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Indoor plant care

String of Pearls

Senecio rowleyanus

• LightString of Pearls prefers bright, indirect light at 150 to…
• WaterWait until the soil has dried completely before watering…
• ToxicityToxic to pets
• Mature sizeThe plant eventually spreads about 1 to…

String of Pearls is a trailing succulent with long stems covered in rounded, pearl-like leaves. The bead-shaped foliage stores water and gives the plant its unusual texture. It looks best spilling from a hanging basket or raised shelf. This easy-care houseplant suits growers who have bright filtered light and can resist watering too often. Its delicate stems need gentle handling during watering and repotting.

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Care data checked 25 September 2026 · Dany · A-Z Plants

Light requirements

String of Pearls prefers bright, indirect light at 150 to 250 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹. Consistent light helps the stems stay full rather than bare near the pot.

• Set the plant 5 ft / 1.5m from a south, west or east-facing window.
• The foliage should not have a direct view of the sky. Filter unavoidable direct sunlight with a sheer curtain.
• Strong direct sun may scorch the beads, while dim conditions can produce thin, stretched growth.
• Check photosynthetically active radiation as PPFD (μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹) with a PAR meter or PAR meter app.

Watering

Wait until the soil has dried completely before watering String of Pearls. The rounded leaves hold water, and consistently damp soil can quickly damage the roots.

• Push a knitting needle or chopstick into different soil depths to check for hidden moisture.
• Use room temperature rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water. Soak the mix until water exits the drainage holes.
• Allow the pot to drain fully before setting it on a saucer or inside a decorative planter. A container with drainage holes is essential because trapped water promotes root rot.
• Water considerably less in winter when the plant is not actively growing. Severe or repeated drought may shrivel the pearls and create dry, crispy stems.

Soil

A fast-draining succulent mix protects String of Pearls from excess moisture around its fine roots. Use a specialty organic potting mix intended for succulents and a container with drainage holes.

• To make your own mix, blend 2 parts Coir with 2 parts Coarse Sand and 1 part Pumice. The finished mix should drain freely after watering.

Feeding

Feed with an organic succulent fertilizer every 2 to 4 weeks from March to October. Apply it according to its dilution directions and avoid using more than recommended. Stop feeding during winter, when String of Pearls is growing less actively and needs fewer nutrients.

Temperature & humidity

The preferred temperature range is 65 to 75 °F / 18 to 24 °C. Keep indoor humidity near 40 to 50%. String of Pearls does not need very humid air, but it should be protected from cold drafts and sudden shifts near vents.

What to expect

String of Pearls usually reaches maturity in 2 to 5 years. Mature stems can trail to 4 ft / 1.2 m. The plant eventually spreads about 1 to 2 ft / 30 to 60 cm across when given room to branch.

Varieties & cultivars

• S. radicans (String of Bananas): Its leaves resemble small bananas. It grows in conditions similar to S. rowleyanus and is also easy to maintain.
• S. herreianus (String of Beads): This relative has more spherical leaves that look like beads or peas.
• S. macroglossus (Wax Ivy): Pointed green-yellow foliage resembles ivy, while the flowers have a daisy-like form.