshly cut or disturbed roots burns them. Resume your normal feeding routine once you see new growth.