string of pearls
Senecio rowleyanus
Trailing succulent with spherical, bead-like leaves resembling peas; popular in hanging baskets, drought-tolerant, prefers bright light and well-draining soil.
Caution: Toxic to Pets
Toxicity: mildly toxic
Contains compounds that can cause vomiting, drooling or skin irritation in pets and humans if ingested or handled excessively. Keep out of reach.
🌱Care Requirements
Light
Place in bright, indirect light near an east- or west-facing window. It tolerates a few hours of gentle morning sun but avoid hot midday sun behind glass to prevent sunburn and scorched pearls.
Water
Water sparingly: soak and then let soil dry completely to the depth of the pot between waterings. In summer water roughly every 2–3 weeks; in winter reduce further. Use a well-draining mix and avoid standing water.
Humidity
Prefers low humidity like typical indoor conditions. Avoid misting; ensure good air circulation. In very humid climates use fast-draining soil and elevated pots to reduce moisture around roots.
Temperature
Ideal 15–24°C (59–75°F). Safe range about 5–30°C (41–86°F). Protect from frost and prolonged heat; nights slightly cooler are fine but avoid sustained cold or heat spikes.
🔧Common Problems & Solutions
Soft, mushy stems and blackened roots
Cause: Chronic overwatering or poor drainage leading to root rot
Solution: Remove from pot, trim rotten roots, repot in fresh gritty mix, reduce watering frequency and increase light
Wrinkled, shrunken pearls
Cause: Underwatering or prolonged drought
Solution: Soak thoroughly then allow to drain; resume a consistent, infrequent watering schedule and check soil depth moisture
Leggy, stretched stems (etiolation)
Cause: Insufficient light
Solution: Move to brighter spot with indirect sun, prune long runners and use cuttings to create a fuller plant
White cottony patches or sticky residue
Cause: Mealybugs, scale or aphids infestation
Solution: Isolate plant, dab pests with alcohol, use insecticidal soap or a systemic treatment for severe infestations and repeat checks
✂️How to Propagate string of pearls
Take 5–10 cm stem cuttings with several nodes, remove lower leaves, let cut ends callus 1–2 days, then lay on or lightly press into a moist, fast-draining mix. Roots form in 2–4 weeks. Offsets can be gently separated and potted. Seeds are possible but slow and less common for home growers.
🌍Origin & Background
Family: Asteraceae
Native to: Native to southwestern Africa — primarily Namibia and the Cape Provinces of South Africa.
Natural Habitat: Trailing through rocky, sandy scrub and slopes in arid to semi-arid regions. Grows in well-drained, low-nutrient soils with strong light and seasonal rainfall pulses.
🗓Seasonal Care Guide
Winter
Reduce watering significantly — allow deeper drying between waterings. Keep near bright light and maintain temperatures above 5°C. Do not fertilize during dormancy.
Spring
Increase watering gradually as growth resumes. Repot if rootbound and begin light fertilization monthly with a dilute balanced feed.
Summer
Provide bright indirect light and some morning sun. Water more regularly but only after soil dries; ensure excellent drainage to avoid rot.
Fall
Slowly reduce water and stop fertilizing as growth tapers. Move to a bright location and inspect for pests before bringing indoors for winter.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water string of pearls?
Water only when the soil is completely dry, typically every 2–3 weeks in growth periods and less in winter.
Can string of pearls grow in low light?
It tolerates lower light but will become leggy and sparse; bright indirect light produces the best shape and pearl size.
Is string of pearls toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes, it is mildly toxic and can cause vomiting or drooling if ingested; keep out of pets' reach.
How do I propagate string of pearls?
Use stem cuttings with nodes, let ends callus, then lay on moist, well-draining soil; roots appear in weeks.
When should I repot string of pearls?
Repot every 2–3 years or when rootbound; choose a shallow, well-draining pot and a gritty cactus/succulent mix.
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Last updated: 11/7/2025