Photo: Flickr user Forest and Kim StarrCC BY 2.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
String Of Pearls Plant Care
Senecio rowleyanus H.Jacobsen
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Curio rowleyanus, syn. Senecio rowleyanus, is a flowering plant in the daisy family Asteraceae. It is a creeping, perennial, succulent vine native to the drier parts of southwest Africa. In its natural environment its stems trail on the ground, rooting where they touch and form dense mats. It often avoids direct sunlight by growing in the shade of other plants and rocks. It is commonly known as string-of-pearls or string-of-beads.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect
60–80°F
30–40%
At a glance
How do you care for String Of Pearls?
Water String Of Pearls every 7–14 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 30–40% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats and dogs, 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 (Senecio rowleyanus) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Senecio genus. String Of Pearls is native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa. String Of Pearls is also known as String of Beads, Rosary Vine, Necklace Vine.
String Of Pearls displays a trailing succulent growth habit, reaching up to 3.2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. String Of Pearls produces small white globe flowers with red stamens and yellow anthers.
Leaf size: approximately 0.2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a String Of Pearls?
Senecio rowleyanus requires watering every 7–14 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 7–14 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
What Temperature and Humidity Does the String Of Pearls Prefer?
Senecio rowleyanus grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. String Of Pearls prefers humidity levels of 30–40%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
30–40%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a String Of Pearls?
Succulent or cactus soil. Potting mix containing sand. 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 2 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 2 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?
Terracotta pot. 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.
Is the String Of Pearls Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list, which covers Senecio species (which includes String Of Pearls). View the ASPCA entry
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, thrips, aphids. 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 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. 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 10a – 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 Senecio genus — compare its care with other Senecio species on PlantoScan.
Senecio 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.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Senecio rowleyanus H.Jacobsen, family Asteraceae (first published in Natl. Cact. Succ. J. 23(2): 30 (1968)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Senecio species (which includes String Of Pearls) as toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: Flickr user Forest and Kim Starr, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 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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