Items you need: small container with drainage holes, succulent potting soil, cuttings and lots of light
Step 1
Propagation in soil for all of our trailing string varieties is very easy. You first need to cut off a small section (approximately 2cm) of the vine from one of its trailing lengths. The String of Hearts and String of Pearls work best for this method.
Step 2
Fill a suitable receptacle with potting soil suited to the plant you are propagating. For String of Hearts and String of Pearls they will be happiest in a soil for succulent or cacti family. To save on purchasing a cutting pot why not add drainage holes to an item of everyday recycling such as a yoghurt pot and celebrate the new plant life you are creating whilst focusing on re-use. We are a fan of cut up cardboard tubes, placed in a fruit container with ready-made drainage. Drainage holes are essential to avoid over-watering.
Step 3
Lay your cuttings on top of the soil, pushing lightly into the top layer to encourage anchor points for roots to form. In their native environment String of Pearls and String of Beads naturally grow across the floor, spreading like a carpet anchoring their roots to rocky crevices. Not as easy to monitor successful propagation in soil but keep a watchful eye over the coming weeks. Place your cuttings on a window sill in full ambient light.
Step 4
If propagation is successful you will start to see new growth appearing from your cuttings, and after a matter of weeks or months the trailing vines will be tipping over the edge of the pot. The different varieties will have a different growth rate and element of success. Please be prepared that not all cuttings will propagate. It’s always a joy to see new life finding a way – and at this stage it is recommended to rotate your cuttings around.
Step 5
The string varieties prefer pot sizes to just be larger than the roots, so it is a good idea to keep your plant in its cutting sized pot for the foreseeable future. A 6cm opening is ideal.
Step 6
Once potted follow our ongoing care instructions to encourage healthy and optimum growing conditions.
A printed version of this guide is available for sale in our online shop.