I've been bottom watering all my succulents, but I recently came across a post suggesting that String of Pearls might actually prefer top watering. I checked the FAQ and it says bottom watering is generally better for quick-draining gritty soil, which makes sense to me. But now I'm wondering if this tip about top watering applies specifically to certain varieties, or is it just that bottom watering can put them at risk for breakage? Thanks for your insights!
3 Answers
I usually bottom water my plants too, but with String of Pearls, I found that top watering actually works better for me. They're a bit sensitive to having their leaves wet, so when I top water, I make sure to pour gently and avoid the leaves. Just be cautious, as they can take longer to hydrate if the soil is dry at the top. It's all about finding what works for your specific plants!
My experience has been that String of Pearls thrives on both methods, but if you want the best results, try bottom watering after a drought period. When they’re super thirsty, I dunk the whole pot in water until it stops bubbling. They seem to love that! But yeah, you can mix it up and top water occasionally to flush out the soil too.
A gardener friend of mine explained that plants often get bottom watered in nurseries, which might be why it’s recommended. However, you can definitely acclimate them to top watering as well. In nature, they experience both, so switching it up won’t hurt!