String of Pearls Care
Curio rowleyanus (formerly Senecio)
At a glance
| βοΈ Light | Bright, with some direct morning or evening sun. |
|---|---|
| π§ Water | When the soil is fully dry and pearls look slightly wrinkled. |
| πͺ΄ Soil | Gritty: our Arid Potting Mix. |
| π‘οΈ Temp | 10β27Β°C. |
| π¨ Humidity | Dry is fine. |
| πΎ Pets | Not pet safe Toxic to cats and dogs if eaten. |
| π± Care level | Moderate Needs bright light |
| π Grows to | Trails 60β90 cm. |
String of pearls is a trailing succulent with pea-shaped leaves on thin strands that cascade over the edge of a pot. It's a stunner in a hanging planter or on a high shelf, as long as it gets lots of light and not too much water.
Light + placement
Bright light with a few hours of gentle direct sun (morning or evening) is ideal: an east or west window, or set back from a south window. In low light the strands thin out and the pearls shrink.
Watering
Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry and the pearls look slightly wrinkled or less plump. In winter, that may only be every 3β4 weeks. Mushy, flattened or dropping pearls mean too much water.
Soil + repotting
A gritty, fast-draining mix like our Arid Potting Mix in a shallow pot with a drainage hole (terracotta is ideal). The roots are shallow, so avoid deep pots. Repot only when crowded.
Feeding + upkeep
Feeding: We feed with Kelpy, a gentle plant food made from BC kelp. Mix 1 teaspoon into 1 litre of water and use it every other time you water. Kelpy is gentle enough to use year-round. Our rule of thumb: if your plant is putting out new growth, even in winter, keep feeding. If it's resting, you'll be watering less, so it gets fed less too.
A light sprinkle of worm castings on top of the soil every few months gives it a slow, natural boost (keep it thin so the gritty mix still drains fast). Prefer a granular food? BIOS Natural Plant Food mixes into the top layer of soil (about 1 tablespoon per 6-inch pot) once a month while your plant is growing. A little white fuzz on the soil afterwards is normal; it's the helpful fungi at work.
Keep the top of the plant in light so the crown stays full.
Propagation
Snip 10 cm strands and lay them on top of moist gritty soil, pressing the stem in gently; each pearl along the soil roots. You can also root cuttings in water. See Propagation 101.
Common problems
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Mushy, deflated pearls | Overwatering | Let it dry out completely; check for rot at the base. |
| Shrivelled, wrinkled pearls | Thirsty | Water deeply. |
| Bald, thin top | Low light or old growth | More light; lay strands back on the soil to root. |
| Strands drying from the base | Root rot | Take healthy cuttings and restart. |
| Small pearls far apart | Not enough light | Move to brighter light. |
Varieties we carry
We carry string of pearls in hanging and tabletop sizes. Only what's in stock online right now is shown.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water string of pearls?
Only when the soil is fully dry, usually every 2β3 weeks in summer and less in winter.
Is string of pearls safe for pets?
No. It's toxic to cats and dogs if eaten.
Why is the top of my plant bald?
Low light or age. Lay strands across the soil and they'll root and fill in.
Does it need a special pot?
A shallow, well-draining pot, ideally terracotta, works best.
String of Pearls care kit
- Arid Potting Mix: Our fast-draining Soil Bar mix for plants that like to dry out.
- Squeezy Watering Bottle: Precise watering for small pots and terrariums.
- Kelpy Plant Growth Booster: Gentle BC kelp plant food you can use year-round.
- Worm Castings: A slow, natural boost from our Soil Bar. Top-dress every few months.
Bring your plant (or a photo) to 515 Chatham St #103 and we'll take a look. Open 11β5, 7 days a week, with street parking nearby. Get directions β
More plant care guides
Lithops Β· Indoor Palms Β· Peace Lily Β· Fittonia Β· Pilea Β· Pitcher Plant Β· Cactus Β· Olive Tree Β· All plant care β