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String of Turtles

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Peperomia prostrata

KNOWN AS: String of Turtles, Turtle Vine

CLIMATE (LOCATION): Brazil | Tropical Rainforest

DESCRIPTION: The String of Turtles is a delicate and unique trailing plant. It is named for its small, round leaves that feature a beautiful, intricate pattern resembling a turtle's shell. This plant is an excellent choice for a hanging basket or high shelf, where its beautiful vines can be fully appreciated.

String of Turtles Plant Care

Lighting

Light Requirement: High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

The String of Turtles thrives on bright, indirect light. It needs plenty of light to maintain the vibrant patterns on its leaves. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can easily scorch its leaves. If the plant is in a low-light area, the unique patterns may fade.

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Watering

Quick Tip: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry.

The String of Turtles is a succulent that is highly susceptible to overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Water thoroughly when the top 2 inches of soil are dry to the touch, and allow the excess water to drain from the pot. Reduce watering in the fall and winter.

Temperature

Preferred Temperature: 65º - 80º

The String of Turtles prefers warm, stable temperatures. The ideal range is between 65-80°F. It is sensitive to cold and should be kept away from drafts and sudden temperature changes.

Humidity

Preferred Humidity: 50 - 70%; Moderate/High Humidity

The String of Turtles is a tropical plant that loves high humidity. You can increase the humidity around your plant by using a humidifier, misting its leaves, or placing the pot on a tray of pebbles with water.

Additional Plant Care

Propagation
The easiest way to propagate a String of Turtles is by stem cuttings.Take a cutting of a stem that is a few inches long and has several leaves. Lay the cutting on top of a moist, well-draining soil mix. The roots will form from the leaf nodes.You can gently press the stems into the soil to ensure contact.
Toxicity
The String of Turtles is non-toxic to humans and animals. This plant is safe for households with children and pets.
Repotting
The String of Turtles is a slow grower and prefers to be a bit pot-bound. Repotting is typically only necessary every 1-2 years, or when the plant has outgrown its pot. Select a new pot that is slightly larger than the current one and has drainage holes. Use fresh, well-draining soil. Carefully place the plant in the new pot, filling in the sides with fresh soil.
Pruning
Pruning is a simple task to maintain the shape and health of your String of Turtles.Trim away any dead or damaged stems. You can also snip off stems to encourage a fuller, bushier plant. Use clean, sharp shears to make a cut. The trimmed stems can be used for propagation.
Fertilizer
String of Turtles do not require a lot of fertilizer. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength is ideal. Fertilize once a month during the spring and summer growing season. Do not fertilize during the fall and winter.
Soil
The right soil is crucial for a healthy String of Turtles. The plant requires a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A good mix is potting soil amended with perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage. Always use a pot with a drainage hole to ensure excess water can escape and prevent root rot.

Hanging Heights

String of Turtles Lighting Requirements: High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

A Pink Princess Philodendron isn't the plant you want to experiment on with a pair of dull scissors and no plan. Between the price tag and the fact that its pink coloring can be a little unpredictable, it's fair to feel more cautious cutting into this one than you would a pothos. The good news is that propagating a Pink Princess is genuinely simple once you understand the one thing that trips most people up: the pink pattern on your cutting isn't guaranteed to look exactly like the parent plant.

If your plant hasn't put out a new leaf in a while, or the leaves it is growing are small, pale, and spaced far apart on a stretched-out stem, it can feel like it's just stalled for no reason. It's not. Slow or leggy growth is almost always your plant telling you something specific, and once you know what to look for, the fix is usually simple.

If your Monstera's new leaves keep coming in solid, round, and nothing like the dramatic split leaves you've seen on other people's plants, you're probably wondering what you're doing wrong. Likely nothing. Leaf splitting, technically called fenestration, depends on a handful of specific conditions coming together, and when even one of them isn't quite right yet, your Monstera will keep producing solid leaves until it is.