How to grow and care for String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)

Updated November 2024

String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) is a wonderful trailing succulent with unique, bead-like foliage. Native to the dry, sun-drenched landscapes of Southwest Africa, this plant has evolved to flourish in harsh environments, adapting to survive on minimal water and abundant light. Like many succulents, it features chubby, water-storing leaves, but instead of developing an upright compact shape, it grows on tiny trailing stems. Its long, slender vines are adorned with perfectly spherical, green leaves, creating the appearance of tiny pearls strung together. This cascading growth habit lends an elegant, draped effect when displayed in hanging planters or on high shelves.

Trailing succulents like String of Pearls are very popular, because they bring a special dynamic to home decor, creating vertical interest and soft, flowing greenery that contrasts beautifully with the structured, fast-paced nature of our modern life. String of Pearls’ visual charm and easy adaptability have made it a favorite among succulent lovers and home gardeners. While it can be relatively low-maintenance, String of Pearls still has specific care requirements to thrive.

Basic Information

Should we grow String of Pearls indoors or outdoors?

Indoors, it flourishes with bright, indirect light, ideally near a south- or west-facing window. The plant's trailing vines make it perfect for hanging planters or high shelves, keeping it safely out of reach from pets and children as this plant is considered toxic. Place the plant in a spot with stable temperatures, avoiding areas with cold drafts, heaters, or other heat sources that can stress the plant.

Outdoors, String of Pearls does best in USDA hardiness zones 9-12, where temperatures stay consistently above 30°F. In these climates, place the plant in an airy, well-drained spot that receives bright, indirect morning sunlight but is shielded from harsh midday rays. Sheltering it from strong winds and heavy rainfall helps prevent damage. In regions with colder temperatures or significant seasonal changes, growing it in a portable container is ideal so it can be moved indoors when temperatures drop to prevent frost damage.

Indoors or outdoors, it is important to make sure your plant has stable, dry conditions with good ventilation and well-draining soil. Regularly check for proper light exposure, and signs of plant stress such as yellowing or wilting leaves.

String of Pearls vs String of Tears

String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)	String of Tears (Senecio herreianus)

String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) is sometimes mistaken for String of Tears (Senecio herreianus). Although these two succulents share a trailing habit and overall growth style, they have distinctive features that set them apart. String of Pearls has round, bead-like leaves spaced along its delicate, slender vines, creating an airy and cascading look. This structure allows the plant to store water efficiently, contributing to its drought tolerance. String of Tears, on the other hand, features teardrop-shaped leaves with a pointed tip, growing more densely along the vine. This arrangement gives the plant a fuller, more compact appearance compared to the whimsical look of String of Pearls.

Both succulents are native to arid environments and have adapted to thrive with minimal water and bright, indirect light. However, String of Pearls may store water slightly better due to its round leaves, making it a bit more drought-tolerant. String of Tears can also adapt well indoors or outdoors but may need slightly more attentive watering during dry spells due to its denser foliage.

Planting String of Pearls and String of Tears together can create a captivating and unique display. The mix of round, bead-like leaves from String of Pearls with the pointed, teardrop-shaped leaves of String of Tears adds texture and depth to any arrangement. 

General Care

1. Lighting

Indoors, place it near an east-facing window for morning sun. A south or west-facing window works too, but keep the plant 5 to 10 inches from the glass to prevent sunburn, especially in intense sunlight areas. During fall and winter, move the plant closer to light or use a grow light for 12 to 16 hours if needed.

Outdoors, position it in partial shade to receive bright, indirect light while protecting it from harsh midday sun. Ideal locations include under the dappled shade of trees, under a roofed area, or on a covered patio that receives strong morning light but provides protection in the afternoon.

2. Watering

String of Pearls is highly sensitive to overwatering and should be watered about once every two weeks, ensuring the top half-inch of soil is dry before watering. Reduce watering to once a month during winter dormancy. Use distilled or rainwater at room temperature to avoid water-shock. 

Outdoors, adjust watering based on local conditions. In areas with frequent rain, minimal watering is needed as excess moisture can cause root rot; ensure well-draining soil and drainage for rainwater. In hot, dry climates, soil dries faster and may need more frequent checks. Monitor moisture closely, especially for potted outdoor plants.

3. Soil and Fertilizer

String of Pearls needs well-draining soil to prevent root rot and ensure healthy growth. A cactus or succulent mix works well, and adding perlite, coarse sand, or pumice improves drainage. Be sure the pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. Outdoors, plant in sandy or rocky soil that drains naturally.

This succulent doesn't need frequent fertilizing. To boost growth, use a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer once a month in spring and summer. Avoid over-fertilizing and stop feeding during fall and winter when it enters dormancy.

4. Temperature and Humidity

In winter keep the plant at a cool temperature of around 55° – 60°F. It prefers stable conditions and should be kept away from temperature extremes, such as cold drafts, air conditioning vents, and direct heat sources like radiators. If temperatures drop below 30°F it’s best to bring the plant indoors to protect it from frost damage.

This succulent prefers low to moderate humidity, similar to its native arid environment. High humidity can lead to moisture retention and root rot, so ensure good ventilation. If you live in a humid region, place the plant in an area with good airflow to help it stay dry and healthy.

5. Toxicity

String of Pearls is toxic to both humans and pets if ingested due to the sap it contains. Ingesting the plant can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and skin irritation in humans, while pets may experience drooling, lethargy, and more severe digestive issues. To ensure safety, keep the plant out of reach from pets and children by placing it on high shelves or in hanging planters. If accidental ingestion occurs, it’s important to contact a veterinarian or healthcare provider immediately for guidance.

Extra Care

1. Potting and Repotting

When potting a freshly bought String of Pearls, choose a container with drainage holes to prevent water buildup. Use a well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix, and consider adding extra perlite or coarse sand for optimal drainage. Terracotta, clay, and ceramic pots are ideal for this succulent due to their breathability and ability to prevent root rot, while plastic pots can work in drier environments if monitored closely.

String of Pearls has shallow, delicate roots, so repotting is only needed when growth slows or the plant becomes rootbound. The best time to repot is in spring, at the start of the growing season. Choose a pot just 10% larger in size with drainage holes, and handle the trailing vines gently by folding them up while removing the plant. Use well-draining soil mixed with perlite or sand, and carefully position the plant in its new pot. Any fallen beads can be placed on the soil to propagate.

2. Pruning

Pruning is essential for String of Pearls care, particularly when the plant becomes leggy or etiolated due to insufficient light. Regular pruning maintains its shape and encourages fresh growth. Trim any dead stems, sparse areas, or beadless vines using clean, sharp scissors. Make cuts at the base or just above a node to promote branching. Always use clean, sharp scissors to avoid damaging the plant or introducing disease. Do not over-prune, as removing too much foliage can stress the plant. Repurpose healthy cuttings for propagation by placing them back in the pot to create a fuller appearance.

3. Propagation 

 The most common method is using cuttings: take a 3-4 inch healthy cutting, place it on soil, and press lightly—roots will gradually grow. For water propagation, submerge the growth nodes of a cutting with stripped leaves in a container of water, changing the water regularly until roots develop. Then, transfer it to soil and mist lightly. Propagation by division involves separating rooted sections of an established plant and potting them separately. Keep new plants out of direct sunlight until roots are well-established. For another option, insert a cutting's stem with growth nodes into the soil for direct rooting. Alternatively, strip a few leaves off the cutting and insert the stem into the soil so the growth nodes are covered, allowing roots to develop from those points.

Check out our blog: 3 ways to propagate String of Pearls

4. Blooming

String of Pearls can produce small, white, cinnamon-scented flowers, typically blooming during spring or summer. To encourage blooming, provide consistent care throughout the winter, keeping the plant in cool temperatures around 60°F  with reduced watering to mimic dormancy. This seasonal shift signals the plant to bloom when spring arrives. Bright, indirect light and proper watering help support the flowering process. The blooms usually last for about a month.

5. Seasonal Care Tips

• Fall and Winter: During cooler months, String of Pearls enters dormancy, requiring changes in care. Covering your outdoor plant with frost cloths or placing mulch around the base can help retain heat. Move it indoors if temperatures drop below 30°F  to prevent frost damage. 
• Spring: As spring arrives and temperatures rise, gradually increase light exposure to adjust the plant for outdoor living. Transition it outdoors slowly to avoid shock, and acclimate your plant before exposing it to full sun. Adjust watering as growth picks up.

Common Problems

String of Pearls can face several common issues that impact its health and appearance. Shriveled leaves and stems are signs of improper watering or inadequate light. Both underwatering and overwatering can cause shriveling, as can insufficient sunlight. Insufficient light may also lead to etiolation, where the plant becomes leggy and sparse as it stretches toward the light. To maintain its compact, full appearance, place the plant in bright, indirect light.

Root rot is a frequent issue caused by heavy, moisture-retentive soil. Prevent this by using a well-draining, porous cactus or succulent mix. Over-fertilization can also damage the roots, leading to stunted growth, brown foliage, or burnt roots. Falling leaves often occur when the plant is exposed to cold drafts or fluctuating temperatures, especially if kept outdoors in chilly or windy areas.

Outdoors, animals might nibble on the plant, damaging its delicate leaves and stems. Additionally, pests such as aphids, mites, mealybugs, and ants are attracted to weakened plants, leading to yellowing, sooty leaves, or leaf-drop. Finally, frost damage can harm String of Pearls, as it is not frost-hardy and needs protection when temperatures drop below 30°F.

Read more: Common problems of String of Pearls

Succulents Box's Tips

• Use a fan to improve airflow around your plant, reducing humidity and helping to prevent issues like root rot and pest infestations.
• Place cuttings back into the same pot to create a fuller appearance and maintain a lush, compact look as it grows.
• Display your String of Pearls on a floating shelf to let its vines cascade naturally, adding an eye-catching, layered effect to your wall decor.
• Drape mini string lights around the vines for a festive, cozy touch, perfect for holiday decorating or simply adding ambiance to your space.
• Combine with other trailing plants and succulents in the same pot or nearby to create a visually rich, layered arrangement with contrasting textures and colors.
• Plant it in a terrarium for a unique display. Use an open terrarium to ensure good airflow and avoid excess moisture.

Q&A for String of Pearls 

1. Is it hard to keep String of Pearls alive?
   String of Pearls is a fairly low-maintenance succulent that thrives in warm, dry environments. It’s easy to care for indoors and is also a great outdoor plant in zones 9 and warmer.
2. How to make String of Pearls fuller?
   Trim long vines and place the cuttings back on top of the soil. The cuttings will root within a few weeks, helping your plant look fuller and more lush.
3. Why does my String of Pearls keep dying?
   This plant often struggles due to overwatering or poorly draining soil, which causes root rot. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent this issue.
4. Why does my String of Pearls stem break easily?
   String of Pearls has delicate stems that can break easily with handling. Be gentle when moving or repotting the plant to avoid damage.
5. What pots or planters are suitable for String of Pearls?
   String of Pearls thrives in hanging pots that showcase its trailing vines and provide good air circulation. Choose pots with drainage holes, ideally in terracotta, clay, or ceramic, to help excess moisture evaporate and prevent root rot.
6. Does String of Pearls bloom indoors?
   Yes, String of Pearls can bloom indoors. With bright, indirect light and a cool period in winter, it may produce small, fragrant white flowers.

Where to buy String of Pearls online?

If you’re looking to buy a String of Pearls online, Succulents Box is one of the top sources for succulents and houseplants in the U.S., with our own greenhouses in California. Our collection includes the classic String of Pearls as well as the stunning Variegated String of Pearls. We also offer a wide variety of trailing succulents that would pair wonderfully with String of Pearls. Visit Succulents Box to explore and find the perfect addition to your indoor or outdoor garden.