Nertera granadensis - caring for house plants

I don't know how many of you are familar with Netera granadensis or what some people call a "Bead Plant" but I don't see them often enough to think of them as "Common." That being said, I thought I would share my bead plant with you while it is showing its berries.

I like so many things about this plant it is hard to know where to start! First of all it has super neat, and compact foliage. When it's not showing its white flowers or red fruit, it still is a very attractive plant. In fact when it is just green, it looks a lot like Baby's Tears, or Soleirolia soleirolii.

It is easy to take care of, it likes bright light with some sun, but it likes it cool. Some people put their bead plant outside in the spring, in a sheltered spot with some sun and they leave it there until the berries form, then they bring it in the house.

I leave mine in the house year-round, in the coolest room, the kitchen where it gets bright light and filtered afternoon sun. If the room is too warm, it will grow fine, but not produce any berries.

Bead plants like to be kept moist, so I keep mine standing on a saucer of damp pebbles to keep the humidity up. Let the surface of the soil dry out a bit before rewatering.

To add humidity, you can also spray it daily from the time the flowers begin to open until the berries have formed, then just water as usual

They will produce small greenish white flowers in early summer, followed by long-lasting orange-red berries.

You can propagate them by division or take tip cuttings in the spring. If you can find it, you can grow them from seed.

Anyway, if you ever get the chance to get one, try a bead plant, I know you'll love it!