String of Tears
Senecio herreianus
A trailing succulent featuring slender, branching stems lined with distinctive teardrop-shaped or pointed, green, fleshy leaves that store water.
- Light
- Bright, indirect sunlight for 6 to 8 hours per day; protect from harsh direct afternoon rays which can scorch the leaves.
- Water
- Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings. Water deeply until it runs out of the drainage holes, reducing frequency significantly during the cooler winter months.
- Growth
- A trailing perennial succulent with slender stems that cascade over the edges of containers, reaching mature lengths of 2 to 3 feet with a moderate growth rate.
Care instructions
Provide bright, indirect sunlight for several hours a day. Water thoroughly only when the soil has completely dried out. Plant in a fast-draining gritty potting mix designed for cacti and succulents, and feed lightly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active spring and summer growing season.
Growing details
Sunlight
Bright, indirect sunlight for 6 to 8 hours per day; protect from harsh direct afternoon rays which can scorch the leaves.
Watering
Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings. Water deeply until it runs out of the drainage holes, reducing frequency significantly during the cooler winter months.
Soil
Fast-draining, porous cactus and succulent potting mix enriched with perlite or pumice, with a neutral to slightly acidic pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
Hardiness zone
USDA zones 10 to 12; grown primarily as an indoor houseplant or patio hanging plant in cooler climates.
Growth habit
A trailing perennial succulent with slender stems that cascade over the edges of containers, reaching mature lengths of 2 to 3 feet with a moderate growth rate.
Bloom season
Blooms during late autumn or winter, producing small, white, daisy-like disk flowers that emit a pleasant, cinnamon-like fragrance.
Propagation
Propagated easily through stem cuttings. Snip a healthy stem segment, let the cut end callus over for a day or two, and press it onto the surface of moist, well-draining soil until roots develop.
Common pests & issues
Prone to root rot if overwatered or planted in heavy, poorly draining soil. Common pests include mealybugs and aphids, which can be treated with insecticidal soap or rubbing alcohol.
Similar species
Often confused with Senecio rowleyanus (String of Pearls), which features spherical, round leaves instead of the pointed, teardrop-shaped leaves of Senecio herreianus.