String of Turtles

String of Turtles Soil

It is important to note that a commercial potting mix indicated for succulents and cacti is not a suitable choice for the String of Turtles as this plant requires good drainage. However, a mixture of peat or coco coir, perlite, and some incorporations of compost or worm castings is ideal for your plant. The addition of sand will also help to aid in drainage.

String of Turtles Fertilizer

A diluted biweekly feeding from a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season will provide your String of Turtles with all of the vigor and strength it needs to be at its best. Do not fertilize during fall or winter. 

String of Turtles Watering

Being native to the rainforests of Brazil, Peperomia Prostrata likes to remain consistently moist but not oversaturated. Therefore, let the top 2-3 inches of soil dry before rewatering. 

String of Turtles Light Requirements

It is a common mistake with String of Turtles to place the container up high, such as on a bookshelf or hanging from the ceiling, without access to adequate light to the top of the plant to continue new growth. Ensure that your string of turtles receives plenty of bright indirect light. Keep in mind that too much direct sunlight will lead to scorching foliage. 

String of Turtles Temperature & Humidity

Surprisingly, this succulent does not like being kept over 75 degrees Fahrenheit and prefers to be kept between 68 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also very sensitive to being cold, so ensure that you do not place it near cold windows, AC units, or drafts. String of Turtles likes to be kept in above-average humidity. It is best to keep this plant in a bathroom or add a humidifier or pebble tray. 

Repotting String of Turtles

You should repot your String of Turtles every 1-2 years during the spring. Ensure that you are careful handling your String of Turtles during repotting, as they are very delicate plants. String of Turtles likes to stay in small pots, so replant in the same pot or a similar size container. Be sure the pot has drainage holes. Alternatively, you can pot it in a nursery pot and use a cachepot such as a basket to display your plant. Repot your plant, refresh the soil, tamp lightly, water thoroughly, and place in indirect light. 

String of Turtles Maintenance & Pruning

Peperomia Prostrata should be pruned occasionally to keep it from looking leggy and unkempt. Periodically remove damaged, discolored, or dead stems with sharp, clean shears. Pruning will encourage new growth. 

String of Turtles Propagation

You may quickly propagate your String of Turtles plant via cuttings. To propagate, snip off a few stem cuttings below a node that are at least 3 inches long. Remove any lower leaves near the cut stem. Place the cut end into soil or sphagnum moss. Ensure that at least one node falls below the surface of the soil. Water your soil thoroughly and place it in indirect light. Rooting hormone may be used, but it isn’t necessary. Roots should form within a few weeks. 

String of Turtles Toxicity

Coming from the Peperomia genus, String of Turtles is considered non-toxic to humans, cats, and dogs, String of Turtles is safe around your furry friends, however, plants still should not be ingested.

Toxicity to Humans

String of Turtles is considered not toxic to humans.

Toxicity to Cats & Dogs

String of Turtles is considered not toxic to pets, however, don’t let your animals ingest this plant.

String of Turtles Problems

String of Turtles Leaves Turning Yellow

When leaves of String of Turtles turn yellow, it is often due to lack of sunlight or watering issues. 

String of Turtles Leaves Turning Brown

When foliage of String of Turtles turns brown (or red), it is often due to either too much direct sunlight or issues related to overwatering, such as root rot. 

String of Turtles Diseases

While largely disease-resistant, String of Turtles may still suffer issues, often related to overwatering. Root rot is the largest cause of death when it comes to the string of turtles. Ensure that you do not overwater your plant and that you do not allow it to rest in standing water within the plant’s drainage tray. 

String of Turtles Pests

String of Turtles is considered relatively pest-resistant. However, they are not immune to infestation and may become susceptible to common pests such as spider mites, whiteflies, or mealybugs. Isolate your plant and treat it with a pesticide such as a neem oil or insecticidal soap upon identifying an infestation.

FAQ

Is String of Hearts and String of Turtles the Same?

Coming from two separate families, the String of Turtles and the String of Hearts are completely different plants. String of Turtles comes from the Piperaceae family being a Peperomia while the String of Hearts comes from the family Apocynaceae.

OTHER PEPEROMIA RESOURCES:

• Peperomia Guides
• Other Peperomia Plants
• Peperomia Piccolo Banda Plant Guide
• Emerald Ripple Peperomia Plant Guide
• Peperomia Obtusifolia Plant Guide