String of turtles plant (also known as Peperomia Prostrata) is a very easy-to-grow succulent that can add color and greenery to any room in the house. They are native to Brazil. White veins on their leaves are sometimes referred to as “white string of turtle plants,” and flower buds can open white flowers.
String of turtles plants received its common name because the leaves look like little turtles peeking out from under their shells! They can grow to be about 12 inches long, but it is usually smaller in size.
The String of Turtle is a semi-succulent plant which means that it can withstand periods without watering. The plants are small, rosette-shaped, and have a wide variety of colors, including green, red, bronze, and purple.
This blog post will go over how to care and grow for string of turtles plants, propagating tips, and flowering.
String of Turtles Care
The String of Turtle is a plant that has different care requirements depending on the location. These plants will not tolerate cold temperatures. If you live in an area that has cold winters, make sure to keep this plant indoors or move it into a warmer climate.
If you are looking for a fun plant to put on your desk, this is the one! String of turtles care can also be done at home with little effort. The houseplant needs pruning once every two months or so.
How do you take care of a string of turtles? Let’s get started!
Light and Location
String of turtles also requires bright filtered light. This means not indirect sunlight or very low-lit rooms, but rather indirect natural lighting is best for these plants. In addition, these plants need to be closer to a window than other houseplants, and they will grow better with more humidity around them.
Peperomia Prostrata can also grow outside provided they have indirect sunlight and plenty of water during the summer months.
Soil and Potting Mix
The String of turtles care needs to be in fertile potting soil. Therefore, an organic potting mix is recommended for these plants and small pots with good drainage.
The PH level for these plants should be in the range of 40-55, with a slightly acidic.
Peat moss is an essential component that keeps a string of turtles care healthy and thriving. Potting mixes without peat are less likely to keep your plant happy.
The top layer should be about two inches deep for this plant’s roots, but deeper layers are not out of the question if you plan on propagating more plants from your original string.
Turtles Plant Watering
The String of Turtles care needs to be in moist soil. Therefore, the tropical plant will need to be watered a lot in Spring and Summer, while the soil should not feel wet or waterlogged during the Autumn and Winter months.
If your turtle leaf plant show signs of wilting or drooping, then it does not have enough water, but if they start to turn yellow or brown, the soil is too wet.
Peperomia Prostrata does not like to be overwatered or underwatered. A moisture meter is a good way to see if your string of turtles is getting enough water.
Temperature and Humidity
This vining plant is more on the tropical side of things and prefers a slightly humid environment. They will need to be in 68-75 Fahrenheit but can tolerate temperatures as low as 60°F (15°C) for short periods. However, if the temperature stays above 75 for an extended period, it can dry out your string of turtles plant, so be sure to place a plant humidifier nearby or mist them on occasion.
The humidity level should stay around 65% to 80%.
Fertilizer
The string of turtles needs a diluted fertilizer with low nitrogen. This will keep them from getting too much nutrition and growing quickly, which can cause the leaves to droop because they become overloaded. They also do not like fertilizers that are high in phosphorus or potassium content, as it could lead to unhealthy growth that is weak and prone to disease.
It would be best if you fertilized your string of turtles plant once every two weeks, but don’t overdo it. This will also help to keep the leaves shiny and green overall.
Vining Plant Flowering
String of turtles will flower if they are given a decrease in temperature and sufficient moisture.
The flowers will be white or pinkish-white with tiny petals that have small brown spots at their ends. They’ll usually bloom from March until June, though this can vary depending on how much light is being received by the plant and its geographical location.
Pruning
Occasional pruning should be done to keep your string of turtles plant healthy. They are deciduous, which means that they lose their leaves in the wintertime and will need to be trimmed back at this time as well.
Some people find it easier to trim them during the summer with new growth springs up if you do so regularly throughout the year. This works best for those who don’t like deadheading flowers or want a cleaner look all around because there’ll never be any seeding on plant material left behind.
Pruning is optional, but doing so will help promote thicker stem structures, better branching, and more compact plants overall – important factors when working out an effective irrigation system.
Pot and Repotting
String of turtles plants will need new pots every few years. One way to tell if your plant needs a larger pot is by observing the top soil’s level at the surface of the container – it should be between an inch and two inches from the rim.
Most people use small clay or plastic containers for their turtle leaf plants. Remember that they need moist soil, so water them more often in this type of container. Even though there may not seem like there is enough room for extra water to evaporate, it will still evaporate faster than other types of soil.
You can also purchase premade planters specifically designed for succulents and cacti with drainage holes on one side only which allow excess water to flow out without making contact.
How to Propagate String of Turtles?
Propagating string of turtles is easy to do and can be done by either rooting the cuttings in water or planting them. The best time to propagate string of turtles is during the spring or summer, as many plants are just coming out of dormancy.
To root in water, take a leaf with at least one node (the small area where leaves meet) and submerge it underwater for about two weeks before planting in potting soil. If you’re growing from cuttings that don’t have nodes yet, then place them into moist peat moss and cover them with plastic wrap so they’ll get plenty of humidity until they develop roots on their own. Keep them watered regularly but be careful not to overwater because too much moisture can damage tender new growth when propagating string of turtles by rooting in the water!
The propagating string of turtles from stem cuttings takes a little more effort than leaf cuttings. First, remove a stem section from the plant, preferably one with at least three nodes and about four inches long. Next, cut off any leaves on the bottom two feet of the cutting (you don’t want them to compete with your new cutting) and dip it into rooting hormone before sticking in moist potting soil or perlite as directed by package instructions. It’s important not to overwater because too much moisture can cause root rot when propagating string of turtles from stem cuttings!
It takes patience, but you’ll be rewarded with healthy plants that are genetically identical to their parent once they take root and start growing!
Is Peperomia Prostrata Toxic?
Yes, string of turtles plant is toxic. It contains a mild neurotoxin that causes pain in the mouth and throat if ingested (usually by pets and children). Contact with the eyes can also cause irritation or even temporary blindness because it irritates sensitive tissues.
String of Turtles vs. String of Hearts
String of Hearts is a close relative to String of Turtles. The two plants have many similarities, including the rosette shape and vining appearance. However, String of Hearts does not have the dark green leaves that make up the veins on a turtle string.
Common Pests and Diseases
Spider Mites
String of turtles can attract tiny spider mites, eight-legged creatures. These pests feed on the sap and plant tissue, weakening it and increasing susceptibility to disease.
Harmful Bacterias
Infected plants should be removed as soon as possible because they can also spread harmful bacteria such as Botrytis cinerea (Gray Mold), Erwinia carotovora(soft rot), or Pantoea agglomerans (leaf spot).
White Flying Bugs
If you see white flying bugs, then that means there is a high chance of infected houseplants in your home! You will need to quarantine them immediately before bringing the infestation into other parts of the house where healthy plants live.
Root Rot
Root rot is a widespread issue that can happen to any plant. Even though it’s hard to tell, root rot starts from the bottom of the stem and attacks plants by weakening their roots. The first sign you’ll see of root rot will be wilting leaves on your houseplant – this means that they’re not getting enough water!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Peperomia Prostrata succulent?
Succulent plants are plants that store water in their leaves, stems or roots. Yes, the string of turtles plant is a succulent plant.
Do the string of turtles grow fast?
String of turtles is not known for growing fast – they grow slowly but steadily.
Do the string of turtles need humidity?
Yes, string of turtles does need a slightly higher humidity level to thrive.
How often should I water string of turtles?
Watering frequency depends on the size and age, but you should be watering at least once every two weeks.
What temperature do string of turtles grow best in?
String of Turtles can grow anywhere from average house temperatures to cool climates – they are versatile plants!
What are some string of turtle plant pests?
String of turtles have few natural enemies, but they’re susceptible to mealybug infestations and spider mite attacks. You can take preventative measures by spraying them with water or insecticidal soap every so often!
Why do my turtle strings die?
String of turtles die for a variety of reasons, but many are due to neglect. One possible cause is that they’re not getting enough water or enough light!
