Why people love it
Pearl plant looks like a bigger, chunkier cousin of the zebra plant. Its stiff, dark green leaves are dotted all over with raised white bumps that catch the light. It grows slowly and stays neat for years, which makes it a good choice for a desk or a bright shelf.
Care in a nutshell
- Bright, gentle light. A spot near a bright window without harsh afternoon sun is ideal.
- Soak, then wait. Water deeply, then let the soil dry out completely.
- Be patient. It may only add a few leaves a year.
Growing more
Pearl plant makes pups at its base. Separate a pup with some roots when you repot in spring or autumn. Let the cut dry for a day, then pot it in dry succulent mix and wait a few days before watering. The propagation guide shows how.
Watch out for
- Soft, see-through leaves mean too much water. Let the soil dry out more between drinks.
- Red-brown leaves mean too much direct sun. Move it a little further from the window.
- Dry, crispy lower leaves are normal as it grows. Pull them off once they come away easily.
Fun fact: The white bumps are called tubercles. They’re part of the leaf, so they won’t rub off.
