Welcome to the fascinating world of succulents! If you're looking for a hanging succulent for your plant collection, look no further than the stunning string of pearls, also known as Senecio Rowleyanus, from the daisy family. This string of pearls plant has several other common names, such as string of beads, string of peas, and rosary vine.

The String of Pearls gets its name from its distinctive long, trailing stems that are adorned with small, spherical leaves that resemble pearls! These little green pearls hang delicately from the stems, creating a beautiful cascading effect. 

Native to South Africa, this charming string of pearls houseplant features trailing stems with pea-like or tiny melon-shaped leaves spilling over planters and baskets, much like its closely related plant string of rubies. Your Senecio rowleyanus can grow up to 2 feet tall and 2 feet long. The moderately fast-growing nature of this string of pearls plant makes it a great choice for a variety of landscapes. This string of pearls also comes in another lovely variety, a variegated string of pearls, with its white-creamy foliage.

The flowers of the string of pearls bloom during spring. This Senecio rowleyanus string of pearls produces white flowers along the stalk and bright yellow anthers. However, it's important to note that String of Pearls plants are primarily grown for their unique bead-like foliage rather than their flowers. Nonetheless, if your string of pearl plants does flower, it's definitely a treat to behold!

For propagating a string of pearls Senecio rowleyanus, simply snip off a healthy stem or string of pearls plant seed and place it in well-draining soil. After a few weeks, you should start to see roots forming, indicating successful propagation by stem cuttings.

When it comes to pets, it's important to keep in mind that the String of Pearls succulent is mildly toxic to cats, dogs, and other animals if consumed. So, if you have furry friends at home, it's best to keep your string of pearls out of their reach or opt for pet-friendly alternatives. 

Watering Needs 

Like other succulents, the string of pearls has low water needs. It's important to avoid overwatering your Senecio plant, as it can lead to rot in its shallow root system and other issues. Instead, it's best to keep your pearl plant's soil lightly moist and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. A good rule of thumb is to water your beautiful string of pearls plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. 

When watering, make sure to give the string of pearls a thorough soak, allowing the water to fully penetrate the soil. After watering, allow any excess water to drain away, as the String of Pearls doesn't like to sit in soggy, sandy soil. Remember, it's always better to underwater than to overwater this Senecio rowleyanus.

In general, during the warmer months or when your string of pearls plant is actively growing, you may need to water it more frequently. However, during the cooler months or when your Senecio string of pearls is in a dormant phase, you can reduce the watering frequency. It's always a good idea to observe your string of pearls succulent and adjust your watering schedule based on their specific needs. 

Remember, your String of Pearls will die if they get too much water, so make sure you don't overwater them. Terracotta or clay pots can also aid in the removal of excess moisture from the soil. In our article, Everything You Need to Know About the String of Pearls Succulent, you can learn more about the string of pearls care. 

Light Requirements 

If you're growing the String of Pearls indoors, place it near a window that receives bright indirect light. South-facing or west-facing windows are usually the best choices. You can also use artificial grow lights to provide the necessary light if natural sunlight is limited.

When it comes to the outdoor string of pearls light requirements, it is a low-maintenance succulent plant that prefers full sun to partial shade to thrive. Four hours of direct morning or evening sun can also be beneficial for your Senecio rowleyanus, but be careful not to expose it to intense, direct sunlight for extended periods as it can scorch the leaves of your String of Pearls succulent.

Keep an eye on your string of pearl succulents for any signs of light stress. If the leaves start to turn yellow or brown, it could be a sign that the light is too intense. On the other hand, if the leaves become elongated and spaced out, it might indicate that your pearl succulent is not receiving enough light. 

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs 

When it comes to choosing the right succulent soil mix and fertilizer for your adorable string of pearls Senecio rowleyanus, you need to be extra cautious and need to use the right kind of sharp sand mix soil.  Moisture can be a real killer, leading to dead stems or root rot in no time. But fear not, my fellow green thumbs! Planet Desert has got your back with our specialized succulent potting mix that includes 5 natural substrates with organic mycorrhizae, perfect for promoting shallow root systems and happy String of Pearls succulents.

As for fertilizing, the String of Pearls has relatively low nutrient requirements. During the active growing season, which is typically spring, you can use a balanced, natural NPK fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer once a year to provide a gentle boost of nutrients. However, during the cooler months or when your Senecio rowleyanus is in a dormant phase, it's best to avoid fertilizing altogether. The String of Pearls doesn't require as much nutrition during this time. 

Remember, always err on the side of caution to prevent overfertilization, which can harm your string of pearls, Senecio Rowleyanus. If you notice any signs of fertilizer burn, such as leaf discoloration or wilting, flush the soil with water to remove any excess nutrients. 

Hardiness Zone & More 

The String of Pearls plant is native to warm, arid regions, so it prefers temperatures and humidity levels that mimic its natural habitat.  If you are growing your String of Pearls indoors, ideally, keep your String of Pearls plant in an environment where the temperature stays between 60°F and 85°F.

If you are living in USDA zones 9–12, you can grow your Senecio rowleyanus outdoors year-round. It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures at night, but try to avoid extreme temperature fluctuations.  Since these are not frost-tolerant, bring them indoors during the winter if necessary.

When it comes to humidity, the String of Pearls is adapted to low-humidity environments. It can tolerate average indoor humidity levels, but it's important to avoid excessive moisture around the plant. Ensure good air circulation and avoid placing your String of Pearls in areas prone to high humidity, such as bathrooms or kitchens.

The Bottom Line

Overall, the String of Pearls plant, scientifically known as Senecio rowleyanus, is a unique and eye-catching succulent that is loved for its trailing stems adorned with small, bead-like leaves resembling pearls. It's a popular choice for indoor gardens and hanging baskets, adding a touch of whimsy and elegance to any space. With its distinct appearance and low-maintenance nature, the String of Pearls hanging plant is a delightful addition to any plant lover's collection!

Don't miss out on this opportunity to add something truly exceptional to your garden or in hanging baskets. Order your very own Senecio Rowleyanus string of pearls today! Here at Planet Desert, you can find more information if you're interested in learning Everything about the String of Dolphins plant.