String of Pearls
Senecio rowleyanus
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Cactus Succulent
Height
36 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Partial Sun
Zones
9
Water
Low
Humidity
Low to moderate
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Southwest Africa
Toxicity
Toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Curio rowleyanus (formerly Senecio rowleyanus), commonly known as String of Pearls, is a trailing succulent with stems adorned with small, spherical leaves. This plant is known for its unique appearance and is popular as a houseplant due to its low maintenance requirements and drought tolerance.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck cuttings into well-draining soil and water lightly.
- Mist the soil regularly to maintain moisture without overwatering.
- Place in bright, indirect sunlight for optimal growth.
- Allow soil to dry out completely between watering sessions.
- Transplant into a larger pot when roots become crowded, typically after 6 weeks.
- Monitor for pests and treat promptly to prevent infestations.
Pro Tip
Use a sandy or cactus mix for excellent drainage and root health.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide bright, indirect sunlight ☀️
- Water sparingly, letting soil dry out between watering 🌱
- Use well-draining soil for healthy roots
- Prune leggy stems to encourage bushier growth
Don't
- Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t place in low light conditions
- Refrain from using heavy, clay soils that retain water
- Don’t ignore signs of pests or disease
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
String of Pearls questions
What zones can String of Pearls grow in?
String of Pearls is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is String of Pearls deer resistant?
Yes — String of Pearls is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does String of Pearls bloom?
String of Pearls typically blooms in late summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does String of Pearls need full sun?
String of Pearls does best in part shade.
Is String of Pearls drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), String of Pearls handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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Grow String of Pearls with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
