Species string-of-pearls
lime-green fruits with green stems

string-of-pearls

Senecio rowleyanus (syn. Curio rowleyanus)

Also Known As - string-of-beads
String-of-pearls (Senecio rowleyanus), also known as “String of Beads”, is a succulent plant with small, round leaves on a trailing vine. The tiny leaves are a vibrant green, and the stems are soft and very flexible. It blossoms with small white flowers that give off a sweet scent. String-of-pearls is low-maintenance and easy to grow indoors. It thrives best in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate moderate sun. Water it just enough for the soil to stay slightly moist and avoid soggy soil. When the leaves begin to look shriveled, it’s time to give it a drink. Propagation is also easy—simply cut off a vine and insert it directly into soil.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

10

Flowers:

Not showy, White, (White with red stamens and yellow anthers.) Flowers In Summer

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Soil:

Well-drained

Fruits:

Fruits In Autumn Ready In Summer

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Poisonous To Humans:

Yes

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Indoors:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

String-of-pearls (Senecio rowleyanus (syn. Curio rowleyanus)) prefers medium amounts of consistent watering. It should be watered when the soil has nearly dried out (about once a week). To ensure proper watering it is best to soak the soil thoroughly and then allow any excess water to drain. When temperatures are warmer, watering frequency should increase to more than once per week.

sunlight

The string-of-pearls plant species requires bright, indirect sunlight for optimal growth. It is best to provide 4–6 hours of sunlight each day. Direct sunlight can cause the leaves to burn so it is important to keep the plant in a bright but shaded area. If the leaves start to fade, it is a sign that the plant is not getting enough sunlight. If the plant is exposed to too much sunlight, move it to a more shaded area or provide additional coverage in the form of curtains, blinds, or shades.

pruning

String-of-pearls (Senecio rowleyanus (syn. Curio rowleyanus)) should be pruned lightly throughout the growing season. Pruning should begin as soon as new growth starts in the spring, and continue until it slows in late summer. Pruning should generally consist of pinching or cutting up to 2/3 of the stem tips, without cutting the main stem. Pinching the growing tips helps to create a fuller, more bushy plant, while cutting the stems encourages new growth along the entire stem. Keep in mind that over-pruning can result in a loss of foliage. To achieve an optimal shape, prune as needed during the growing season.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Senecio rowleyanus is from August to October.

Starts Flowering

String-of-pearls typically start flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

String-of-pearls typically start flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Senecio rowleyanus is from August to October.

Hardiness Map