The String of Pearls is a succulent that grows bead-like leaves on long, cascading stems. It’s a little more fussy than other stringing succulents, but when you get the hang of them, they make beautiful hanging planters.

• Light – Bright, indirect light
• Water – Let soil dry out completely between watering
• Difficulty – Intermediate
• Pet Friendly –Toxic

Grow pot plant sizes: small [4” ], medium [6”], large [8”], extra-large [10”] – All these are diameter measurements

Corresponding pot measurements: small [5-6” pot], medium [7-8” pot], large [9-11” pot], extra large [11-13” pot]

BOTANICAL NAME:  Senecio rowleyanus

COMMON NAMES:  Rosary string of beads

ORIGIN: Deserts of East Africa

GOOD FOR: Intermediate plant parents

HEIGHT: Trails can grow 1-2 ft long

LIGHT: Bright, indirect light 4-6 hours, is ideal. Direct sun will burn the leaves.

WINDOW PREFERENCE: South or west windows work best

WATER:  Water more in the spring and summer growing season, and less during the winter “rest” period.  Water thoroughly once the soil dries out completely. The preferred method of watering succulents, in order to keep water from their delicate leaves, is to sit the pot in 2 inches of water and let the soil soak up the water until the top becomes moist. Do not let the roots sit in water, longer than it takes to moisten the soil mixture. If watering with a can, be careful not to wet the leaves or stems, as this can cause discoloration or rotting. 

HUMIDITY: Regular household humidity

TEMPERATURE: Prefers to be between 65-75 degrees. Keep away from drafts and heat vents.

SOIL / REPOTTING:  Well-draining cactus soil. This plant has a small root system, so it does best in a small pot. Only repot when the roots outgrow its current container, and size up 1 container size.  String of Pearls can only be repotted a few times before it will eventually begin to die back. After a few years, try to propagate your plant from new cuttings and let the older plant die away.

PLANT FOOD: Feed 1-2 times in the spring and summer growing season. We recommend using Joyful Dirt Succulent Plant Food. Stop feeding in fall and winter due to slower growth and dormancy.

PRUNING: Prune stems that have lost leaves, to rejuvenate and stimulate new growth.

PESTS: Aphids and Mealybugs 

TOXICITY: Toxic

ANGRY PLANT PROBLEMS: Shriveled leaves – not enough watering. Younger plants need more water than mature plants. Make sure to water thoroughly as the soil dries out. This may be every 2 weeks in the spring/ summer growing season, or monthly during the winter months. Leaves may also shrivel if you overwater. The beads can actually burst from too much water and then shrivel and become mushy.

INTERESTING FACT: Can produce small flowers that emit a sweet, cinnamon fragrance.