So you’ve heard a lot of good news about the String of Turtles and can’t wait to lay your hands on them, and possibly grow them in your garden?
The only concern is, are they available in your local plant stores.
Is String of Turtles rare?
The String of Turtles (Peperomia prostrata) was rare since it has to be transported from Brazil, where it was first grown. However, this tiny succulent can now be found in most countries and stores, especially in areas where the climate mimics those found in Brazil.
The truth is that String of Turtles can be difficult to find compared to other plants such as Spider plant or Begonias. This plant tends to grow slowly and reach maturity in 3 to 5 years.
They can be propagated through cuttings any time of year, but are best grown in a hanging pot.
This species is native to the desert and thrives in a warm climate. In order to maintain their optimum growth rate, the soil should be at least 6.5 and pH level.
Where to Buy String of Turtles
There are basically 3 reliable online stores where I have been able to purchase live succulents, including String of Turtles. They are:
How to Identify String of Turtles
The main stem of a string of turtle plants has long, tough leaves that look like turtle shells. This plant needs indirect light to grow well. You can grow it in a hanging pot or a shelf.
This plant grows slowly but is worth it. If you’re wondering if you can grow your own, you’ll want to be sure to get some cuttings.
Then, you can divide them and transplant them to other locations.
String of Turtles Are Easy to Care For
As far as care goes, the plant is relatively easy to maintain. It grows slowly, trailing down the pot.
You may need to change the soil once in a while. The plant can survive under fluorescent or artificial lights, so it’s a good idea to keep its soil as dry as possible.
A few weeks of growing and harvesting will make it worth the effort. This plant doesn’t have much need for water.
Grow String of Turtles in a Peat-Rich Soil
If you’re planning to grow this plant, you must prepare a growing medium rich in peat.
Commercial seed starting mix will contain peat and other nutrients for the plants to grow well.
Adding peat to the soil will make it neutral to slightly acidic, which is perfect for this plant.
It’s also important to ensure that the soil is a well-drained one as the roots will need the right nutrients to survive.
The plant has a moderately high humidity requirement, which is why they are best kept in a sunny location with moderate humidity. In a sunny room, they can survive on an average amount of humidity.
They can survive under low humidity, but they don’t thrive in hot conditions. Despite the high price, a growing string of turtles is easy to maintain and very adaptable. Soil-rich soils are a must-have for the plant.
Watering Your String of Turtles
These plants are relatively easy to care for. They need to be kept in a humid environment that is moist.
They do not grow well in direct sunlight and must be watered every other day. The plant will need a small amount of water to survive.
A humidity level of approximately 8% is ideal. If you’re growing this plant in a humid environment, you will need to buy a humidity monitor.
Avoid South-Facing Windows
Unlike many other plants, a string of turtles requires no special care. However, it is best to avoid south-facing windows because the plant can develop harmful spider mites.
You can use GE grow lights to provide the correct amount of light for your turtles.
You can also use compact fluorescent bulbs, which are a better choice for outdoor growing. If you have an open window in your house, you should consider placing your Turtles under shade or a greenhouse.
To improve the environment, you can cover the windowsill with a 40% shade cloth.
When it comes to planting your turtle plant, make sure the soil is moist and rich in peat. While it is important to provide moisture to your plant, the right amount of sunlight can help it grow. Keep the leaves moist to keep them healthier.
String of Turtles Requires a Soil pH of 6.5
The ideal pH level for your turtles is around 6.5. It is best to mist your plants every day to promote faster growth. It is also important to remove all debris and weeds from their environment.
If you are new to plant maintenance, you should know that string of turtles plant needs regular watering.
The only problem is that many first-timers forget to check the individual watering requirements of their plants.
This method tends to dry out the plant, causing it to die. In order to keep your Turtles Plant happy, avoid over-watering it. You can keep it moist by using the “soak and dry” technique, which will ensure proper watering in dormant months.
When it comes to potting the turtle plant, you need to choose a well-drained container with good drainage. If you do not have drainage holes, you should choose a pot with higher water content.
Be sure to add a layer of peat to the bottom of the pot, so that the water stays where it belongs. After potting your turtles, be sure to check the soil’s pH levels regularly.
String of Turtles and Sunlight Requirements
In addition to watering your Turtles, they also need a bit of sunlight. The sunlight can make them grow faster, but you must watch for the minimum amount of exposure.
If you want to reduce the risk of the plant dying, then you should remove the top layer of the soil and water from the bottom. As a rule, the top two inches of soil in a turtle plant should remain moist.
Repot String of Turtles Every 2 Years
A diluted mixture will cause the turtle to die before it can grow. This plant will need to be repotted every two years. These are slow-growing succulents with thin roots. Repotting a turtle can stress the fragile roots.
For this reason, you should repot in the springtime. During the summer, repotted plants should be fed diluted liquid fertilizers. After repotting, you should watch out for any signs of disease. And don’t forget to check the plant’s color.
Replacing a Turtle String is relatively easy and can be done by hand. To care for a string of turtles, use a good potting mix and a pair of gloves. A potting mix that is too acidic may cause the plant to not grow properly.
A turtle string can be replanted by hand, but it is best to follow proper instructions for safety and health.
The plant will need to be in bright indirect light and replanted every two years.
To get a healthy plant, you need to repot it properly after it has grown a couple of years. If you’re worried about the process, you can ask a friend or family member to help you.
Conclusion
The String of Turtles is a semi-succulent plant that requires minimal care. It needs a bright window, but it shouldn’t be placed in full sunlight.
For best results, choose a window that faces north. Ideally, the plants should have well-drained soil.
As for the turtle’s roots, they have a shallow root system. It is best to plant them in a pot with drainage holes in the sides.