Curio rowleyanus
String of Pearls · String-of-beads · Green necklace
Description
Source: leafsnapCurio rowleyanus, syn. Senecio rowleyanus, is a flowering plant in the daisy family Asteraceae. It is a creeping, perennial, succulent vine native to the drier parts of southwest Africa. In its natural environment its stems trail on the ground, rooting where they touch and forming dense mats. It often avoids direct sunlight by growing in the shade of other plants and rocks. It is commonly known as string-of-pearls or string-of-beads. "String-of-beads" and several other common names are shared with Curio herreanus (string of watermelons), which has teardrop-shaped leaves, rather than spherical.
💡 The leaves of the string of pearls plant are round and plump, resembling peas in size. They are as green as emeralds, and the plant looks like a string of wind chimes dangling from a flowerpot. This plant is perfect for growing as a hanging display.
🌳 String of pearls is more than just ornamental; it contains lesser-known practical uses. Like other succulents, this plant is notable for retaining water. When its pearls are squeezed, they release a liquid that some plant enthusiasts believe can help moisturize the skin, although scientific evidence is still lacking. Birds in dry regions also make use of the pearls, drinking from them to gain moisture. Additionally, the spherical leaves of the string of pearls bring an inventive element to green art pieces and botanical jewelry, offering a distinctive avenue for artistic creativity.
🎭 Uncomplicated, untainted, graceful and innocent
Care Guide
💧 Water
The string of pearls plant thrives in dry conditions and needs only minimal watering, about once every three weeks. It's best suited for indoor settings, where well-draining soil can help prevent root rot. Its natural moisture-retaining ability makes it an ideal choice for low-maintenance care.
☀️ Light Full sun
The string of pearls prefers plenty of light because its native environment is very bright. It also tolerates moderate sun exposure. However, excessively strong rays can damage the plant and cause sunburn. Conversely, insufficient light may result in poor growth and development.
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C
The string of pearls generally grows in warm, dry climates and prefers average temperatures of 68℉ to 100℉ (20℃ to 38℃). In colder months, keep the plant out of drafty spots and ensure the temperature remains above 50℉ (10℃) to avoid damage.
💨 Humidity normal (40-60%)
This plant will thrive in moderate humidity, which is probably the level in your home. However, misting it a few times a week can be very beneficial. Make sure the room has good ventilation.
🪴 Soil 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer
String of Pearls requires only light fertilizer applications 1-2 times a year during the growing season. Do not fertilize in winter or summer when the plant is dormant. Use reduced fertilizer on recently repotted plants and wait a couple of months after repotting before applying fertilizer. Fertilizing helps maintain healthy growth and encourages blooms.
🪴 Pot & Repot Every 2 years
When repotting String of pearls, choose a pot slightly bigger than the current one that has good drainage. Fill it with a gritty, well-draining succulent or cactus mix. Gently remove the plant from its old container, brush off excess soil, and place it at the same depth in the new pot. Wait a few days before watering to let any root damage heal. Repot in spring or fall and keep the plant in a brightly lit spot.
✂️ Pruning
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity
Characteristics
- Plant Type
- Succulent, Vine, Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Curio
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-12
- Mature Height
- 61 cm to 91 cm
- Mature Spread
- 46 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- White
- Flower Size
- 2.54 cm
- Bloom Time
- Early spring, Mid spring, Winter
- Planting Time
- Spring, Autumn, Winter
- Harvest Time
- Fall, Early winter
- Native Area
- South Africa