Senecio rowleyanus leaves.jpg. by Dianakc. CC BY 2.0. via Wikimedia Commons
CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
String Of Pearls Plant Care
Senecio rowleyanus H.Jacobsen
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%
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 inches tall with a spread of approximately 3 inches. 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 conditions. The optimal light range is 200–3000 lux. Avoid placing String Of Pearls in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect
200–3000 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the String Of Pearls Prefer?
Senecio rowleyanus grows best at temperatures between 60°F and 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 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. Similar propagation techniques also apply to string of dolphins plant care, which shares the same genus.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
Is the String Of Pearls Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic to Pets & Children
Mildly toxic to animals such as cats, dogs, and humans. Classified in the toxicity classes 2 and 4 by the University of California, Davis
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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the String Of Pearls Need?
String Of Pearls grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. Native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa, String Of Pearls is adapted to warm climates. 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.
String Of Pearls thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Senecio Species
Other Senecio species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
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