INSIDE : Learn everything you need to know for beautiful healthy String of Turtles Plant Care! Tips like their watering needs, ideal light requirements and how they get their turtle name. Start growing healthy Peperomia prostrata today.
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I have long been a fan of String of Pearls. I love their plump trailing pearls and the ease at which they grow. So, when I started hearing about a new but somewhat similar plant… String of Turtles I was very intrigued!
Although they have a similar name, their look and needs are different.
Peperomia prostrata
Peperomia prostrata, is a succulent from Brazil. Often called turtle strings, the plant’s small, circular leaves give a unique feel to any space it lives in. It’s dainty looking leaves makes this plant a favorite for container gardens.
Unlike most succulents, String of Turtles has a slow growth rate. Because of this, it is a great apartment or small home plant.
String of Turtles care
String of Turtle care is easier than you may think. Let’s get into some of the basic care tips below.
What are the best growing conditions for Turtle Strings?
String of Turtles are a fairly easy plant to care for, but being tropical succulent there are some important take aways that should be noted.
What supplies do I need to grow String of Turtles?
Plant Moisture Meter | Pruning Shears | String of Turtles plant | Pot | Spray Bottle
How often should I water my String of Turtles?
While String of Turtles prefer slightly moist conditions, they tend to suffer from overwatering more than they do dry conditions. Since they hold moisture in their thick leaves, make sure to check that the soil has dried out before watering again.
Make sure the pot has drainage holes, water well, then let the soil dry out between waterings.
Bottom-watering is always another way to ensure you don’t over water your plant.
Do String of Turtles like full sun?
String of Turtles do best with bright indirect sunlight. You can learn more about the best sunlight levels for houseplants here.
Ideally String of Turtles like about 2-3 hours of bright sunlight but try to avoid direct sun exposure. Too much direct sunlight can result in their delicate leaves getting sunburn.
If your plant starts to become stringy however with long distances between their leaves, this is an indication of not enough sunlight.
Soil Preferences
Most succulents like premixed soils that has been formulated especially for succulents and cacti, these premixes should not be used for string of turtles plants.
Instead, a mix consisting mainly of organic matter should be used. Soil that is rich in organic matter, has good drainage, and is light and loose is best for String of Turtles.
Avoid potting soils that have moisture retaining crystals, as they can keep the soil wet for too long which can cause root damage.
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How did String of Turtles get it’s name?
If you look closely at your plant’s leaves… they look like the shell of a turtle all strung together.
Each leaf has intricate patterns covering it’s surface. The leaves of a Peperomia prostrata are a wonderful addition to any indoor houseplant collection.
Love plants like I do? You might like some of my other Plant Care + Tip posts.
How big do String of Turtles get?
String of Turtles are slow growers with their mature size being about 4″ in height and a trailing vine around 1′ – 2′ feet’ long. The stems will grow out in all directions around the pot, creating a thick mat of leaves covering the sides.
Will my String of Turtles bloom?
Once your plant has settled in your home, you can expect it to bloom about once or twice a year. Their blooms are small, a bit spiky, and white. They appear on the plant between the leaves.
Looking for some other plants? Check these out…