Senecio rowleyanus - String of Pearls

String of Pearls (now Curio rowleyanus) (Jacobsen & Heath): An all-time favorite for the way its bead-like leaves can cascade several feet on slender, trailing stems. It is a popular succulent for hanging pots and can make any space feel like a jungle oasis. String of Pearls also makes a great addition to arrangements by providing the crucial "spiller" component. Bright, indirect sun is ideal. Tends to need more frequent water than most succulents, due to its slender stems. For a bountiful effect, prune long strands and place back in the pot to re-root.

This is a naturally-occurring species from South Africa. In the wild, it grows as ground cover in the shade of rocky outcroppings. It is a member of the Aster family and produces white, pompom flowers that smell of cloves. The unique leaf shape maximizes water storing volume while minimizing exposed leaf area. Having less surface area reduces water loss to evapotranspiration but it also reduces the leaf area that can absorb sunlight. To counteract this, each leaf has a translucent sliver or "window" through which sunlight enters.

Soft succulents will not survive a hard frost, but if there is a risk of freezing temperatures they can be brought indoors to grow on a sunny window sill or under a grow light. They need bright sunlight, great drainage, and infrequent water to prevent rot. Pick containers with drainage holes and use well-draining cactus and succulent soil with 50% to 70% mineral grit such as coarse sand, pumice, or perlite. Water deeply enough for water to run out the drainage hole, then wait for the soil to fully dry before watering again.

This variety is easy to re-root from stem cuttings. Look to our Succulent Cuttings Guide for tips on succulent propagation.

Full Senecio Guide