Senecio rowleyanus - String of Pearls

String of Pearls (Senecio or Curio rowleyanus) (Jacobsen): An all-time favorite for the way its bead-like leaves can cascade several feet. They originate in South Africa where they grow as ground cover in the shade of rocky outcroppings. Partial or filtered sun is ideal, as they are prone to sunburn if exposed to direct sun without a gradual, two week transition.

In the wild, Senecio/Curio plants are dormant in summer and grow in winter, though this can shift under indoor growing conditions. It is a member of the Aster family and produces pom pom-like flowers that smell of cinnamon. Try growing String of Pearls in a hanging pot for a trailing effect or, in warm climates (zone 10+), plant it in-ground as a matting groundcover. For a truly bountiful trailing effect, prune and re-plant long strands.

The unique leaf shape is a useful adaptation that helps C. rowleyanus tolerate droughts. Its spherical form 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 extra light enters for photosynthesis.

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