String of Turtles: Complete Grow & Care Guide

You may want to get a String of Turtles if you are fond of plants that perform well in normal household conditions.

The beauty this plant offers to your decor is undeniably aesthetic, but there are several conditions that you must meet for your String of Turtles to flourish fully.

Generally, the String of Turtles prefers 4-8 hours of bright indirect sunlight, a temperature of 65-90°F, and a humidity of 40-50%. It requires weekly watering, fertilizer during the growing season, repotting every 1-2 years, and pruning once a year or as per requirement.

Any plant parent will be willing to do anything to do right with this beautiful String of Turtles.

Here is a comprehensive care guide for String of Turtles on the care and propagation.

Overview of String of Turtles

The String of Turtles are native to the Brazilian rainforest and thrive in warm conditions, but you don’t have to worry because they can quickly adapt to most indoor environments.

The String of Turtle has a slow growth rate and takes three to five years to mature fully.

It can also be a perfect plant if you have limited growing space.

Also, It is highly valued for its beautiful leaves, creating a dazzling cascading effect.

Let us have a quick overview of the plant to know them better.

Indicator	Identity
Botanical Name	Peperomia prostrata
Common Name	String of Turtles, Trailing Peperomia
Family	Piperaceae
Native	Rainforests of Brazil
Nature	Climbing and Semi-succulent
USDA Zone	10 to 12
Flower	Small white spike-like flowers
Season	All year round
Mature Size	12 inches long and 3-4 inches wide
Foliage	Green leaves with turtle shell resemblance
Toxicity	Non toxic to pets and children
Common Pests	Mealybugs, Thrips, Scales, and Spider Mites
Common Diseases	Root Rot Disease, Bacterial Blight, Black Nose Disease, Phytophthora, etc.

The String of Turtles: Ultimate Grow & Care Guide

The String of Turtles requires low maintenance, so the newbie plant lovers with little experience or no experience can grow it well.

Furthermore, it thrives in average indoor temperatures and humidity, requiring only occasional watering.

Although vining plants are easy to care for, here is a quick table with the brief requirements.

Parameters	Optimum Condition
Sunlight	4-8 hours of bright indirect sunlight
Watering	7-10 days during summer and spring, once a month during winter
Temperature	65 - 90°F
Humidity	40-50%
Soil Mix	Well-Draining Potting soil enriched with organic components
Fertilization	Mild fertilizer every month during the growing season
Repotting	Once in 1-2 years
Pruning	Once a year or as per requirement
Propagation	Stem Cuttings, Seeds Germination

Now, let us discuss one by one for a better understanding and proper care of the plant.

1. Adequate Sunlight and Proper Location

The String of Turtles thrives best in a well-lit position facing east or south.

The absence of light will have a negative impact on the flowers and the color of their foliage.

The vines will also become lanky and unappealing. Hence, you must avoid low lights.

Therefore, to grow ideally, String of Turtles requires intense indirect light for at least 4-6 hours daily.

There is no going back after etiolation, and it is a plant’s way of reaching toward the light source.

So, the plant enthusiast must be cautious from the start.

Hence, keep your plant in a location that offers enough light and air. Usually, near a window that provides filtered light is the best choice.

Also, if your String of Turtles is exposed to direct sunshine for more than 8 hours every day, their leaves may turn red.

Furthermore, the String of Turtles has chlorophyll and carotenoid pigment in its leaves.

Direct and long hours of exposure to sunlight can break and change the molecular structure of these photon-capturing molecules.

Therefore, the pigment lessens, and the discoloration to red persists in the String of Turtles.

Hence, keep your String of Turtles in a shady place to avoid red leaves.

Signs of Low Light	Signs of Extreme Light
It causes stunted, leggy, and dull growth.	It causes a high transpiration rate, and leaves start to curl.
Leaves appear bleached, yellow, disclosed, and smaller in size.	Extreme heat breakdowns the chlorophyll, so the leaves appear pale or discolored.
Low chlorophyll leads to less pigmented leaves.	Burning of leaf and leaf scorch.

Tips to Provide Adequate Sunlight To String of Turtles

• Relocate the plant or use sheer curtains if the sun is blistering hot in the summer.
• Maintain a safe distance between the plant and the window to avoid direct sunlight.
• To avoid frost, bring your plant indoors and care for it under artificial grow light during the winter.
• During the winter, two hours of early sunlight can help the plant recover.
• You can change the location or rotate your plant regularly to encourage compact, steady growth.

If you are using artificial grow lights, ensure to provide your plant with about 8-12 hours of full-spectrum light.

2. Infrequent Watering

The String of Turtles prefers their roots to be dry. It requires appropriate aeration through the soil, and the plant despises damp and sloppy soil.

As a result, watering every day or frequently is not the best for your plant.

So, water the String of Turtles once a week, or the top 2-3 inches of soil gets completely dry.

Further, if the plant is over-watered, root rot is more prone to occur because the String of Turtles is essentially succulent.

Therefore, do not let the roots stay in soggy and wet soil.

Tip: You can use the stick method to prevent watering issues – take a dry stick and insert it 2-3 inches deep in the soil. If it comes dry, the soil lacks moisture and needs watering.

Your plant will show signs by indicating whether you have under or over-watered them.

Overwatered Plant	Underwatered Plant
Yellowing, limping, and droopy foliage	Wilted and crispy leaves
Decayed lower roots	Brown leaf edges
Slowed plant growth	Curled and browned leaves
Root Rot	Stunted foliage growth

Tips to Water Strings of Turtles Correctly

• Water the plant once a week or every ten days.
• Check the soil before watering the plant. Only water the plant if the top three inches of soil are dry; otherwise, wait till it dries out.
• Water the plant once a month during dormancy.
• The self-watering system can significantly help water your plant in time.
• Use a soil moisture meter to determine soil moisture.
• When watering, ensure the excess water drains through the container’s drainage holes.

If you follow these instructions as mentioned above following the plant’s symptoms, your plant won’t face any watering issues.

3. Warmer Temperature

The String of Turtles is a gorgeous warm-weather plant that grows fast in the summer and spring.

As a result, the best temperature for String of Turtles is between 65 – 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Since the plant prefers warmer temperatures, it performs well in the hardiness zone of 10 to 12.

However, it can survive lower temperatures for a brief period, not for long.

You’ll notice a slowdown in its growth at temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. During the winter season, be more attentive in case of temperature.

As the String of Turtles cannot survive temperatures below 40°F, bring them inside if you have placed them indoors.

Signs of Temperature Issues in String of Turtles

• Yellowing of strings and falling off of leaves
• Discoloration of strings and leaves
• Dry leaf edges

Tips to Maintain Ideal Temperature for String of Turtles

• Choose a well-lit spot with enough indirect light for the plant.
• Increase the humidity around the plant when the temperature rises.
• Bring your plant indoors during the winter and keep it away from drafty windows, air conditioning, and heating vents.
• You can use Mini greenhouse to help bypass the cold in the cold.
• You can use heating pads if the temperature is extremely low. 
• Frost blankets can work as shields to protect your plants from cold.

Suppose you see any indicators of temperature extremes, such as yellowing, darkening of leaves and strings, or dry edges. Follow the instructions above to help your plant thrive.

4. Moderate Humidity

Although most indoor plants suffer from low humidity, the String of Turtles plant is an exception.

The string of Turtles thrives easily in average indoor humidity within 40-50% of the relative humidity.

The String of Turtles’ leaves can store water for later use, and the plant can endure low humidity for some time.

The leaves start turning brown if the humidity is relatively low for the plant. You’ll need to boost the moisture level immediately.

If the humidity is constantly changing, you should be very careful. Your plant may show some specific symptoms.

Signs of Low Humidity	Signs of High Humidity
Shriveling of leaves	Mold or mildew growth on the plant
Leaves turning brown and crispy	Infections with fungi
Leaves and stalks show wilting	Patches of grey mold
Yellow leaves may begin to fall	Excessive humidity can show Growth of mold on the pot and potting soil as well

If you notice any of the above indications and symptoms, maintain the humidity by following the below steps.

Tips to Maintain Suitable Humidity

• A humidifier can help increase your space’s humidity levels, and a hygrometer can help you keep track of humidity levels.
• Simply lay a pebble tray filled with water beneath your leaf.
• Consider misting the leaves when you see signs of low humidity.
• Air circulation can assist any surplus moisture escape through proper room ventilation.
• In the winter, move your plant to areas of your home with higher humidity, such as kitchens or bathrooms.

Note: The longer the moisture stays on the leaf’s surface, the higher the fungal and bacterial growth chance.

5. Well Draining Soil Mix

Your String of Turtles will sit in a particular potting mix until you repot them. It’s critical to get the consistency just right.

Also, a considerable amount of organic matter is essential to add to the mix to help with moisture retention and plant nutrition.

The String of Turtles requires an airy, high-porosity, and well-draining potting soil.

It is equally important to have a balanced soil pH if you want your String of Turtles to thrive well. Soil pH is responsible for nutrient absorption and toxin filtration.

The string of Turtles adores slightly acidic to neutral soil pH. Hence, maintain soil pH at 6-6.5 for their best growth.

You can also make your potting mix for your String of Turtles. Personally, I prefer making my soil mix as I can control the quality of the soil.

• One part of Grave
• One part Grit
• One part Perlite
• One part Coarse Sand and,
• Two part Coir

Avoid using regular garden soil as it is highly compacted and reduces soil aeration.

Further, if you are looking for commercially available potting mixes, here are some recommendations.

• Miracle-Gro Potting Mix – Blended for a wide variety of container
• Hoffman Soil Mix – Organic Cactus and Succulent potting mix
• Dr. Earth Pot of Gold  – All Purpose Potting soil
• Fertilome Mix – Cactus and Succulents Potting soil mix

6. Monthly Fertilization in Growing Season

Fertilization is crucial for any plant because of all the necessary nutrients it offers. However, correct quantity and correct timing are required. 

Provide your String of Turtles with a mild N-P-K fertilizer to aid its overall growth during its growing season.

In the winter, you can even stop feeding the plants as the plant won’t grow much in the cold.

Furthermore, over-fertilization can produce tip bending and browning of the leaves and leaf edges in String of Turtles.

You cannot identify this as a disease in itself. However, it is common in String of Turtles where the soil has salt buildup. 

To avoid salt buildup, fertilize only once a month at the proper dose.

You can buy organic fertilizers from the store or utilize manure and handmade compost regularly.

Commercially, you can buy the fertilizers below for your String of Turtles,

• Dr. Earth Nitro fertilizer – N.P.K ratio (3-0-1)
• Purived liquid fertilizer – N.P.K ratio (4-5-5)
• Perfect Plants liquid fertilizer – N.P.K ratio (9-3-6)

The three numbers in the above fertilizer denote nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N.P.K).

If your plant is showing symptoms like mentioned below, then consider you have over or fertilized your plant.

Signs of Under-fertilization	Signs of Over-fertilization
Faint and pale foliage	Leaves start turning brown
Frail stem	Withering of lower leaves
Yellowing of leaves	Stem starts turning yellow and the leaves start wilting
Falling off of leaves	Fertilizer crusts and salt buildup on the soil surface and roots
Slow plant growth or stunted growth	Leaf tips and margins start to turn brown

Tips for fertilizing String of Turtles Appropriately

• To begin, start with nitrogen-rich plant fertilizers and slow-release fertilizers.
• You can just dilute a general-purpose fertilizer to half strength and use it.
• To avoid root burns, keep the fertilizer solution 6 inches away from the plant’s base while applying it.
• Your plant only requires fertilizer during the growing season.
• Moisture aids in the absorption of nutrients. Before fertilizing the plant, I recommend that you water it first.

Note: If the salt accumulation is excessively high, you can use  Osmcote 14-14-14 or Nutricote 13-13-13 to balance the adverse effects caused by over-fertilization.

Organic Fertilizers for String of Turtles

Here are some organic fertilizers that you can use at home.

Eggshells: Because eggshells are calcium-rich, they offer calcium to the plants.

Vegetable byproducts: Vegetables are nutrient-dense. It can be the best organic fertilizer for your plants after it decomposes.

Garlic and onion Skin: Both skins are high in potassium and can help with disease resistance.

Chicken/Fish Bones: Phosphorous is abundant in both chicken and fish bones.

7. Annual Pruning

The trailing vines are the Strings of Turtles’ defining feature and don’t require substantial trimming.

The String of Turtles enjoys the annual grooming to enhance the beauty and get rid of naturally old vines.

Similarly, you can also consider pruning them if their growth is stunted or dull.

Pruning encourages new growth and might fill the sluggish growth with a young green freshness.

Therefore, clip off any discolored or decaying foliage at the end of the winter or the beginning of the spring.

To avoid infection, you should use a disinfected pair of scissors.

Pro Tip: Early summer is the best time for pruning off the String of Turtles.

Tips to Prune String of Turtles

• Use clean and sterile tools to avoid contamination.
• Also, consider using a sharp pruning instrument to obtain a clean cut without stressing the plant.
• First, cut off the dead, yellow, and diseased leaves and stems.
• Avoid pruning the plant when it is actively growing. It slows the growth of the plant.
• Avoid any kind of injury to the plant.

Pro Tip: Avoid pruning more than 25% of the plant at a time.

8. Potting and Repotting

This may sound weird, but String of Turtles benefits from partial root binding because it promotes string expansion.

For String of Turtles, repot once in 2 to 3 years, with a slightly larger pot than the preceding pot.

Because String of Turtles is a semi-succulent plant, it does best in terracotta or clay pots rather than plastic ones.

Repotting is only done for the String of Turtles if it is necessary. Otherwise, it can go for a year or two without repotting.

Signs to Repot your String of Turtles

• Your String of Turtles’ roots is poking through the drainage holes in the pot.
• Due to a lack of area for establishing roots, the plant begins to lift itself from the pot.
• The soil is always wet and holds an excessive amount of moisture.
• Strings show signs of stunted development.
• If the leaves turn yellow or brown for a more extended period.

Instruments Required to Repot String of Turtles

Check the table below for the tools required while repotting String of Turtles.

Materials Required	Specification
Fresh potting mix	To prepare soil mix for planting
Gardening Gloves	To avoid hands getting dirty and also to avoid infection
Pruning shears	To cut extended roots and leaves
Garden trowel	To take soil out and pour in the pot
Garden Fork	To loosen and turn over soil
Planting Pots	For planting the plant

Steps to Repot String of Turtles

• Water the plant before repotting. It’s because repotting a damp lump of soil is considerably more manageable.
• Carefully remove the plant from its present container.
• Prune the roots and shoot if there is an infection. Use sterilized pruning shears for the purpose.
• Add potting soil after placing the String of Turtles in the center of the pot. With your fingertips, gently firm the potting soil.
• Use just enough fresh potting soil in the new pot to bring the plant’s root ball to an inch or less below the pot’s edge.
• Water the plant thoroughly and keep it in a suitable spot.

Note: The plant may appear wiled and dropped due to transplant shock. It will revive naturally after a couple of days when it adapts successfully.

Growth Habit and Flowering

The String of Turtles is a little plant with a modest growth rate. They take at least three to five years to reach full maturity.

Further, the plant also has a vining habit and generates a lovely, rich canopy of greenery.

The String of Turtles can grow up to 12 inches long and 3-4 inches wide when fully mature.

Flowers of String of Turtles are usually small and inconspicuous. Further, they resemble spike-like buds that are tiny and white and have no scent.

Although the plant blooms all year, most people pluck the small flowers because the leaves are more attractive than flowers.

Toxicity of String of Turtles

The String of Turtles is not only beautiful but also kind to you and your pets.

The String of Turtles is non-toxic to people and pets.

As nibbled plants don’t look attractive or healthy, you may want to place the String of Turtles out of reach of your pets, especially your cat.

If children eat the leaves, it is common to have stomach distress or a change in taste. There is nothing to worry about.

Propagation Methods for String of Turtles

Everyone wants their home to have the perfect hanging plant with a turtle shell appearance. Anyone would be enticed by its decor and charm.

Furthermore, you can quickly multiply String of Turtles through stem cuttings or seed germination propagation.

Stem cuttings are easy to propagate; all you need is a suitable propagation procedure and some patience.

Harvesting seeds can be time-consuming, but it is simple, and you can sow as many new germinations as you choose.

Be cautious while choosing a mother plant or the string – you don’t want any unhealthy strings interfering with the propagation process.

Essential Materials for String of Turtles Propagation

Before the propagation, you may want to make some preparations.

Materials Required	Purpose
Gardening Knife	For stem cutting
Gardening Gloves	For safety
Potting Mix	Potting Medium
Perlite	For extra drainage
Rooting Hormone	For best growth
Terracotta Pot with a Drainage Hole	Well draining organic pottig mix
Humidifier	To maintain the humidity

Propagation of String of Turtles Via Stem Cuttings

In the instance of String of Turtles, you’ve got a lot of strings and stems from experimentation, even if you’re a beginner plant parent.

Stem propagation must be the most frequent way of propagating houseplants with strings.

You can begin taking stem cuttings when the plant is actively growing in the spring or early summer.

Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Prepare the Stem Cutting

• First, choose the stem or string from which you want to grow multiple String of Turtles.
• To disinfect your pruning shears, use ethanol or 70% isopropyl alcohol.
• Make sure to choose a string that is good in shape and free of pests or discoloration.
• Just above the leaf nodule, cut. Make sure each cutting has at least one node.
• Remove any extra leaves. On your 5- 15 cm long string, you can only keep 2-3 leaves.

Step 2: Select the Propagation Medium

You can use either water or soil medium to root your String of Turtles.

Propagation in Water Medium

Propagating String of Turtles from freshly cut stems in water is the easiest.

• Fill a clean, clear jar halfway with chlorine-free filtered water.
• Add liquid rooting hormone to the water or apply rooting hormone powder to the fresh cutting to enhance the rooting process.
• Place the cutting in the water and keep it somewhere warm with bright indirect sunlight.
• Replace the water every 4-6 days as the water becomes prone to fungal and bacterial growth.
• New roots can grow after 2-3 weeks, along with the fresh leaves.

Once the String of Turtles roots to an inch in length, you can transplant them to a soil medium pot or simply let it grow as long as you want.

Propagation in Soil Medium

Preparing potting mix is the first and most crucial step for soil propagation.

• Begin by preparing a small container with a diameter of around 2-3 inches.
• Prepare a potting mix with peat moss, vermiculite, and coco coir as your plant requires.
• You can also add pebbles at the bottom of the pot to help with drainage.
• Allow the soil to sit a little after thoroughly moistening the mixture with water.
• Apply a rooting hormone to the cuttings before placing them in the potting medium.
• Allow at least 4-6 weeks or more for new roots and leaves to emerge.

Propagation of String of Turtles Via Seeds

After the String of Turtles blooms, you must wait for the seed to mature.

You can harvest the seeds once they mature. Therefore, collect the seeds by the end of summer and start the germination in early spring.

Tips for Growing Strings of Turtles from Seeds

• Soak the String of Turtles seeds overnight in filtered water in a small container to break the dormancy
• Maintain a wet soil mix that drains well. The seed prefers wet cocopeat as a growing media.
• Put the necessary number of seeds in the soil and gently press them down.
• You don’t have to bury the seeds entirely. Keep them half or two-thirds buried.
• Maintain a favorable environment for growth. You may sprout the seeds using a heating mat. Alternatively, wrap the grow dish with clear plastic to hasten germination.

• Because the moisture in the plastic beads makes some holes to let air through, the plant needs oxygen to survive.
• To avoid pressure and force on germinating seed, use a spray bottle instead of pouring water directly on it. However, don’t keep the soil damp all of the time.
• Lastly, check on the seedling progress and give them a new pot as they mature.

Are you looking for propagation ways for your other houseplants as well? Read on: Propagation Methods for Hoya Pubicalyx, Propagating Monstera Subpinnata, and Propagation Methods for Anthurium Cobra.

Common Problems of String of Turtles

Among many, here are some common problems you can face as a String of Turtles parent. 

Pests Infestation

Even though String of Turtles is normally pest-free, specific bugs will find their way to your plants no matter how much care you give them.

The most common pests that feed on this plant are Mealybugs, Thrips, Scales, and Spider Mites.

Therefore, here is a table containing more information about these bugs and their symptoms.