Plant guide

String of pearls.

Curio rowleyanus

Pronounced KYOO-ree-oh roh-lee-AY-nus

Also known as String-Of-Beads Senecio, String-of-Pearls, string-of-beads

String of pearls is a charming succulent known for its trailing stems covered in bead like leaves. It looks wonderful in a hanging basket where its vines can cascade freely. This plant is a bit of a diva, so it needs just the right touch to thrive.

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Succulent
Light: Bright indirect light with some morning sun.
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 14 to 21 days
Mature size: 2 to 3 feet long
Growth rate: Medium

Care

Always let the soil dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. Watch for shriveled pearls, which signal the plant is thirsty, or mushy stems, which mean it has had too much water. Give it plenty of bright light to keep the stems from getting leggy.

Watering: Water only when the soil is bone dry throughout the pot.
Feeding: Feed lightly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
Pruning: Trim back long stems to encourage fuller growth and bushiness.
Repotting: Repot only when the plant becomes root bound, using a shallow container.
Soil: Well draining cactus or succulent mix.
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.0

Safety

Pets: This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.

How to identify it

Spherical pea shaped green leaves
Thin trailing stems
Small white daisy like flowers
Translucent windows on leaves

Science

Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Curio
Order: Asterales
Class: Magnoliopsida

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

Is your string of pearls looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.