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String of Turtles Care

String of turtles trailing from a small pot

Peperomia prostrata

At a glance

β˜€οΈ Light Bright indirect.
πŸ’§ Water When the soil is mostly dry.
πŸͺ΄ Soil Airy: Tropical mix with extra perlite.
🌑️ Temp 16–27Β°C.
πŸ’¨ Humidity Average to high.
🐾 Pets Pet safe Non-toxic to cats and dogs.
🌱 Care level Easy Pet safe Small spaces
πŸ“ Grows to Trails 30–45 cm.

String of turtles has tiny round leaves patterned like a turtle's shell, on delicate trailing stems. It's a small, pet-safe peperomia that looks lovely spilling over a shelf edge or in a little hanging pot.

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, indirect light keeps the leaf pattern crisp and the vines full. Low light makes the stems thin and bare. Avoid strong direct sun, which can bleach the small leaves.

Victoria tip: String of turtles is sensitive to cold, wet soil in our cool winters. Keep it in a small pot and water sparingly from November to February.

Watering

Water when the soil is mostly dry; the leaves store some water. Overwatering is the most common problem and causes mushy stems at the base. Water from below or carefully around the edge so the fine stems don't stay wet.

Close-up of string of turtles' tiny patterned leaves
Close-up of string of turtles' tiny patterned leaves

Soil + repotting

A light, airy mix like our Tropical Potting Mix with extra perlite, in a small, shallow pot with drainage. It rarely needs repotting.

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 every month or two in spring and summer at quarter strength. Trim straggly strands and tuck the cuttings back into the pot.

Propagation

Lay a strand on moist soil with the nodes touching the surface, or root short cuttings in moss. See Propagation 101. It's a peperomia, so our Peperomia Care guide applies too.

Common problems

What you see Likely cause What to do
Mushy stems at the base Overwatering Let it dry more; take healthy cuttings if needed.
Shrivelled, curling leaves Thirsty Water thoroughly.
Thin, bare strands Low light Move to brighter indirect light.
Faded pattern Too much sun or too little light Bright, indirect light is best.
Leaves dropping in winter Cold, wet soil Water less; keep away from cold glass.

Varieties we carry

We carry string of turtles in small pots and hanging baskets. Only what's in stock online right now is shown.

Hand holding a string of turtles String of Turtles from $8.99 ● In stock

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Frequently asked questions

Is string of turtles safe for pets?

Yes. It's a peperomia and non-toxic to cats and dogs.

How often should I water it?

When the soil is mostly dry, usually every 1–2 weeks in summer.

Why is my string of turtles getting bare?

Usually low light. Move it brighter and tuck cuttings back in.

Does it need a big pot?

No. It has tiny roots and does best in a small, shallow pot.

String of Turtles 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†’

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