String of Pearls (Senecio): Care Guide

String of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) is an unmistakable trailing succulent: long stems strung with tiny green spheres like beads on a necklace. It looks stunning in a hanging pot or cascading off a high shelf, but it has a reputation for being fussy. The trick is to remember it's a succulent and treat it like one.

Why its leaves are spheres

Those "pearls" are ball-shaped modified leaves. The round form reduces the surface exposed to the sun and minimizes water loss in its dry South African habitat. Each pearl also has a small translucent stripe (a "window") that lets light reach the inside of the leaf.

Light

• Ideal: very bright indirect light, right next to a sunny window.
• Tolerates: a little gentle morning sun.
• Avoid: harsh midday sun through glass, which shrivels and scorches the pearls.

If the stems grow leggy with widely spaced pearls, it needs more light. Move it closer to the window gradually.

Watering: the trickiest part

This is where most string of pearls die. They store water in their spheres, so water only when the soil is dry and the pearls start to look slightly less plump.

• In spring and summer, once every 10-14 days is usually enough.
• In winter, space it out much more, every 3-4 weeks.
• Water thoroughly and let it drain; never leave water in the saucer.

Golden rule: when in doubt, don't water. Overwatering rots the stems almost immediately.

Soil and pot

Use a cactus and succulent mix, or blend regular potting soil with plenty of perlite or coarse sand. The pot must have drainage holes. Terracotta helps because it dries the root ball faster.

Propagation: very easy

It's one of the most rewarding succulents to multiply:

1. Cut a healthy stem about 4 inches (10 cm) long.
2. Strip the pearls off the last inch (2-3 cm).
3. Lay that section on damp soil (you can coil the stem on the surface).
4. Keep it lightly moist in bright light; it roots in 2-4 weeks.

For a fuller pot, plant several cuttings together from the start.

Common problems

• Shriveled, soft pearls: almost always overwatering and the start of rot. Check the stems at soil level.
• Shriveled but firm pearls: underwatering; a drink usually revives them.
• Bare stems at the top: not enough light or prolonged drought.
• Pearls that burst at a touch: too much direct sun.

If you're not sure what's wrong, upload a photo to our AI diagnosis tool and it'll point you toward the most likely cause.

Feeding and repotting

It isn't a hungry plant. During spring and summer, feed once a month with a cactus and succulent fertilizer diluted to half strength. In autumn and winter, stop feeding: the plant slows down and a buildup of salts can damage the roots.

As for repotting, string of pearls has shallow roots and prefers pots that are wider than they are deep. It doesn't need frequent changes; every 2-3 years, or when the soil compacts and holds too much water, move it to a slightly larger pot with fresh, very free-draining soil. Always do it when the soil is dry so you don't damage the fragile roots and stems.

Flowering

In ideal conditions it produces small white, cinnamon-scented flowers in autumn-winter. A cool, dry winter rest encourages it to bloom.

Is it toxic?

Yes. Senecio rowleyanus is toxic to dogs, cats and people if eaten, and its sap can irritate skin. Place it up high, out of reach of pets and children — which also shows off its cascade of pearls beautifully.

In short

Treat it like the succulent it is: lots of light, very well-draining soil and careful watering. Master the watering and the rest takes care of itself. To dig deeper into caring for this group, read our succulents guide.