Home / Grow Together Journal / String of Pearls Care
Plant care guide Β· See all guides β†’

String of Pearls Care

String of pearls trailing from a pot

Curio rowleyanus (formerly Senecio)

At a glance

β˜€οΈ Light Bright, with some direct morning or evening sun.
πŸ’§ Water When the soil is fully dry and pearls look slightly wrinkled.
πŸͺ΄ Soil Gritty: our Arid Potting Mix.
🌑️ Temp 10–27Β°C.
πŸ’¨ Humidity Dry is fine.
🐾 Pets Not pet safe Toxic to cats and dogs if eaten.
🌱 Care level Moderate Needs bright light
πŸ“ Grows to Trails 60–90 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.

On this page
  1. Light + placement
  2. Watering
  3. Soil + repotting
  4. Feeding + upkeep
  5. Common problems
  6. Varieties we carry
  7. FAQ
  8. Care kit

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.

Victoria tip: String of pearls often thins on top over our dim winters. In spring, lay a few strands back across the soil surface; they'll root and fill the pot in again.

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 3–4 weeks. Mushy, flattened or dropping pearls mean too much water.

Close-up of string of pearls' round bead-like leaves
Close-up of string of pearls' round bead-like leaves

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.

Let us do it: Bring it in and we'll repot it for $1 per inch of pot ($2–$10), plus soil and a new pot if you need one. How to Repot a Houseplant

Feeding + upkeep

Feed a few times in spring and summer at half strength. 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.

String of Pearls String of Pearls from $8.99 ● In stock

Shop all Succulents β†’

Frequently asked questions

How often should I water string of pearls?

Only when the soil is fully dry, usually every 2–3 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

Still stuck? Bring it in.
Bring your plant (or a photo) to 515 Chatham St #103 and we'll take a look. Open 11–5, 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†’