Botanically known as Curio rowleyanus (formerly Senecio rowleyanus), this plant is a standout in the succulent world. Native to parts of Africa, it naturally creeps along sandy soil, forming lush, green mats. Indoors, it becomes a cascading beauty, perfect for hanging baskets or high shelves where its delicate strands can drape freely.
Easy to care for and visually striking, string of pearls thrives as a year-round houseplant. It can also grow outdoors in USDA zones 9-12. Just a word of caution—this plant is toxic to both people and pets, so admire it from a safe distance!
Where to Grow String of Pearls
Growing a string of pearls plant indoors successfully involves thinking carefully about the conditions that it needs to thrive and then making sure that you place your plant in a suitable location and position within your home.
Light Requirements
Light is key. These plants love bright, indirect light but appreciate some direct morning sun. A balance of both keeps them happy—gentle sunlight early in the day, then filtered or shaded light as the afternoon heat kicks in.
In the northern hemisphere, an east-facing window is a solid choice. It offers that morning glow without exposing the plant to harsh midday rays.
Temperature & Humidity Requirements
String of pearls thrives in temperatures above 21°C during the growing season. When winter rolls around, they prefer things cooler—between 10-15°C—so keep them away from toasty rooms.
Humidity? Keep it low. These succulents prefer dry air, so avoid steamy spots like kitchens and bathrooms.
Soil/ Growing Medium
Well-draining soil is essential. A commercial cactus mix works, or you can blend your own using three parts peat-free potting mix and one part sharp sand or grit.
As for pots, go for unglazed clay or terracotta. These materials wick away moisture, preventing soggy roots. Hanging containers are a great choice too, letting the plant’s trailing vines shine.
Planting String of Pearls
With the right care, string of pearls can stick around for years—though after 3-5, it’s often best to propagate fresh cuttings.
Caring for String of Pearls
Caring for a string of pearls plant is not too challenging. But there are certain important things to bear in mind.
If you care for your plants correctly, you should be able to keep them for several years. But remember that these plants are pretty short-lived and after a few years (usually 3-5) you will find it better to take cuttings to replace your plant rather than keep hold of the old one.
Watering
These plants store water in their bead-like leaves, so they handle drought better than overwatering.
During spring and summer, aim to keep the soil lightly moist but never waterlogged. If the leaves start looking flat instead of round, it’s a sign they need a drink.
In winter, cut back on watering. Let the soil dry out between waterings to prevent rot. Always ensure the pot has proper drainage.
Feeding
Feeding your string of pearls once a fortnight through the spring and summer can help keep it in tip-top health. Use an organic, balanced liquid plant feed that is diluted to around half the usual strength (like a dilute compost tea, for example).
In winter, when the plant is dormant, feed only sparingly, every 6 weeks or so, if you feed at all. While not essential this should help to keep your plant as healthy and happy as possible.
Pruning
Pruning your string of pearls plant can help make it bushier and fuller, encouraging branching and discouraging legginess. Simply prune out any dead, damaged stems or ones that have lost a lot of leaves, and trim back any stems that have become too long.
Remember, you might take cuttings at the same time to propagate your plant. Make sure that you use sterilized secateurs or garden scissors for this job to prevent the spread of disease.
Common Problems
String of pearls is fairly low-maintenance, but watering mistakes cause the most trouble. Too much leads to rot, too little causes shriveled leaves. Keep an eye on the signs and adjust as needed.
Repotting
Spring is the best time to repot. Choose a slightly larger container and refresh the soil. These plants don’t need frequent repotting—just when they outgrow their pot. Once they lose vigor after a few years, propagation is the best way to keep the cycle going.
