Unique vining succulents known as "string of pearls" are distinguished by their small, pea-shaped leaves. Similar to the string of rubies succulent, the leaves are borne on trailing stems that elegantly drape over the sides of planters and hanging baskets. These stems may be used to propagate the plant, which grows vigorously and quickly—gaining between five and 15 inches each year—but does not survive for very long without them. This plant has trailing stems with round, bead-like leaves that resemble a string of pearls. It is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.

In this article, we will share some tips from New York Garden, the leading brand for succulent care products, on how to grow and care for this beautiful plant. Whether you want to hang it in a basket, display it on a shelf, or use it as a ground cover, you will love the unique look of this plant. New York Garden has everything you need to keep your string of pearls plant healthy and happy. Remember, this plant is toxic to humans [1] and pets [2].

Overview

Common Name String of Pearls
Botanical Name Senecio rowleyanus
Plant Type Succulent
Sun Exposure Bright, indirect light
Mature Size Up to 3 feet long
Soil pH Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0 to 7.0)
Soil Type Well-drained, sandy or gritty
Flower Color White with red stamens
Toxicity Toxic to pets and humans

Types of String of Pearls Plant

Several plants that are closely related to String of pearls have different-shaped leaves that resemble teardrops, bananas, or watermelons with stripes. These in the same daisy family distant cousins include:
  • Senecio rowleyanus (String of Pearls): This is the most common and popular variety, with green bead-shaped leaves that trail over the edges of pots and baskets. It produces white flowers with a cinnamon-like fragrance in summer .
  • Senecio rowleyanus variegata (String of Pearls Variegated): This is a rare and colorful variety, with green and white variegated leaves that add contrast and interest to any arrangement. It also blooms white flowers with a spicy scent.
  • Senecio radicans (String of Bananas): This is a close relative of the string of pearls, with green banana-shaped leaves that curve downwards. It has a faster growth rate and can reach up to 3 feet long. It also produces white flowers with a sweet aroma .
  • Senecio herreianus (String of Beads): This is another similar species, with oval-shaped leaves that resemble beads or watermelons. It has a more compact habit and can grow up to 2 feet long. It also bears white flowers with a pleasant smell .
  • Senecio herreianus 'Purple Flush' (Purple String of Beads): This is a stunning variety, with purple-tinted leaves that contrast beautifully with the green stems. It requires more sunlight to maintain its color and can grow up to 2 feet long. It also produces white flowers with a nice fragrance.
  • Senecio herreianus 'Variegata' (Variegated String of Tears): This is a colorful variety, with green and cream variegated leaves that look like teardrops. It adds brightness and texture to any display and can grow up to 2 feet long. It also blooms white flowers with a lovely scent.

How to Care for String of Pearls

The string of pearl plants doesn't have any requirements for its environment. It will grow vigorously in a season if given enough light and nutrients. If given the correct care, a single plant can live for around five years, but if you grow new plants from stem cuttings, you can practically keep it alive eternally. Consider putting this plant in a hanging basket like a multi-stemmed string of pearls to make it glow. Its branches may also be interlaced, and you can grow it in a dish so that it can develop naturally into a terrestrial mat. There are no severe health issues with a string of pearls; it doesn't need much maintenance. But it does require a lot of light all year round.

Temperature and Humidity

From spring through October, mild temperatures over 70 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal for string of pearl plants. Winter temperatures between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal for optimal growth. Avoid planting this plant in any existing humid parts of your home, such as the kitchen or bathroom, since it loves low humidity.

Soil

Your string of pearl plants may grow in any typical succulent potting medium however sandy soil is preferred. Cactus potting mix is a fantastic option for this plant. An alternative is to blend sharp sand and potting soil three to one. Because these plants are prone to root rot, you should make sure their soil drains adequately. Plant them in a container with a foundation that is well-equipped with drainage holes. Clay or terra cotta pots can also aid in drying off the soil's excess moisture.

Water

During the spring and summer growing seasons, keep the soil of the plant mildly wet; during the winter, cut back on watering. The succulent plant requires extra water if you see the spherical leaves of the plant flattening. Your plant probably needs watering once every seven to 14 days. Depending on temperatures and the frequency of rain, plants in hotter climes, outside in the summer, or in permeable terra cotta pots may require watering every seven days or less. Your plant is thirsty if the soil is dry to the touch down to the top half inch of the soil. When the water runs out of the bottom of the pot, you have finished watering. Be cautious not to overwater your string of pearl plants and provide proper drainage for succulents. Although they may withstand drought, succulents cannot tolerate damp, moist roots.

Fertilizer

During the growth season, fertilize your string of pearl plants every two weeks using a balanced liquid or water-soluble fertilizer that has been diluted to around half strength. Only feed the plant once every six weeks throughout the plant's dormant winter phase.

Light

String of pearl plants require between six and eight hours of direct and indirect sunshine each day to grow. In the milder morning hours, it is preferable to keep them in direct sunshine; in the harsher afternoon hours, transfer them to a location that receives diffused, indirect light or partial shade.

Pruning

Trim off any dead stems, pearls, and stems that have lost a lot of their leaves using sterile scissors or pruners. You can prune those branches if your plant is growing too long or lanky and then grow new plants from the cuttings. Pruning encourages bushier, fuller plants.

How to Grow String of Pearl Plant From Seed

The necessity for pollination of the flower heads in order to create seeds that will germinate is one of the factors contributing to the difficulty of growing strings of pearl plants from seeds. You won't know if the seeds are viable until you plant them, so that is a significant uncertainty. Put the seeds in a cactus or succulent potting soil that drains quickly. Make sure the soil is never allowed to dry out. If you don't think you can keep the soil moist, wrap the growing pot in a transparent plastic bag. The time it takes for a seed to germinate can range from a few weeks to two to three months, with spring and summer being the best times.

Potting and Repotting for String of Pearls Plant

String of pearls plant (Senecio rowleyanus) is a succulent that has long, trailing stems with round, bead-like leaves. It is a popular houseplant because of its unique appearance and low-maintenance requirements. However, to keep your string of pearls plant healthy and happy, you need to know how to pot and repot it properly.

Potting

When you first get your string of pearls plant, you may want to repot it into a larger container with fresh potting mix. Choose a pot that is slightly bigger than the original one, and has drainage holes at the bottom. Use a well-draining, cactus or succulent potting mix that is rich in organic matter. You can also add some perlite or coarse sand to improve the drainage. To repot your string of pearls plant, gently remove it from its original pot and shake off any excess soil. Inspect the roots for any signs of rot or damage, and trim off any unhealthy parts. Place some fresh potting mix at the bottom of the new pot, and then position your plant in the center. Fill in the gaps with more potting mix, and press it lightly to secure the plant. Water your plant thoroughly, and let the excess water drain out.

Repotting

You should repot your string of pearls plant every year or two, depending on how fast it grows. Repotting will refresh the soil, prevent root-bound problems, and encourage new growth. The best time to repot your string of pearls plant is in spring or summer, when it is actively growing. To repot your string of pearls plant, follow the same steps as potting, but choose a pot that is one size larger than the previous one. Be careful not to damage the delicate stems and leaves when you remove the plant from its old pot. You can also prune your plant if it becomes too long or leggy, by cutting off some of the stems and replanting them as cuttings.

Tips

  • Avoid overwatering your string of pearls plant, as this can cause root rot and leaf drop. Water your plant only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, and reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant.
  • Provide bright, indirect light for your string of pearls plant, but avoid direct sunlight that can scorch the leaves. A south-facing or east-facing window is ideal.
  • Fertilize your string of pearls plant once a month during spring and summer with a diluted liquid fertilizer for cacti and succulents. Do not fertilize in winter when the plant is resting.
  • Keep your string of pearls plant away from drafts, heaters, air conditioners, and cold windows that can stress the plant and cause leaf drop.
  • Watch out for pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects that can infest your string of pearls plant. You can treat them with insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.

FAQs

Is it simple to care for a string of pearls plants?

String of pearl plants are simple to care for and just need to be watered once every two to three weeks.

What distinguishes plants called "string of pearls" from "string of tears"?

Both the string of pearls (Curio rowleyanus) and the string of tears (Curio citriformis) are closely related species that originate from the same region of the world. While the leaves of the string of tears are more like raindrops and typically grow on vines up to one foot in length, the leaves of the string of pearls are more like peas and can grow on stems up to three feet long.

Is it possible to grow a string of pearls indoors?

Yes, a bright window inside may support the growth of a string of pearls plants. This indoor hanging plant is well-liked.

SOURCES

The New York Garden works under restricted procurement guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies and studies conducted by academic organizations. Tertiary references should be avoided. For more information on how we ensure our material is correct and up to date, please visit our editorial policy.
 
1. String of Pearls, Senecio rowleyanus - Wisconsin Horticulture
2. Toxicity of House Plants to Pet Animals - National Library of Medicine.