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Plant Profiles / String of pearls
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
String of pearls
Curio rowleyanus (formerly Senecio) · String of beads, rosary vine
A cascading succulent with long strands of pea-shaped leaves. It looks spectacular spilling from a hanging pot or high shelf.
Bright indirectLight
Every 1–2 weeksWater
ModerateCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Bright indirect
ShadeFull sun
Bright light with a little gentle morning sun. Low light causes sparse strands.
Water
Every 1–2 weeks
DryWet
Water when the soil is dry and the pearls look slightly wrinkled.
Humidity
Low
LowHigh
Prefers dry air.
Temperature
15–27°C (59–80°F)
CoolWarm
Keep above 10°C (50°F).
Growth
Moderate, trailing
SlowFast
Strands can trail 60–90 cm or more.
Soil
Cactus mix
LeanRich
Gritty cactus mix in a shallow pot with drainage.
Fertiliser
Twice a year
RarelyOften
Diluted cactus fertiliser in spring and summer.
Pet safety
Toxic
SafeToxic
Can cause vomiting, drooling and skin irritation in pets.
About this plant
Native to south-western Africa, string of pearls grows along the ground in the wild, rooting as it spreads. Each 'pearl' stores water and has a tiny window that lets light in. It's sensitive to overwatering, so a shallow pot with good drainage is key.
Best spots
Hanging planters by a bright window, high shelves and bright bathroom ledges.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Curio rowleyanus (formerly Senecio) |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Origin | South-western Africa |
| Plant type | Trailing succulent |
| Mature size | Strands 60–90 cm+ |
| Growth rate | Moderate |
| Foliage | Pea-shaped leaves on strands |
| Flowers | Small white cinnamon-scented flowers |
| Toxicity | Toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Strand cuttings laid on soil |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Active growth
Flowering
Fertilise
Water less
Active growthFloweringFertiliseWater less
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Mushy, translucent pearls | Overwatering. Cut healthy strands and replant. |
| Shrivelled pearls | Thirsty. Water thoroughly. |
| Bare top of pot | Lay strands back onto the soil to root. |
| Long gaps between pearls | Not enough light. |
| Brown, dry strands | Too much direct sun. |
Common questions
How do I make it fuller?
Coil strand cuttings on top of the soil; they'll root and fill the pot.
Why are the pearls mushy?
Too much water; it's very sensitive.
Is it the same as string of dolphins?
No, that's Curio peregrinus, a related plant.
Can it grow outside?
In bright shade in frost-free climates.
