Senecio citriformis

String of Tears and other succulents are generally able to withstand periods without water, but if one is neglected and goes without water for a month or more, it may appear thirsty and show signs of damage. Underwatered plants may appear lacklustre and wrinkled, with some leaves drying up completely and turning brown or crispy. The soil will also be completely dried out. To remedy this, submerge the pot in water for 5-10 minutes to properly rehydrate the soil and plant. Once the soil feels moist on the surface, watering is complete. Overwatering is dangerous for String of Tears, as it can cause root rot which prevents the roots from absorbing nutrients and water. Root rot is caused by fungal and bacterial growth in overly wet soil. Symptoms of overwatering include yellow, swollen, and translucent leaves that may burst from excess water. If left untreated, the plant may turn brown or black and leaves may easily fall off. Check the soil to confirm overwatering as the cause of these symptoms. Saving an overwatered plant can be challenging, but catching it early is key. If roots have become rotten, the whole plant may die. To assess the roots, remove the plant from its pot and gently remove wet soil from around them. Rinse the roots in room-temperature water to remove any lurking fungus and determine their health. Dark brown or black, soft, mushy, or slimy roots indicate root rot. If most of the roots are affected by root rot, saving the plant may not be possible. In this case, remove any healthy stems and use them to propagate a new plant. If only a portion of the roots are affected, there is a chance to save the plant. Remove unhealthy-looking roots with sterilized cutting tools and dip the remaining firm, pale roots in fungicide. Repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil. While not always successful, most plants with root rot will fully recover and start new growth in the next growing season.

To determine the watering frequency for String of Tears, there isn't a specific rule. The best way is to check the soil and only water when it's completely dry. You can check the soil by inserting your finger or using a moisture meter. If it feels slightly moist, wait a few days before checking again. Generally, in summer, most people water String of Tears every two weeks, while in winter, once a month is sufficient. However, there are several factors that can affect watering frequency. Continue reading for a list of considerations to help determine how often to water.

To ensure that you properly water your String of Tears plant, there are a few environmental factors to consider. These include the size of the container, the type of soil, temperature, and humidity. When it comes to container and soil selection, it's important to choose a container with adequate drainage holes. This allows excess water to escape, preventing overwatering. The size of the container and the amount of soil it holds will determine how frequently and how much water to use. Smaller containers hold less moisture and require more frequent watering, while larger pots retain moisture for longer periods and need less frequent watering. It's crucial not to use an oversized pot, as this can easily lead to overwatering. During repotting, it's recommended to move to a container only one size larger than the current one. Additionally, prefer using shallow containers instead of deep ones, as the String of Tears has shallow root systems. The watering frequency also varies with the seasons. In winter, when the plant's growth slows down and energy consumption decreases, watering becomes less frequent. The cooler winter air reduces water evaporation, resulting in the soil staying wet for longer periods compared to the summer season. The general climate of your location also affects watering needs. If you reside in a humid area with ample rainfall, watering will be less frequent compared to living in a dry and arid climate. Remember that even within the same geographic location, variations in watering requirements can occur due to seasonal changes and the use of heating and air conditioning indoors. For outdoor planting, once the String of Tears has established its root system, it generally doesn't require additional watering apart from natural precipitation and dew. However, during extended dry periods, occasional watering may be necessary. In areas where the String of Tears can only be grown in a container, the plant can be moved outside during the appropriate temperature conditions in spring and summer, and brought back indoors as temperatures begin to drop. When kept outdoors in a pot, the String of Tears typically requires more water due to increased sun exposure, even when placed on a shaded porch.

To best water your String of Tears, it's recommended to soak it completely and then let it dry out before watering it again. This plant can handle periods of drought, so it's okay to let it get quite dry before watering. It's always safer to underwater rather than overwater this type of plant. When you do water it, make sure to thoroughly soak the soil throughout the entire pot. Avoid pouring water in just one spot; instead, try to distribute it evenly around the entire rim of the planter. The amount of water needed will depend on the size of your container and how quickly the soil absorbs water. When watering, allow the drained water to sit in the saucer for about 20-30 minutes to help the dry pockets of soil absorb it, and then discard any excess water to prevent waterlogging. Bottom-watering is also a great method for String of Tears, as it ensures the soil is thoroughly moistened. This involves placing the pot in a saucer of water and allowing the soil to absorb moisture through the drainage holes. You'll know the soil has absorbed enough water when the top layer feels moist. This method takes a bit more time than top-watering, but it guarantees an even distribution of water throughout the pot. The original habitat of the String of Tears is dry with sporadic rain, so mimicking this environment by bottom-watering when the soil is completely dry is beneficial. Giving your plant a deep soil soaking is better than frequent, light watering.

String of Tears requires more than 6 hours of sunlight daily to be categorized under full sun exposure. If it receives about 3-6 hours of sunlight, it falls under partial sun. It's important to observe the movement of sunlight through your garden to find spots that offer a perfect balance of light and shade, ensuring your plants' growth and happiness.

String of Tears flourishes in environments with ample light each day, but it can also tolerate lower light levels. Originating from areas with abundant light, insufficient sunlight can limit its growth, while too much direct exposure may damage its leaves. If natural light is inadequate, especially during winter or in spaces with less sunlight, artificial lighting can be a great alternative. LED lights, set at specific distances and wattages depending on the plant's needs, can support healthy growth by mimicking natural sunlight conditions.

When String of Tears does not receive enough light, it might show symptoms such as leggy growth, lighter-colored new leaves, or chlorosis, where leaves lose their green color and turn yellow—indicating chlorophyll and nutrient deficiency. Exposure to excessive sunlight can cause sunscald, leaf curling as a protective measure, wilting due to increased water loss, and leaf scorching, where leaves develop brown, dry patches. These symptoms highlight the importance of providing the right lighting conditions.

To optimize your String of Tears' growth, gradually increase its sunlight exposure until it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. For indoor plants, south-facing windows are ideal. If the plant is too large or not easily movable, artificial light can supplement its light intake. For outdoor plants, avoid sudden light intensity changes to prevent sunburn. If sunlight is blocked, pruning or relocating the plant might be necessary. It's vital to note that parts of the plant damaged by insufficient light may not recover, but new growth should be healthy following these adjustments.

String of Tears, scientifically known as Senecio citriformis, thrives in temperatures ranging from 20 to 38°C (68 to 100.4°F). This plant prefers to be kept within this temperature range for optimal growth. If the temperature falls below 20°C (68°F) or rises above 38°C (100.4°F), the plant may begin to suffer. During winter, it enters a dormant state and should be brought indoors if temperatures drop below 0°C to avoid cold damage. In such cases, placing it near a south-facing window for maximum sunlight exposure, or using supplemental lighting if natural light is insufficient, is recommended. Watering should be reduced or halted when temperatures are low to prevent root rot.

In low temperatures, especially during winter when temperatures drop below 0°C, String of Tears should be moved indoors to prevent cold damage. If the temperature falls below -5°C, the plant might become weak, wilt, and be prone to root rot. In the event of mild frost damage, symptoms might not be immediately visible, but the plant could start to wither after a week. The best course of action is to trim off any frostbitten areas, check for root rot, and if necessary, propagate healthy cuttings. Relocating the plant to a warm environment near a south-facing window ensures it gets ample sunlight. If sunlight is insufficient, consider supplemental lighting to encourage recovery.

During the summer, or when temperatures exceed the plant's tolerance, going above 38°C (100.4°F) and especially beyond 43°C (109.4°F), String of Tears stops growing, loses water, wilts, and may suffer from sunburn. To aid recovery during such times of stress, it's advised to remove any sunburned or rotten parts and protect the plant from direct afternoon sunlight until it shows signs of recovery. In instances of root rot, watering should be suspended until the plant begins to grow new roots. It's crucial to monitor the plant's condition closely and adjust care to mitigate the impact of high temperatures.

Fertilizing String of Tears helps add nutrients to the growing medium. While it already stores water and nutrients, applying plant food during the growing season promotes healthy growth and can also encourage mature specimens to produce blooms.

For most plants, extra nutrients are beneficial. However, the String of Tears plant only requires a small amount of fertilizer during its growing season. It is recommended to fertilize this plant 1-2 times a year, specifically in the spring and autumn, when it is active. Avoid fertilizing it in the winter and summer when it is dormant. If you have recently repotted the plant, use less fertilizer and wait a few months before applying any.

String of Tears, like most plants, has a dormancy period when you should avoid using fertilizer. This period occurs in the summer and winter when the plant's growth slows down. It is also recommended to not fertilize for the first few months after repotting in the spring.

To properly fertilize String of Tears, it is recommended to use a liquid plant food specifically made for succulents and cacti. Dilute the fertilizer with water to half-strength to prevent it from accumulating in the soil. Apply the fertilizer at the base of the plant, making sure to water it thoroughly. Make sure any excess moisture drains from the container or is absorbed into the ground.

When fertilizing String of Tears, it is simpler to use liquid plant food compared to granules. Just follow the instructions on the packaging and remember to dilute liquid fertilizers to half-strength. Regardless of whether you choose granules or liquid plant food, always apply it to the soil. Cover the granules with a thin layer of soil and water your plant, regardless of the type of plant food you are using.