Question
I was told to repot my dying string of beads houseplant.  The problem is this plant was seriously over watered and the stems going into the soil are brown and brittle.  If I repot the plant won't the stems just dye and drop off no matter what?  Right now it looks like if you just touch the plant some of the strings are going to drop off.  Also they said not to root it in water, how else can I get it to root?

Answer
Hi Carol,

Its botanical name is Senecio rowleyanus. Believe it or not those pea-like things are actually leaves. They have little translucent receptors that allow light in for photosynthesis.

It is a succulent - the beads store water - so it does best in very bright light (a south or west window) and the soil should become quite dry between thorough waterings, especially during the warmer months. Overwatering causes patches of soft rot at the neck of the stems. I suspect that may be what your plant is experiencing.

It is usually potted in a hanging basket, although it can also grow as a ground cover in a terrarium. It does best in a small pot so that the roots are quite potbound. Don't repot yours because that will simply add to its problems. All you can do is let the soil get really dry and hope that the roots have not already rotted.

I don't think this is your problem, but overly long stems will lose beads starting at the soil end. It is best to prune long stems back to within a few inches of the soil line to promote new growth and keep your plant looking full. Use the cuttings to propagate new plants by placing them on the surface of damp soil. When a bead comes in contact with moist soil, it will put down roots.

It tends to go semi-dormant in the warm summer months so be careful not to overwater and don't expect much new growth until the temps decline. In winter, try to provide cooler temps in the low 50's and lots of sun. This will promote new growth and sometimes even flowers. Fertilize monthly when it is growing in the winter.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions. If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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