How to Care for String of Pearls, a Drought-Tolerant Succulent With a Unique Appearance

If you want to grow a unique houseplant, we recommend string of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus). This low-maintenance succulent has green foliage that resembles small pearls strung together. Native to South Africa, string of pearls plant thrives in warm conditions and requires minimal watering thanks to its water-storing leaves, making it a great option for hands-off gardeners.

It can be grown outside in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 12, but is typically grown indoors as a houseplant. If it's grown outdoors, it will produce white, daisy-like flowers in spring that have a spicy-sweet, cinnamon-like fragrance. The leaves are slightly toxic, so keep this plant out of reach of pets. Ahead, gardening experts share their tips for growing and caring for string of pearls.

String of Pearls Plant Care 

To help your string of pearls plant thrive, ensure its sunlight, temperature, water, and fertilizer requirements are met.

Sunlight

String of pearls plant grows best in indirect sunlight, but it can tolerate some direct sunlight. Place it in an easy-facing window to avoid hard sun exposure, says urban gardener Nick Cutsumpas.

Temperature

The ideal temperature conditions for string of pearls plant ranges from 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Whether you grow this plant indoors or outside, make sure it isn't exposed to cold weather. If your region has harsh winters, bring the plant inside for the season.

Watering 

Like most succulents, string of pearls plant prefers drier conditions. Let the soil dry out completely before watering to avoid root rot. You will likely need to water it more in summer when the plant is actively growing than in winter.

Soil

Grow string of pearls plant in a container with well-draining potting mix, such as cactus or succulent mix. You can also improve draining by adding small pea gravel, sharp sand, poultry grit, or pumice to potting soil.

Fertilizing

String of pearls plant benefits from being fed a succulent-specific fertilizer once a month during the spring and summer growing seasons, says Cutsumpas.

Types of String of Pearls

There are many trailing species with distinct shapes that are closely related to string of pearls, says Cutsumpas. Here are a few:

• Curio radicans: Known as "string of bananas," the foliage of this plant resembles small green bananas.
• Curio herreanus: This variety boasts oblong-shaped leaves with dark green lines that look like watermelons, hence its common name 'string of watermelons.'
• Curio citriformus: Referred to as "string of tears," the foliage of this plant has a slight point on the sphere, giving it a teardrop appearance.

Pruning String of Pearls Plant

Prune string of pearls by cutting off excess pearls just above a healthy, established stem joint, says gardening expert Chris Young. Also remove any dead or diseased foliage. If you cut off too much at once, you could shock the plant and potentially stunt its growth.

Propagating String of Pearls Plant

Propagate string of pearls plant to create new baby plants. Here's how to do it, according to Cutsumpas. 

1. Using clean, fine-tipped scissors, cut off a 5-inch stem from the plant.
2. Remove the bottom pearls and let the stem dry for a few days.
3. Fill a small container with well-draining potting mix.
4. Place the cut end of the stem in the soil.
5. Water well and place the cutting in a warm area with bright, indirect light.  

Growing String of Pearls in Containers

String of pearls grows well in containers with a drainage hole and well-draining soil. When the plant outgrows its container, it will need to be repotted. Make sure to size up the container when repotting your string of pearls plant, but don't choose a pot that is too deep. "The root systems are relatively shallow, and it's best to find a pot that is at least 2 inches wider in diameter than the current one it is in," says Cutsumpas.

1. Turn the entire pot upside down so the strings hang loose and aren't at risk of breaking as you remove the rootball. 
2. Once the plant is out of its container, use a thin blade to gently break away the excess soil and expose more of the roots.
3. Fill the new container with well-draining soil and place the plant in the pot. Fill the sides of the container in with more soil.
4. Water well and place the cutting in a warm area with bright, indirect light.  

Overwintering String of Pearls Plant

If you live outside USDA growing zones 9 to 12, you will need to bring your string of pearls plant inside during winter, as it won't survive the freezing temperatures. If you want your plant to bloom the following spring, let it rest in a cool, dry, brightly lit area where temperatures are around 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Common Issues With String of Pearls 

Learn how to identify common problems that might occur when growing a string of pearls plant in your home.

Root Rot

String of pearls is susceptible to overwatering, which can lead to root rot. To avoid this, make sure your soil is well-draining and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. "Make sure there are drainage holes in whatever pot you plant them in," Young adds.

Pests

Mealybugs and spider mites can sometimes pose a threat to your string of pearls plant. Young suggests using a mixture of vinegar with equal parts water to rid your plant of these bugs. 

Shriveled Pods 

If you notice that the pearls look shriveled, then you are likely under-watering the plant. To fix this, increase the frequency of how often you're watering your plant and the pods should rehydrate.