String of pearls

Curio rowleyanus (syn. Senecio rowleyanus)

Toxic to pets☀ Bright indirectMedium care

Check in 2 days· Jul 15

Water when soil is nearly dry and pearls begin to feel slightly soft.

Every 14 daysLast watered: 2026-07-01

This is a soil-check date, not an automatic watering date.

Overview

Summary, origin & habitat: A creeping succulent native to dry parts of South Africa, where it trails beneath shrubs and rocks and roots where stems touch the ground. It is grown mainly in hanging baskets.
Interesting facts: The plant naturally creeps along the ground rather than hanging; hanging baskets display the same stems in a vertical direction.
Name story: Curio means curiosity, reflecting the unusual form. Rowleyanus honors British succulent specialist Gordon Douglas Rowley.
History & legends: The bead-like foliage inspired the common names string of pearls, rosary vine and necklace plant. It has become a classic novelty succulent.

Light: Bright indirect light with gentle morning sun; light should reach the top of the pot as well as the trailing stems.
Temperature: 70–80°F (21–27°C) in summer; 50–60°F (10–16°C) in winter is acceptable if kept drier.
Watering: Water when soil is nearly dry and pearls begin to feel slightly soft.
Fertilizing: Monthly at ½ strength during spring–summer, or feed lightly once in spring and once in early summer.
Toughness: Medium
Difficulty: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Maintenance notes: Very sensitive to excess water and inadequate light. Use a shallow pot and fast-draining mix.

Mature height: About 2–6 in. above the pot
Mature spread: Trailing stems 1–3 ft; pot width about 1–2 ft
Leaf colors: Green, pea-shaped leaves with a narrow darker translucent window.
Leaf type / form: Simple, spherical, fleshy succulent leaves on thin trailing stems.
Best planting / repotting time: Spring to early summer is best for cuttings and repotting.
Bloom time: Summer; uncommon indoors without strong light.
Flower color: Small white daisy-like flowers with red and yellow stamens; often cinnamon-scented.

Toxic if eaten?: Yes
Who is affected: People, cats and dogs
Possible effects: May cause nausea, vomiting, lethargy or skin irritation; larger amounts may be more serious.

Pruning: Remove dead or sparse vines and shorten healthy stems to encourage branching. Lay trimmed stems on the soil surface to root.
Propagation: Stem cuttings or layering are fast and reliable. Bury or pin several nodes against the mix.
Repotting: Repot every 2–3 years in spring using a shallow, well-drained container. Older plants are often renewed from cuttings.

Adaptation strategy: Nearly spherical leaves minimize exposed surface area and reduce water loss. A translucent epidermal window lets light enter the interior photosynthetic tissue.
Ecological application: Suitable for xeric hanging containers and frost-free groundcover. Outdoor flowers can support small pollinators, but the plant is toxic if eaten.