String of Pearls
Senecio rowleyanus
A living necklace — tiny green spheres cascading in elegant rows
About String of Pearls
String of Pearls is one of the most distinctive and whimsical succulents available. Its long, trailing stems are studded with round, pea-like leaves that look like a string of green pearls cascading from a hanging basket. The spherical leaves are an evolutionary adaptation to store water and minimize surface area exposed to heat. Fragrant white flowers bloom in spring.
Complete Care Guide
Watering
Water deeply but infrequently — every 10–14 days in summer, every 3–4 weeks in winter. The 'pearls' should feel firm, not mushy or shriveled. Let the soil dry completely between waterings.
Light
Bright indirect light to some direct sun. An east-facing window with morning sun is ideal. Too little light causes weak, widely-spaced growth; too much direct afternoon sun causes shriveling.
Soil
Cactus or succulent mix with added perlite. The mix must drain fast — any moisture retention causes root rot.
Fertilizing
Feed monthly in spring and summer with a diluted succulent fertilizer. String of Pearls is a light feeder.
Repotting
Repot every 1–2 years or when the plant becomes extremely rootbound. Handle gently — the pearls detach easily.
Pruning
Trim leggy stems to encourage fuller growth. Pruned stems root readily in soil for propagation.
Common Problems & Solutions
Shriveled, wrinkled pearls
Underwatering. Water thoroughly and the pearls should plump back up within a few days.
Mushy, brown pearls
Overwatering and root rot. Remove from soil, allow to dry, trim any rotted roots, and repot in fresh, dry succulent mix.
Pro Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
QWhy are my String of Pearls shriveling?
Shriveled, wrinkly pearls indicate underwatering. Water thoroughly and the pearls should recover within a day or two. If the pearls are also mushy, you have the opposite problem — overwatering and potential root rot.
