String of Pearls
Curio rowleyanus · also called string of beads, rosary string of beads, Senecio rowleyanus
String of pearls is a trailing succulent with bead-like leaves. Give it bright light, gritty soil, and water only when fully dry to avoid rot.
String of pearls is a trailing succulent named for its spherical, pea-sized leaves strung along thin stems. Native to the arid regions of southwestern Africa, each bead is an adaptation that stores water while minimizing surface area, with a translucent window stripe that lets light reach inner photosynthetic tissue. In the wild the stems creep along the ground, rooting as they go to form dense mats.
Indoors it is grown as a striking hanging or shelf plant, with cascades that can reach two feet or more. While its looks are forgiving, its watering needs are not: it is among the easier succulents to overwater and rot. Success comes down to bright light, fast-draining gritty soil, and restraint with the watering can. Given those, it can produce small white brush-like flowers with a cinnamon scent.
How to care for String of Pearls
Light
Give it the brightest indirect light you can, with a few hours of gentle direct sun. A south or west window is ideal, ideally within a foot or two of the glass. Insufficient light causes stretched, sparse strands; harsh midday summer sun can scorch the beads.
Watering
Water thoroughly only when the soil is completely dry, roughly every 2 to 3 weeks in summer and less in winter. Shriveled, flattening beads signal thirst; plump beads mean it is fine. Overwatering is the leading cause of death, so when in doubt, wait.
Humidity
Prefers dry air and average to low household humidity. High humidity combined with moist soil invites rot. No misting or humidity boosting is needed.
Temperature
Keep it between 65 and 80F during the growing season. It tolerates a cooler winter rest around 55 to 60F, which can encourage blooming. Protect it from frost and temperatures below 50F.
Soil & potting mix
Use a gritty, fast-draining cactus or succulent mix, ideally amended with extra perlite or pumice. The soil must dry quickly to prevent root rot. Shallow pots with drainage holes suit its shallow root system.
Feeding
Feed lightly with a diluted succulent fertilizer once or twice during spring and summer. It is a light feeder and too much fertilizer causes weak, stretched growth. Do not feed in fall and winter.
Pruning & grooming
Trim leggy or bare strands to encourage fuller growth, and tuck cuttings back into the pot to thicken it. Remove any mushy or dried-out strands promptly. Cut just above a healthy bead.
Repotting
Repot every 2 to 3 years or when crowded, choosing a shallow pot only slightly larger. Handle the delicate strands gently. Spring is the safest time to disturb the roots.
Propagation
Lay stem cuttings on top of dry succulent mix; the beads root readily where they touch soil. You can also coil a strand on the surface to root at multiple points. Keep barely moist until established.
Common String of Pearls problems
- Shriveled, flat beads. Flattening or wrinkling beads indicate underwatering. Give a thorough soak and the pearls should plump up within a day or two; if beads stay mushy instead, suspect overwatering and rot.
- Mushy stems and rot. Soft, translucent, or rotting strands point to overwatering or poor drainage. Cut away affected sections, let the soil dry fully, and water far less often in a grittier mix.
- Sparse, stretched strands. Long gaps between beads mean too little light. Move the plant to a much brighter spot and trim leggy strands to encourage compact new growth.
String of Pearls FAQ
Why are my string of pearls dying?
Overwatering is the most common reason. The beads rot quickly in soggy soil, turning mushy and translucent. Use a gritty cactus mix, a pot with drainage, and water only when the soil is fully dry. If the strands are wrinkled and dry rather than mushy, the plant simply needs more frequent watering.
How much light does string of pearls need?
It needs a lot of light, more than most houseplants. Place it in your brightest window with several hours of gentle direct sun. Too little light causes long, sparse strands with widely spaced beads. A south or west exposure usually works well.
Is string of pearls toxic to pets?
Yes. It is toxic to cats and dogs, and the sap can irritate skin. Ingestion may cause vomiting, drooling, and lethargy. Because it trails enticingly, hang it well out of reach of pets that like to chew.