There’s something undeniably vivid and charming about the String of Plants family. From the delicate roundness of String of Pearls to the heart-shaped whimsy of String of Hearts, these trailing beauties seem to weave a little bit of magic into any space they inhabit. But among these beloved cascading succulents, String of Tears (Senecio herreianus) stands out with its own quiet elegance. Its delicate vines are strung with soft, teardrop-shaped leaves, each one resembling a tiny green raindrop frozen in time—simple, yet captivating.
Native to the dry, sun-drenched landscapes of South Africa, this succulent is built for survival, storing water in its plump little leaves to withstand long droughts. In its natural habitat, it tumbles gracefully across rocky outcrops, thriving in harsh conditions with little effort. In contrast to its tough nature, this plant brings an air of softness and fluid beauty to any home, making it a favorite among indoor plant lovers.
What makes this plant special is how easy it is to care for. Unlike fussier houseplants, String of Tears doesn’t ask for much. If you’re lucky—and if your plant is particularly happy—you might even catch it blooming tiny, white flowers with a light cinnamon scent. If you’re after a low-maintenance, graceful plant, this one might just be the perfect addition to your collection.
String of Tears vs. String of Pearls
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String of Tears features elongated, teardrop-shaped leaves with a more delicate, flowing appearance.
Image by Succulents Box
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String of Pearls has round, bead-like leaves.
Image by Succulents Box
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At first glance, it’s easy to confuse String of Tears (Senecio herreianus) with its more famous cousin, String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus). Both belong to the same plant family and share that iconic trailing habit that makes them perfect for hanging baskets and high shelves. But while they might seem like siblings, these two plants each have their own personality and charm.
The most obvious difference lies in their leaf shape. String of Pearls lives up to its name with perfectly round, bead-like leaves that resemble tiny green pearls strung along delicate stems. It has a quirky, playful appearance that makes it a true conversation starter in any plant collection. In contrast, String of Tears has a more delicate and refined look. Instead of round beads, its leaves are shaped like tiny teardrops—elongated, slightly pointed at the end, and often slightly translucent. This gives the plant a softer, more graceful flow as it trails, like a gentle waterfall of greenery.
Another key difference is how they grow and fill out. String of Pearls tends to grow in tighter, more compact strands, creating a fuller and bushier appearance as it matures. String of Tears, on the other hand, has thinner, more delicate vines that create a looser, airier look. This makes it a bit more subtle in appearance but just as elegant, especially when allowed to cascade from a high shelf or basket.
When it comes to care requirements, both plants have similar needs—they love bright, indirect light, well-draining soil, and infrequent watering. However, String of Tears is often considered slightly hardier and less prone to the sudden drops of leaves that String of Pearls sometimes experiences when overwatered or under stress.
Can We Grow String Of Tears Outdoors?
String of Tears can be grown outdoors in regions with warm, dry climates, particularly in USDA hardiness zones 9-11, where temperatures stay above 40°F year-round. Native to the arid landscapes of South Africa, this succulent thrives in environments that mimic its natural habitat, making it perfect for outdoor spaces in areas with mild winters and plenty of sunshine.
When growing outdoors, it’s important to place String of Tears in an area with good air circulation to prevent moisture buildup and potential fungal issues. While it enjoys bright conditions, avoid exposing it to harsh elements like strong winds or intense, direct sunlight for extended periods, as these can damage its delicate, trailing vines. A spot with filtered sunlight or light shade during the hottest part of the day works best in particularly hot climates.
In cooler regions, it’s best to grow String of Tears in a portable container, allowing it to be moved indoors when temperatures drop, as it is not frost-tolerant. With the right outdoor environment, this beautiful trailing succulent can create a stunning display, whether cascading from a hanging basket or spilling elegantly over a garden wall.
General Care
Lighting
In its natural habitat, this succulent grows under the sun-drenched skies of South Africa, where it receives plenty of sunlight while being shielded from the harshest rays by surrounding vegetation.
Indoors, this plant thrives near a bright window that offers plenty of indirect sunlight. A south- or east-facing window is usually perfect, as it provides strong but gentle light throughout the day. Avoid placing it in low-light areas, as insufficient light can cause the plant to become leggy and lose its dense, trailing appearance. If natural light is limited, consider using a grow light to ensure the plant receives enough light to stay healthy and maintain its vibrant color and plump, teardrop-shaped leaves.
Outdoors, String of Tears does best in a spot with filtered sunlight or partial shade. While it can tolerate some direct morning sun, especially in cooler climates, too much intense sunlight—particularly during the harsh afternoon hours—can cause sunburn, leading to discolored or shriveled leaves.
Watering
This drought-tolerant succulent prefers a "soak and dry" watering routine. Like most succulents, it stores water in its plump, teardrop-shaped leaves, allowing it to survive periods of drought. Overwatering is the biggest threat to this plant and can quickly lead to root rot, so it’s essential to let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
When grown indoors, water the plant thoroughly once the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. This usually means watering every two to three weeks, depending on the environment and season. During the cooler months (fall and winter), the plant enters a period of dormancy and requires even less water—sometimes only once a month. Always check the soil before watering, as indoor conditions can cause soil to dry out more slowly.
For outdoor growth, watering frequency will depend on the climate. In hot, dry regions, String of Tears might need watering once a week during the growing season, but in cooler or more humid areas, less frequent watering is required. Be mindful of rainfall, as too much natural moisture can lead to overwatering. If planted outdoors in the ground or in a large container, ensure it is in well-draining soil to prevent standing water from harming the roots.
Soil And Fertilizer
String of Tears thrives in well-draining soil, which is essential for preventing root rot, one of the most common issues with succulents. Since this plant is naturally adapted to arid environments with sandy, rocky soils, it needs a growing medium that allows excess moisture to drain away quickly. For best results, use a commercial cactus or succulent soil mix—these are specifically designed to promote good drainage. You can also create your own mix by combining regular potting soil (50%), coarse sand (25%), and perlite or pumice (25%). If growing String of Tears outdoors, plant it in a raised bed or a sandy, well-aerated spot in your garden where water won’t pool after rain. If your outdoor soil retains too much moisture, amend it with additional sand or pumice to improve drainage.
When it comes to fertilizer, this succulent doesn’t require heavy feeding. During the growing season (spring and summer), you can encourage healthy growth by applying a diluted liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. During the dormant season (fall and winter), stop fertilizing altogether.
Temperature and Humidity
String of Tears thrives in warm, dry environments and prefers temperatures that mimic its natural habitat in the arid regions of South Africa. It enjoys warmth and can tolerate higher temperatures as long as it’s provided with enough airflow and not exposed to intense, direct sunlight for extended periods. This plant is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from temperatures below 40°F. Exposure to cold temperatures can cause significant damage, including leaf loss, rot, and even death.
When it comes to humidity, String of Tears prefers low to moderate humidity levels, similar to what you’d find in a typical indoor environment. It does well in rooms with average household humidity and doesn’t need additional moisture in the air. High humidity levels, especially combined with poor air circulation, can increase the risk of fungal infections or root rot. Ensure there’s good air circulation around your plant.
Toxicity
String of Tears is considered toxic to pets and humans if ingested. Like many plants in the Senecio genus, it contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can cause gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if consumed. In severe cases, especially if ingested in large amounts, these compounds can lead to liver damage over time. While it’s not typically life-threatening, the plant should be kept out of reach of curious pets, especially cats, dogs, and small children, who might be tempted to chew on its delicate, trailing vines.
Extra Care
Potting and Repotting
String of Tears (Senecio herreianus) thrives in a well-draining pot that allows excess water to escape quickly, preventing root rot, which is a common issue for succulents. When potting, choose a container with drainage holes at the bottom to ensure the soil doesn’t retain too much moisture. For the best results, use a terracotta or unglazed ceramic pot, as these materials are breathable and help wick away excess moisture from the soil.
Repotting isn’t something you’ll need to do often with this plant, as it prefers to be slightly root-bound. However, if you notice that the roots are growing out of the drainage holes, or if the plant seems to have outgrown its current pot, it’s time for a refresh. Typically, this should be done every 2-3 years or when the plant shows signs of becoming too large for its container.
Pruning
This plant doesn’t require frequent pruning, but occasional trimming is beneficial for maintaining a healthy, attractive appearance and encouraging fuller growth. Pruning helps prevent the plant from becoming too leggy and can also stimulate new growth along the stems, keeping the trailing vines lush and vibrant. You can also trim the vines if they grow too long or start to look sparse. Regular pruning of overgrown stems helps the plant maintain its signature cascading form and encourages thicker, bushier growth.
The best time to prune is during the active growing season—spring or early summer—when the plant is most responsive to new growth. Use a pair of sharp, sterilized scissors or pruning shears to trim back any leggy, weak, or dead stems. Cutting just above a healthy node (where a leaf joins the stem) will encourage the plant to branch out from that point, creating a fuller, denser appearance.
Propagation
String of Tears (Senecio herreianus) is easy to propagate, and the most reliable method is through stem cuttings. The best time to propagate is during the growing season in spring or early summer. Start by snipping a healthy vine, about 4-6 inches long, using clean, sharp scissors. Remove the bottom few leaves to expose about an inch of bare stem, and let the cutting dry for a day or two until the cut end forms a callous, which helps prevent rot.
You can root the cutting in either soil or water. For soil propagation, plant the calloused end into well-draining succulent soil and keep the soil lightly moist until roots form, usually within two to four weeks. For water propagation, place the cutting in a glass of clean water, ensuring the leaves stay above the waterline, and keep it in a bright spot with indirect light. Once the roots are about an inch long, transplant the cutting into soil.
Common Problems
String of Tears is generally low-maintenance, but it can face a few common issues if not given the right care. One of the biggest problems is overwatering, which can quickly lead to root rot. This occurs when the soil remains too wet for too long, causing the roots to become soft and mushy. Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves, mushy stems, and a foul odor from the soil. On the other hand, underwatering can cause the leaves to shrivel and dry out, though this plant is better equipped to handle drought than excess moisture.
Another issue is insufficient light, which can cause the plant to become leggy as it stretches toward the nearest light source. If your plant starts developing long, sparse vines with fewer leaves, it likely needs more sunlight. However, too much direct sun, especially outdoors during the hottest part of the day, can lead to sunburn, which appears as brown, crispy patches on the leaves.
Pests like mealybugs and spider mites can also be a problem, especially for indoor plants. Mealybugs appear as white, cotton-like spots on the leaves and stems, while spider mites leave behind fine webbing and can cause leaf discoloration. Regular inspections and prompt treatment with neem oil or insecticidal soap can keep infestations under control.
In some cases, the plant’s vines may become weak or start to collapse if the pot is too small or if the soil is too compact, restricting root growth. Additionally, poor air circulation combined with high humidity can lead to fungal issues or leaf rot.
READ MORE ABOUT HOW TO CARE FOR STRING OF PEARLS
