Photo: Flickr user Forest and Kim StarrCC BY 2.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
String of Pearls Plant Care
Curio rowleyanus (H.Jacobsen) P.V.Heath
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is characterized by its unusual appearance, with round, bead-like leaves cascading down long, trailing stems. Originating from South Africa, Curio rowleyanus is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique, eye-catching shape and low maintenance requirements.
Every 14–21 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
30–60%
At a glance
How do you care for String of Pearls?
Water String of Pearls every 14–21 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 30–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the String of Pearls Native To?
What Is the String of Pearls?
String of Pearls (Curio rowleyanus) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Curio genus. String of Pearls is native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa. String of Pearls is also known as Beever's String of Pearls, Necklace Vine, Senecio rowleyanus.
String of Pearls displays a trailing succulent vine growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. String of Pearls produces small daisy-like flowers in white, pink, or purple.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a String of Pearls?
Curio rowleyanus requires watering every 14–21 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 14–21 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the String of Pearls Need?
String of Pearls thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing String of Pearls in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the String of Pearls Prefer?
Curio rowleyanus grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. String of Pearls prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
30–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a String of Pearls?
Well-draining succulent mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for String of Pearls to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a String of Pearls?
Feed String of Pearls every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a String of Pearls?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a String of Pearls?
String of Pearls can be propagated through stem cuttings, leaf cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to archer's curio plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the String of Pearls Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the String of Pearls?
String of Pearls is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the String of Pearls Need?
String of Pearls grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. String of Pearls is native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa. In cooler regions, grow String of Pearls as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
String of Pearls is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Curio genus — compare its care with other Curio species on PlantoScan.
Curio is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
String of Pearls thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Curio Species
Other Curio species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Curio rowleyanus (H.Jacobsen) P.V.Heath, family Asteraceae (first published in Calyx 6(2): 55 (1999), as 'roeleanu (1999)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: String of Pearls is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Flickr user Forest and Kim Starr, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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