Plant care guide
String of Pearls Sunburn: Signs, Fixes and Safe Light
Updated
Why does my String of pearls have sunburn?
Sunburn on string of pearls shows as tan, brown or bleached patches on the beads that face the sun, usually soon after a move into stronger light. The scorched beads do not recover, but the strands usually keep growing once the plant is back in bright, indirect light.
What to do first
Move the pot out of direct sun into bright, indirect light, then check whether the mix is bone-dry. Trim strands only where most beads are dead, and raise light gradually next time.
String of pearls is a succulent, so it is easy to assume it wants full sun. In the wild it does not get it. University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension’s string of pearls article notes it often grows under bushes or between rocks, which shelter it from intense sunlight.
That is why a basket hung in a hot window can scorch. The damaged beads will not turn green again, but the plant usually recovers when the light is right.
What Sunburn Looks Like on the Beads
Iowa State University Extension’s succulent problems guide describes sun scald as brown or tan patches on leaves or stems. The main cause is a plant kept in low light for a while, then moved suddenly into bright or direct sun. University of Maryland Extension’s excess light page adds that scorched tissue starts pale, bleached or faded, then turns brown and brittle.
Check the strands for:
- Bleached, tan or brown patches on beads facing the window or sky
- Damage on the top of the pot and the outer strands, while shaded strands stay green
- A recent move outdoors, to a sunnier window, or a season change
- A dry pot at the same time. Maryland says scorch is worse when strong sun meets dry soil
NC State Extension’s Curio rowleyanus profile states it directly: scorching of the leaves can occur from direct sunlight.
Sunburn, Thirst or Rot?
| What you see | More likely cause |
|---|---|
| Tan or brown patches on sun-facing beads, beads still firm | Sunburn |
| Beads flattening or looking slightly shrivelled all over, dry mix | Thirst |
| Soft, mushy beads and stems near the soil, wet mix | Overwatering and root rot |
| Cottony white masses along stems | Mealybugs |
UW–Madison says to water when the leaves start to look a bit shriveled, and that root rot from overwatering is the most common cause of death. NC State notes wilting can come from either underwatering or overwatering. If the beads are soft rather than scorched, treat it as a water problem first. For cottony pests, see our string of pearls mealybug guide.
What to Do Now
- Move it out of direct sun. NC State says indoor plants flourish in bright, indirect sunlight. A spot near a bright window, out of the direct rays, is the target.
- Check the mix. If it is completely dry and the beads look shrivelled, water thoroughly and let it drain. Do not leave the pot in a saucer of water.
- Leave firm green strands alone. Trim a strand only where most beads are brown or dead, using clean scissors.
- Root the healthy tips if a section is badly burned. UW–Madison suggests 8–10 cm (3–4 in) tip cuttings, with the lowest nodes lightly covered in moist mix.
Iowa State notes burned areas will not recover and badly scalded leaves will eventually drop. Stems with scald callus over and keep a scar.
Acclimate Before the Next Move
UW–Madison says indoor string of pearls moved outside for the season must be acclimated gradually to prevent sunburn. It should also be protected from excess rain and brought in before frost.
Iowa State University Extension’s guide to moving plants outdoors says never to move houseplants from indoors straight into full sun. It warns that on succulents, damage to fleshy stems and leaves is permanent. Start in full shade, then add light over 10 to 14 days. NC State recommends partial shade for outdoor plants.
Indoors, recheck the spot when the seasons change. A window that was safe in winter can get hot, direct sun in summer.
Do Not Overcorrect
NC State calls this plant very particular, intolerant of inadequate light as well as poor watering. A dim corner will not help it recover. Keep it bright, just out of hot direct sun.
Our houseplant sunburn guide covers acclimation for other plants. For care across trailing succulents, see our string of pearls, bananas and hearts guide.
Related guides
Other string of pearls problems we cover: underwatering.
References
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Curio rowleyanus
- University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension: String of Pearls, Curio rowleyanus
- Iowa State University Extension: Common Problems and Issues of Succulents
- Iowa State University Extension: Moving Indoor Plants Outside for the Summer
- University of Maryland Extension: Excess Light on Indoor Plants
How this guide was put together: NC State Extension, University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension, Iowa State University Extension and University of Maryland Extension guidance.