The String of Turtles (Peperomia Prostrata) is a beautiful vining plant with succulent leaves. Its round, dark green foliage marked with white veins creates a pattern reminiscent of a turtle shell–– the reason for its charming name. Show
This technically semi-succulent houseplant makes a great addition to any windowsill or terrarium because of its small footprint and striking appearance. Plant care for String of Turtles is simple, and displaying this indoor plant on a hanging basket in your home will justify any needed time and attention. In this blog post, we’re looking at the process for growing this amazing houseplant successfully. Help us grow! This post contains affiliate links, which means we receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. All opinions however are our own and we do not accept payments for positive reviews. Table of Contents
String of Turtles Plant DetailsThe following sections will provide an in-depth look into the vast world of growing String of Turtles plants, which are considered semi-rare in some circles. If you don’t have enough time for a long read, we’ll add the quick facts below. For your convenience, reference the bulleted information. If you do need more details, though, you can scroll down and see full tips, guides, and recommendations. The Peperomia Prostrata does need some particular care, but attention to detail is well worth the beautiful addition to your home. String Of Turtles For Sale?Though the String of Turtles is rare in the United States, you can buy Peperomia Prostrata through Etsy, one of the best places to purchase houseplants online. It feels great to checkout with one of these small beauties! Here are some of the top-rated sites to find the String of Turtles plant for sale. Amazon, which is pretty new to the houseplant space, also has some decent String of Turtles options: How Much Does String Of Turtles Cost?In terms of houseplants, Peperomia prostrata is pretty inexpensive. You’ll likely pay between $10 and $30, depending on if the seller is including shipping. At a nursery, you may pay slightly more than the base amount – but you don’t have to worry about shipping costs. String of Turtles was once pretty rare, but with the recent houseplant craze that’s sweeping the nation, it should be easy to find either online or through a garden center/nursery. Checking a home improvement store or local nursery is worth the trip, though String of Turtles can be hard to come by. If you can’t find one at a local retailer, internet shopping is a simple alternative. Variegated String Of TurtlesThis variegated variety of the String of Turtles plant is bit rarer than its counterpart. On the succulent-like leaves, you may observe little spots of white or pink variegation. If you choose to purchase this variation of the classic peperomia string of turtles, the care guide listed below will be very similar for water, soil, and humidity needs. That said, because it is variegated, it likely needs more light to keep its stripes. You can see some variegated options for sale on Etsy.  String of Turtles Plants: Family & OriginPeperomia Prostratais a vining plant with succulent leaves that is more commonly known as the String of Turtles but is sometimes referred to as the Magic Marmer. Its round, dark green foliage marked with white veins creates a pattern reminiscent of a turtle shell–– its namesake. It comes from the Peperomia genus and Piperaceae family. Native to Brazillian rainforests, this technically semi-succulent houseplant makes a great addition to any window sill or terrarium because of its small footprint and striking appearance. Since peperomia string of turtles is a succulent plant and a tropical plant, it loves high humidity.
String of Turtles TraitsPeperomia Prostrata is unusual in its scientific family as a trailing vine with thick and round succulent leaves, with dark green foliage marked by white veins. The white veins can even turn from dark blue to silver and purple as the plant grows older. Peperomia Prostrata’s deep green variegated leaves with light, white veining, hold enough sap to retain moisture. Space out waterings since it’s built to store water through dry periods and has a shallow root system. Though the String of Turtle plant does produce flowers, they are often few and unremarkable. They are small and white, spike-like buds that don’t have a fragrance. The plant will bloom year-round, but the Peperomia Prostrata plant is known for its vining leaves, so most people remove the insignificant flowers. Don’t worry if you don’t see much flowering on your plant. Fun Fact About String Of TurtlesThe String of Turtles plant is considered pretty delicate, and you’ll likely see pieces of its stem break off from the mother plant. Have no fear! These small cuttings can actually be used to make another peperomia plant! See our section below on how to propagate this beautiful houseplant. String of Turtles CarePlant care for String of Turtles is simple, and it can adapt to a wide range of growing conditions, though it does best in bright filtered light with little watering. The thin and fragile stems can rot quickly if the soil is kept soggy, so don’t overwater! String of Turtles is not particularly prone to pests and diseases, but keeping an eye out for avoidable issues is always recommended. Any attention to detail is well worth this beautiful addition to your home. Light For String of TurtlesThe String of Turtles is a great indoor houseplant because of its low-maintenance lighting needs. If you lack windowsill space or don’t have any south-facing windows, Peperomia Prostrata is for you. One of the most important considerations is that the top of the plant receives at least medium bright light during the day. Due to its cascading succulent-like leaves, it’s common for growers to place this plant higher up – so the focus is on the leaves. But in order to truly thrive, it needs light on the top of the plant. Not only does this extra light help the plant grow, but it can dry out the String of Turtles’ soil, protecting it from diseases like root rot. Make sure you consider these things when choosing how to place this plant. Don’t place this plant in full direct sunlight for very long at all. Too much direct sunlight can harm this houseplant’s beautiful leaves. Bright indirect light is best, so any tabletop in a sunny room is perfect. One or two hours of direct sunlight during the morning is all they can handle, but not even every day. Just keep it somewhere bright where the sunlight is filtered. String of Turtles can also be grown under fluorescent lights or artificial grow lights, expanding your home gardening options even further. As with sunlight, avoid harshly bright light from a grow light for more than a couple of hours a day to not scorch the leaves. Soil For String of TurtlesThough String of Turtles is native to the moist rainforest floor, don’t confuse this for overwatering. The soil is best when slightly damp (moist soil conditions), not wet and soggy. Soaking soil is the easiest way to kill this houseplant with root rot. A well-draining soil/mix is necessary. A peat moss or sphagnum moss potting mix of organic soil with part sand and perlite is best because fertile potting soil will encourage root growth and increase the vines’ strength. It also promotes good drainage. While it’s pretty difficult to kill this plant, one way to do it is with soggy soil. The moss mix with perlite and sand will offer proper drainage More specifically, two parts peat to one part perlite or sand works well. The main point is for the growing medium to drain and aerate well. In terms of acidity, soil with a pH between 5 and 7 is ideal. You shouldn’t need to repot or increase the pot size very often since this t has a small root system and grows slowly. Water For String of TurtlesAs a succulent plant, it can survive with minimal watering, as it stores water in its leaves. But as a tropical plant, it likes moisture and humidity! Just avoid overwatering; excess water will rot the root system. Only water when at the top of the soil is dry – typically, I suggest at least 2″ of topsoil is dry before watering. For many indoor gardeners, this means watering only once every two or three weeks, although your plant’s requirements may vary depending on the humidity level in your home and other factors. If you see your plant’s leaves start puckering or shriveling, this is a sign you need to give it a drink. Don’t worry about this too much, as it’s built to use the water in its leaves. Similar to the Purple Waffle Plant, it’s just a bit dramatic when it wants a drink Lightly moist soil is ideal. If you’re unsure whether or not to water your String of Turtles, your best option is to wait a little longer. Peperomia Prostrata’s deep green variegated leaves with light, white veining hold enough sap to retain moisture. Space out waterings since it’s built to store water through dry periods. The thin and fragile stems can rot quickly if the soil is kept soggy, so don’t overwater! Potting For String of TurtlesString of Turtles is a small plant with a small root system, so a small pot is all it will need. The main feature to look out for in choosing the right pot is sufficient drainage. Make sure there are holes in the bottom to drain out excess moisture–– the plant’s roots will rot if left sitting in too much water. This slow-grower won’t need to be repotted often, so only repot if overcrowded. Typically, the best way to do this is to wait about 2-3 years between repotting. If repotting, choose another small pot, only an inch or two wider than the last. Make sure the pot has sufficient drainage to avoid root rot (drainage holes are a must). Place the pot near a window with indirect light; east and west-facing windows are ideal. Fertilizer For String of TurtlesAdd a diluted, succulent fertilizerevery 2 or 3 weeks. A slow-release fertilizer is best (or a time-release fertilizer), and the semi-regular addition of fertilizer helps retain the leaves’ color and pattern. However, String of Turtles does well in any basic houseplant soil. During summertime, reduce the use of fertilizer, applying only once a month. Don’t feed the plant during the off-seasons, fall through winter. A small quantity is more than enough; too much fertilizer in the soil or water can cause the succulent-like leaves to start dropping. When using ready-to-pour fertilizers, water the soil before feeding to avoid chemically burning the roots. Humidity For String of TurtlesString of Turtles is a succulent plant and a tropical plant indigenous to the moist rainforests of Brazil. In other words, it thrives in humid weather and a humid environment. At minimum, you want your humidity over 40% – but 50% or more is ideal. As a succulent plant, it can survive with minimal watering. But as a tropical plant, it loves moisture and humidity! But don’t overwater. Beware of the dry winter months and mist with a spray bottle regularly. Purchasing a humidifier would be a worthwhile investment to see these ‘turtles’ thrive. Keeping the humidity levels high can even help prevent Spider Mite infections. String of Turtles is a good choice for greenhouses and terrariums because of its humidity preferences.
Growth RatePeperomia prostrata is a slow grower, taking over three years to matures. It makes a perfect option if you live in a small space. At maturity, it grows to approximately one foot in length. This will vary a bit depending on the size of the pot used. TemperatureTemperate to warm temperatures are best for the String of Turtles. Temperatures of 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit (18-24ºC) are ideal, but don’t go lower than 50ºF (10ºC). It’s a good idea to keep your Peperomia away from drafty locations, such as an air conditioner or central heating vent. Warmer temperatures above 75 are usually tolerable, but too much heat can damage this plant. ToxicityPeperomia prostrata is not toxic to either humans or animals. It’s a great option if your cats like to nibble on your plants. If you want to read more about the toxicity of plants, specifically for pets, start by reviewing ASPCA.org. String of Turtles Toxic To Cats: No String of Turtles Toxic to Dogs: No String Of Turtles FlowerThe String of Turtles does flower! The Peperomia prostrata flower is white and spike-like. While it lacks a fragrance, it does bloom throughout the year. Most growers remove these small flowers, but you can keep the Peperomia prostrata flower if you wish. How To Propagate String of TurtlesYou can quickly propagate a String of Turtles from leaf and vine cuttings. The best time to plant a Peperomia Prostrata is at the beginning of the growing season in early spring. Cut off about 2″ or 3″ of a stem with leaves still attached and bury the leaf cuttings just beneath the surface of the topsoil. A rooting hormone or fertilizer can be a great way to help develop roots faster. Do not overwater your stem cuttings! Make sure to choose a healthy stem for propagation. Keep it somewhere bright where the sunlight is indirect. And be patient–– it can take a few weeks to see any new sprouts. Propagating String Of Turtles HydroponicallyIt’s incredibly easy to propagate String of Turtles hydroponically, whether you use a glass of water or a hydroponic system. Check out iDOO and our AeroGarden review, which both provide excellent options for propagating prostrata. How To Prune String of TurtlesCut off undesirable leaves and vines to guide String of Turtles’ growth, as is necessary to keep this plant under control. Peperomia Prostrata will grow wider than tall, and pruning will manage any overgrowth. Pruning can also stimulate new growth in a struggling or leggy plant. But if the stems or leaves are overgrowing, you can pinch the stems to stop development. Always use very sharp and sterilized shears to minimize any trauma done to the plant. Avoid over-pruning (no more than ⅓ of the plant) as the beauty of this plant comes from its bushy and spindly vines. Where To PlaceThese plants are pretty versatile, so while an ideal location would be in an east or west-facing window, a lot of growers put them on a desk, in dish gardens, or even in container gardens. As long as they don’t have too much direct light, they should be able to thrive about anywhere!
Is String of Turtles a Succulent?String of Turtles is technically a semi-succulent plant, as it is also considered a tropical plant. As a succulent plant, it can survive with minimal watering. But as a tropical plant, it likes moisture and humidity! Peperomia Prostrata’s deep green variegated leaves with light, white veining hold enough sap to retain moisture. Space out waterings since it’s built to store water through dry periods. Its succulent nature also makes it resilient to low-light conditions and bouts of underwatering. However, as compared to other succulents, Peperomia Prostrata prefers slightly more humidity and water. Is String of Turtles Rare?The String of Turtles used to be considered rare, but its recent popularity has made it common in nurseries and garden centers. \It is also rare that there are not many plants that are both succulent and tropical. Its turtle-like leaves and patterns are unique, especially among other vining plants. As beautiful as they are, we hope they become more common in our homes! Do String of Turtles Grow Fast?String of Turtles is a slow-grower, especially when it’s young. They can grow to about 12″ tall, which is only achieved in 3 to 5 years. Maximum width will vary depending on pot size, but expect Peperomia Prostrata to grow wider than tall as it is a bushy and vining plant. When propagating or repotting, a rooting hormone or fertilizercan help develop roots faster. But still expect to wait about a month before seeing any new sprouts above the soil. Common Problems with String of TurtlesString of Turtles is not particularly prone to pests and diseases, but keeping an eye out for avoidable issues is always recommended. Like any houseplant, root rot, whiteflies, mealybugs, and spider mites are the likely suspects for any plant issues. Use insecticidal soap to kill pest eggs and spray neem oil to prevent them from coming back. There’s no need to worry about this plant’s safety, though: they are non-toxic and pet-safe! Root RotRoot rot in String of Turtles is almost always due to insufficient care. The main culprit is overwatering and soggy soil; these succulents do not like anything more than slightly damp soil. Letting the roots sit in water will rot the roots. Insufficient sunlight or temperatures that are too low can also cause root rot by not allowing the soil to dry out. Bright, indirect sunlight at 65º to 75ºF will keep Peperomia Prostrata from retaining too much moisture. Drooping stems, yellow or brown leaves, and dropping leaves can all be signs of root rot. Let the soil dry out for two weeks before lightly(!) watering anymore. If the plant is left untreated, root rot will stunt the growth, and the vines will die. You may need to transfer the plant to a new pot with dry soil if the roots are mushy, soggy, or rotting. Damaged LeavesWilted, scab-like bumps on the String of Turtles’ leaves indicate overwatering. When the roots are too wet, the nutrients are washed away, and the leaves will shed. If the plant is under bright and direct sunlight, Peperomia Prostrata can become dull and faded. If the leaves are losing their multicolored variation, relocate the plant away from the harsh sunlight. Red foliage is another sign of excessive exposure to direct sunlight. Limit sun exposure to one hour a day to resolve this problem. Remove the damaged red or yellow leaves to help your String of Turtles produce new growth. WhitefliesWhiteflies are tiny white flying bugs that are common pests for most houseplants. They suck the leaves and flower buds’ juices, which cause the yellowing and dropping of leaves. If infested, the adult flies will become visible when the plant’s leaves are moved. They lay eggs on the underside of the leaves, so inspect them for any eggs or whiteflies. Though infestation is relatively rare, small indoor plants like the Peperomia Prostrata are easily damaged by whiteflies. Use insecticidal soap to kill pest eggs and spray neem oil to prevent them from coming back. MealybugsMealybugs look like fuzzy white stuff on the stems or the bottoms of leaves. These small bugs eat any new growth on the String of Turtles. Overly wet soil and over-fertilizing are the most common causes of Mealybugs. They can easily spread and infect other indoor plants, so move the infected plant away from healthy plants. To treat Mealybugs, use a 1 to 10 solution of isopropyl alcohol and water. Thoroughly spray this mixture on the leaves and continue this process until the bugs are completely gone. Spider MitesSpider Mites create small webs on the underside of the leaves or leaf joints. These white, red, or black colored spiders make the plant leaves look dusty and dull. They are a problem in the winter months since most indoor conditions are dry. Spider Mites multiply rapidly and suck the sap from the String of Turtles’ leaves, discoloring and drying the vines. Spider Mites will eventually kill Peperomia Prostrata. Keep the humidity levels high to avoid Spider Mite infections, use neem oil as a preventive spray, and wash the plant with insecticidal soap to kill these pests. Other Popular Peperomia to GrowCan’t get enough of turtle shells and looking for some similar plants to String of Turtles? Start with some of the beautiful options below. One of my favorites is the Watermelon Peperomia!
Other Popular “String of” Plants
ConclusionThe semi-succulent String of Turtles makes a great addition to any window sill or terrarium because of its small footprint, striking appearance, and beautiful ornamental leaves. Plant care for Peperomia Prostrata is simple, and displaying this indoor plant in a hanging basket in your home will justify any needed time and attention. As long as you remember to water this tropical vining plant sparingly, we trust these Turtles will be the perfect plant and flourish in your care! Why are my String of Turtles so small?Your plant can also suffer from under-watering with deflated or flat leaves, little or no growth, and a significant decrease in foliage. If the pot is placed in a spot with too much sunlight, the soil will dry out far too quickly and scorch the plant's leaves.
Should you mist String of Turtles?Be Careful With Water
Remember that this plant is semi-succulent, so you should never overwater it. Both cuttings and established plants like to have slightly moist soil. You may also wish to mist your cuttings and plants occasionally to help keep humidity levels high.
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How do I make my string of turtles bigger?
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