String Of Pearls
Curio rowleyanus
A trailing succulent prized for its cascading strands of round, pea-like leaves. Its bead-shaped foliage stores water, making it drought-tolerant but prone to rot if overwatered.
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Water
- Sparingly; let soil dry fully
- Difficulty
- Moderate
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Overview
String of Pearls is a creeping succulent native to the drylands of southwest Africa, beloved as a hanging houseplant for its long stems strung with spherical green beads. Each "pearl" is a modified leaf with a translucent stripe (a window) that lets light reach the inner photosynthetic tissue while reducing surface area and water loss.
Once classified as Senecio rowleyanus, it now sits in the genus Curio. Given a tall pot or hanging basket, the wiry stems can spill 2 to 3 feet, and in cooler months mature plants may produce small white brush-like flowers that smell faintly of cinnamon.
How to identify it
Look for slender, trailing stems studded with spherical, pea-sized green leaves.
- Leaves: round beads about 6 mm across, each with a faint translucent "window" line
- Stems: thin, wiry, trailing or creeping, rooting where they touch soil
- Flowers: small white puffball blooms with red stamens, lightly cinnamon-scented
- Habit: cascading; ideal in hanging baskets, reaching 2 to 3 feet long
Care & growing
Bright indirect light keeps the beads plump; some morning sun is fine but harsh midday sun scorches them.
- Water: soak thoroughly, then let the soil dry out completely; cut back hard in winter
- Soil: fast-draining cactus or succulent mix
- Temperature: 18 to 24 C; protect from frost
- Feeding: dilute succulent fertilizer once or twice in the growing season
- Propagation: very easy from stem cuttings laid on or pressed into soil; nodes root readily
Habitat & origin
Native to the arid regions of southwest Africa, particularly the Cape provinces of South Africa, where it grows as a mat-forming groundcover trailing over rocks and into the shade of larger plants. The translucent leaf windows are an adaptation to intense sun and drought. Worldwide it is grown almost exclusively as an indoor or sheltered patio hanging plant.
Uses & benefits
Grown purely as an ornamental trailing houseplant, especially in hanging baskets and on high shelves where the strands can drape freely. It has no significant culinary or medicinal use and is mildly toxic, so it is best kept away from curious pets and children.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my pearls shriveling?
Shriveled, flat beads usually mean underwatering; mushy, yellowing beads mean overwatering. Adjust toward a thorough-soak-then-fully-dry rhythm.
How much light does it need?
Bright indirect light for several hours a day. Too little light causes sparse, leggy growth with widely spaced beads.
How do I propagate it?
Lay a stem cutting on top of moist succulent soil; the nodes root within a couple of weeks. You can also bury a few beads.
Is it safe around pets?
No. The sap and leaves are toxic to cats and dogs and can irritate human skin and stomachs, so keep it out of reach.
String Of Pearls guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for String Of Pearls.
