To keep a string of pearls healthy, give it bright indirect light, fast-draining soil and a pot with drainage. Let the soil dry completely between waterings rather than following a weekly schedule, and protect the plant from frost. Its accepted botanical name is Curio rowleyanus; it may still be labeled Senecio rowleyanus in older references and plant shops.
What is a string of pearls?
Curio rowleyanus is a trailing succulent native to dry areas of South Africa. Its pea-sized, nearly spherical leaves store water; each can reach about ¼ inch in diameter and has a darker translucent stripe that helps light reach inner leaf tissue. The stems trail over the edge of a hanging basket or shallow dish, and can root where they touch soil.
University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension describes the plant as relatively low maintenance when given bright light, well-drained soil and infrequent watering. That does not mean it tolerates persistently wet soil: root rot from overwatering is its most common cause of loss, according to the Extension.
What light does string of pearls need?
Indoors, place it in bright, indirect light. North Carolina State Extension recommends this exposure; direct, intense sun can scorch the leaves. If you move a plant outdoors, acclimate it gradually rather than placing it straight into strong sun. Choose partial shade or another protected bright spot, and shield it from excessive rain.
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- Sprout N Green - Sprout N Green string of pearls, because its leaves really look like tiny green beads, also called String of Beads. String of Pearls is a popular trailing succulent for its pendant stems, with rare pearl-like leaves. Small white flowers bloom in cooler months of year
- Strong Root System - Growing in our California farm, every succulent is carefully nurtured by gardener expert. Each succulent is fully rooted in 4 inch starter planter with succulent & cacti soil mix. They are larger, better established and much more resilient than less-established succulents. The plant container and soil are included
- Easy to Care - String of Pearls is a fast grower plant which is easy to propagated from stems cuttings. String of pearls requires indirect bright sunlight to thrive just like other soft succulents. In spring and autumn, it can be placed outdoor to get full sunlight. Shade is required in summer to avoid sun burn. In cold months, protection from frost is necessary
- Ideal Decor - With unique beads-like foliages, String of Pearls is a great choice as trailing houseplant in hanging planters by a south-facing window. From boy to girl, from women to old lady, everyone like it. Choosing pearls-like plant bonsai as a unique sincere present for Valentine's Day or Mother's Day to you family, friends, colleagues, etc
- Important Notes - Succulents may vary from pictures shown as they are living plants and grow differently throughout the year. Once you receive the package, please take it inside the house soon. Succulents' leaves are very fragile and may fall off during long trip. If your plant is missing some leaves upon arrival, just know they will grow back and thrive over time
How should you choose soil and a pot?
The goal is to keep water from lingering around the roots. Use a cactus or succulent potting mix, or improve drainage by blending in coarse inorganic material such as pumice, pea gravel, sharp sand or poultry grit. Wisconsin Extension says such material can make up as much as half the mix; North Carolina State Extension also suggests a soil blend with sand or perlite.
| Setup choice | What it offers | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Cactus or succulent mix alone | A ready-made fast-draining medium recommended by both Extension sources. | Check that the pot drains freely and the mix dries between waterings. |
| Mix amended with coarse material | Can improve drainage and reduce prolonged wetness around roots. | Wisconsin Extension describes adding inorganic material at up to a 1:1 ratio. |
| Shallow clay pot | A shallow container limits the volume of wet mix; clay dries faster as moisture evaporates through its sides. | It may dry sooner than plastic or ceramic, so judge watering by soil condition. |
| Plastic or ceramic pot | Usable when it has drainage and the medium dries appropriately. | These materials do not lose moisture through the sides as quickly as clay, according to Wisconsin Extension. |
Choose a shallow container with drainage holes. The plant has relatively limited roots, and a deep volume of wet soil can take longer to dry. No specific brand of mix or pot is required.
Rank #2
- Easy Care & Drought-Tolerant Succulent: String of Pearls is a low-maintenance succulent. Water only when the soil is completely dry. Ideal for beginners or busy plant owners looking for an easy indoor plant
- Unique Trailing Succulent: String of Pearls features round, pearl-like leaves and gracefully draping stems. Perfect for hanging planters, shelves, and bright windows, adding vertical greenery to home or office spaces
- Seasonal Growth Variations: As a live plant, String of Pearls may slightly change in fullness and growth based on the season, offering unique charm and visual interest throughout the year
- Fully Rooted in 4-Inch Grower Pot: Arrives healthy and fully rooted in a 4-inch nursery pot with well-draining soil. Established root systems help the plant adapt more easily to its new environment compared to fresh cuttings
- Ideal Gift for Any Occasion: Perfect for housewarmings, birthdays, weddings, and Mother’s Day. Its stunning visual appeal and elegant trailing stems make it a thoughtful gift for plant lovers or anyone wanting to add greenery to their space
How often should you water string of pearls?
There is no reliable universal interval: drying speed changes with the pot, medium, light, temperature and season. Let the mix dry completely between waterings, as Wisconsin Extension advises. The plant generally needs more water during summer growth and less during its winter rest.
Wisconsin Extension offers a visible cue: water when the leaves begin to look a little shriveled. Use that cue alongside a check of the soil, not instead of it. If the medium is still wet, adding water risks root rot; if it is dry, water the mix and let excess drain away rather than leaving the roots in standing water.
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Rank #3
- LIVE SUCCULENTS: Easy popular succulent to grow indoors
- ICONIC STRING OF PEARLS SUCCULENT – Unique bead-like leaves cascade gracefully, creating a stunning trailing houseplant display.
- DRAMATIC TRAILING SUCCULENT – Long strands spill beautifully from hanging baskets, shelves, and plant stands.
- LOW WATER HOUSEPLANT – A distinctive trailing succulent loved by plant enthusiasts, plus it's drought-tolerant and stores water in its pearl-shaped leaves.
- PERFECT FOR BRIGHT INDOOR SPACES – Thrives in bright indirect light and warm environments.
Why is my string of pearls shriveling or wilting?
Shriveled leaves can signal that the plant needs water, but wilting alone does not identify the cause. North Carolina State Extension notes that both overwatering and underwatering can cause wilt. Check the medium and pot drainage before changing your routine.
- Dry mix and shriveling leaves: Water thoroughly, then allow excess to drain. Resume letting the mix dry between waterings.
- Wet mix or poor drainage: Pause watering and address the cause of prolonged moisture. Soggy soil can lead to root rot, the most common cause of loss identified by Wisconsin Extension.
- Scorched-looking leaves: Reduce exposure to intense direct sun and provide bright, indirect light.
- Yellow or gray leaves: Inspect the plant for insects as well as reviewing light and watering conditions; North Carolina State Extension associates these color changes with possible insect problems.
Mealybugs and aphids can occur, although Wisconsin Extension reports few pest problems overall. Look along stems and around leaf nodes when inspecting the plant.
Rank #4
- STRING OF PEARLS PLANT ARTIFICIAL: Pack of 2pcs artificial hanging succulent plants with black planters. Great fake plants indoor are suitable for modern, rustic, boho style home decoration.
- SIZE OF FAKE HANGING SUCCULENT PLANTS: The string of pearls plant artificial size is 18.5inch-13inch(47cm-33cm), the pot size is 3.5inch(9cm)/2.6inch(6.5cm) Diameterx3.1inch(7.8cm) H. The size is fit for placing on the desktop, cabinet, shelf, and wall shelf.
- PREMIUM QUALITY & REALISTIC LOOK: These faux plants indoor are made of harmless plastic, the color is lifelike as the real plant, but need no watering and maintenance. Please attention: it is normal that they have smells, you can place them in a dry and ventilated environment, the smell will disappear soon.
- USES OF ARTIFICIAL PLANTS: Different from the artificial string of pearls plant with no pot, you can put the trailing benaded plants artificial on the desk, storage basket, shelf or plant hanger. You will no longer need to buy a separate container to place the fake hanging plant.
- NOTE: The pots are stuffed with plastic foam, which is made into the shape of a simulates stone, please do not pull out the succulent plant, once pulled out, it needs to be glued to prevent from falling off. Our artificial string of pearls plant can be used in combination with other succulents.
How do you care for string of pearls in winter or outdoors?
Protect the plant from cold and frost. Wisconsin Extension recommends a cool winter rest at 55–60 °F, with less water than in summer. North Carolina State Extension describes the plant as frost-intolerant and advises bringing outdoor specimens inside before the first fall frost.
It can grow outdoors in frost-free conditions. North Carolina State Extension lists outdoor suitability for USDA zones 9B through 11b; local exposure and microclimate still matter. Acclimate plants gradually when moving them outside, protect them from harsh sun and excess rain, and bring them in before frost.
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- Material: high quality plastic with soft rubber touch; Each branch holds 13.8 Inch; Color: Lifelike green.
- Perfect for a succulent arrangement,they will look great with other faux succulents,also will added a great touch to your outdoor artificial planter.
- Ideal for weddings, home decorations, wall decors, gardens, fencing, floral tributes, sheds, swing, frame, festivals, parties, art craft, etc
- Brings the beauty and natural-looking greenery of hanging succulent plants into your space without the mess or maintenance.
- Package: 4 artificial hanging string of pearls plant, Basket is not included. ( Each string has 5 branches)
How do you propagate string of pearls?
Stem cuttings are the practical approach. Wisconsin Extension recommends a 3–4 inch stem tip, while North Carolina State Extension gives a 3–5 inch range. Cut a healthy tip, remove several leaves from its lower section, and place the exposed nodes on or just into moist, fast-draining mix.
- Take a 3–4 inch stem-tip cutting and remove 3–4 lower leaves, following Wisconsin Extension’s specific method.
- Lay the cutting on moist mix or lightly cover its lower nodes so they contact the medium.
- Keep the surface lightly moist while roots establish; misting the surface is preferable to saturating the mix.
- Once rooted, continue normal care and allow the medium to dry between waterings.
Roots develop from the nodes. North Carolina State Extension says stem cuttings are quicker and more reliable than setting a single leaf on the mix.
Is string of pearls toxic to people or pets?
Do not eat the plant, and avoid contact with its sap. North Carolina State Extension describes the leaves and sap as slightly toxic, with possible vomiting or diarrhea after ingestion and skin irritation or rash from sap exposure. Wisconsin Extension also notes possible gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation. Keep the plant out of reach of children and pets; ordinary proximity is not the concern described by these sources.
When should you repot or fertilize?
Wisconsin Extension suggests repotting every year or two, or fertilizing lightly in spring. Treat these as options rather than a rigid calendar: consider repotting when the plant or container’s condition calls for it, and avoid heavy feeding.
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