String Of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) – Growth & Care Tips

If you’re looking for succulents that you can plant in hanging pots, then the string of pearls succulent is the answer. This succulent plant variety is known for its quirky vine-like appearance that resembles a rosary. They grow easily and propagate fast; that’s why succulent growers love them. This also makes the plant suitable for indoor growing. 

Like other succulent varieties, they like sunlight but hate being exposed to it directly. A bright morning indirect light and afternoon shade are the conditions it likes. They also hate overwatering as it can rot its roots. Apart from these precautions, this plant is pretty easy to grow. In fact, they are considered low-maintenance plant varieties because they require very minimal care while growing. 

In today’s brief yet comprehensive guide, we’ll give you insights into the strings of pearls’ succulent variety. We’ll discuss why you need this at home, how to grow them, how to take care of them, and their growing needs. If you’re keen on finding these pieces of information out, read on. 

What Is a String of Pearls Succulent

This succulent variety is also called rosary string of beads and it’s a creeping succulent that may look odd but will surely add an element of fun and quirkiness to any dull space. It has small flowers that are hard to grow — some might get to experience them while others don’t. If your succulent grows these small flowers, you can expect them to smell like cinnamon. 

Benefits of Growing String of Pearls Succulents

One of the reasons why succulent lovers grow this variety is because of its quirkiness. It doesn’t look like the other succulent varieties, so they can break the monotony and upgrade the house’s aesthetics. And since they look best as hanging plants, you can hang them on your porch, lanai, and other areas in the house where they’ll look best. 

Succulents improve the quality of air. They are also known for their ability to absorb carbon dioxide for photosynthesis and give it back in the form of oxygen we can breathe. This is another benefit that we can derive from this quirky-looking plant. Elephant bush has a high content of vitamin C. This benefit is also another reason why growers love succulents. 

Growing succulents can also be a good diversion for people who have nothing to do at home. This activity can also be relaxing for people who easily get anxious. By busying and enjoying themselves, they can temporarily take their minds away from what’s making them anxious. 

How Does a String of Pearls Succulent Work

Growing the string of pearls is easy. As long as you provide them with the ideal growth condition, they will grow healthily and thrive. For example, instead of exposing them to the sun’s scorching heat, place them in an area where they only get indirect heat. Apart from that, only water them when you see the soil completely dried out. This will ensure that the plant will never be overwatered. 

Pros and  Cons of String of Pearls Succulent

Pros

• The plant will add more color and life to any dull space because of its quirkiness. 
• They can clean the air you breathe, helping you build a more sanitized environment. 
• They can also provide a pleasant distraction for people who have trouble handling their negative thoughts and emotions. 
• For kids, it can be good training in taking care of living things. When they need to take care of pets or their younger siblings, they won’t have a hard time transitioning. 
• The plants are easy to grow and maintain — it’s suitable for people who want to grow plants but don’t have the time to tend to them religiously. 

Cons

• The plant is sensitive to overwatering and overexposure to direct sunlight. If you don’t know the ideal environment they need to grow; you might only end up with a rotten or dead succulent plant. 

String of Pearls Succulent Requirements

Light

As mentioned above, you should give your string of pearls succulent enough sunlight. Enough, in this case, means exposing them to bright, indirect morning sunshine and afternoon shade. Never put them under the scorching heat of the sun, as this can lead to sunburn. 

Water

Like other succulent varieties, the string of pearl succulents only needs to be watered sparingly. You’ll know they need watering if the soil on the pot is completely dried out. Ideally, you only need to water them once every two weeks. 

Soil and Pot

The soil and pot need to have excellent drainage capacity because, as you already know, succulents are sensitive to overwatering. The ideal pots are hanging ones to allow the trailing foliage to hang down. 

Temperature and Humidity

You need to place your plant in an area with at least 22 degrees Celsius temperature while growing actively. When it’s dormant, you need to place them in a cooler place, possibly at 10 to 13 degrees Celsius.

Propagation

To propagate this succulent variety, you only need to cut in between its small, pea-like leaves. Ensure that the cutting is two inches long. Remove the cutting’s bottom leaves and let them coil on top of the soil. Rotting may take a couple of months, so be patient in waiting it out. 

Pruning

Pruning this plant is quite easy. All you have to do is remove the bygone beads and stems. 

Fertilizers

You can fertilize your string of pearls succulent, but never overdose on them as too many fertilizers can kill them. Skip fertilizing them during winter and fall, and only feed them once every two or four weeks during mid-summer and spring. 

Pests and Diseases

The most common type of succulent pests and diseases are mealybugs and mites. To tackle this problem, you can use horticultural oil like neem oil for your succulents. 

How to Grow String of Pearls Succulent

Step 1 – Always repot them

Succulents from the plant nursery and plant store often come in smaller pots or nursery bags. Always repot them as soon as you bring them home to give their roots legroom to grow. 

Step 2 – Choose a well-draining potting mix and pot

The soil and pot need to have excellent drainage capacity because, as you already know, succulents are sensitive to overwatering. The ideal pots are hanging ones to allow the trailing foliage to hang down. Go for potting mixes for cacti when you’re in doubt. 

Step 3 – Place in an area where they would thrive

As mentioned above, you need to place your plant in an area with at least 22 degrees Celsius temperature while it is growing actively. When it’s dormant, you need to place them in a cooler place, possibly at 10 to 13 degrees Celsius.

Besides that, you should also give your string of pearls succulent enough sunlight. Enough, in this case, means exposing them to bright, indirect morning sunshine and afternoon shade. Never put them under the scorching heat of the sun, as this can lead to sunburn. 

Step 4 – Water them sparingly

You’ll know they need watering if the soil on the pot is completely dried out. Ideally, you only need to water them once every two weeks. 

 

How to Care for String of Pearls Succulent

Step 1 – Know their ideal growth environment

The section titled ‘String of pearls succulent requirements’ gives you a clear picture of the needs of succulent plants. Make sure to follow these requirements. 

Step 2 – Tone down on fertilizing

You can fertilize your string of pearls succulent, but never overdose on them as too much fertilizers can kill them. Skip fertilizing them during winter and fall, and only feed them once every two or four weeks during mid-summer and spring. 

Step 3 – Repot them when they outgrow their old pots

When your string of pearls succulents is growing, you need to be keen on the pot’s capacity to house the roots. Ideally, you need to repot 12 to 18 months after you first moved them to a new container.

 

Common Issues With a String of Pearls Succulent

Soil Drainage

If you plant them in the soil with poor drainage capacity, there’s a high risk that the plant will be overwatered and soaked. As a result, the roots get rotten.

Pot Size

Always repot them as soon as you bring them home to give their roots legroom to grow. Otherwise, its growth will be stunted. 

Temperature Consistency

To recap, you need to place your plant in an area with at least 22 degrees Celsius temperature while growing actively. When it’s dormant, you need to place them in a cooler place, possibly at 10 to 13 degrees Celsius. If this is not followed, you can expect your succulent to weaken and die. 

Misting Frequency

Frequent misting can cause moldy leaves and brittle roots. This is why you should keep your misting frequency to once every ten days. 

Sunlight Exposure

As already mentioned, you should give your string of pearls succulent enough sunlight. Enough, in this case, means exposing them to bright, indirect morning sunshine and afternoon shade. Never put them under the scorching heat of the sun, as this can lead to sunburn. 

Overwatering

This can cause the plant to have rotten roots and mushy leaves and stems. 

Fertilizing Needs

You can fertilize your string of pearls succulent, but never overdose as too much fertilizers can kill them. Skip fertilizing them during winter and fall, and only feed them once every two or four weeks during mid-summer and spring.

String of Pearls Toxicity

Strings of pearls can be toxic to both humans and pets. Here are some signs that would suggest that one is poisoned by this plant. 

Symptoms of poisoning in humans:

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Moderate gastrointestinal discomfort

Symptoms of poisoning in animals:

• Weight loss
• Vomiting
• Swollen abdomen due to too much retention of fluids
• Skin redness
• Poor condition of animal hair coat 
• Peculiar behavioral changes
• Muscle convulsions
• Loss of appetite
• Liver failure 
• Jaundice
• Itching
• Irritation
• Inflammation
• General feeling of being unwell 
• Frequent and irregular face rubbing
• Fatigue
• Exposed skin pain
• Excessive drooling
• Diarrhea
• Contact dermatitis
• Abdominal pains

Does More Spending Mean More Quality

No, it doesn’t mean that you need to spend more if you want your plant to grow abundantly. All you need to have is the knowledge on how to grow them the right way. 

Do’s and Don’ts With a String of Pearls Succulent

Do’s

• Remember that blue succulents can add a cool vibe to your outdoor space. 
• Try growing unique succulent varieties like mysterious black succulents and premium full sun succulents. 
• Try propagating cacti by seeds.
• Grow different types and varieties of Echeveria succulent.
• Plant the world’s best Haworthia succulents and intense and rich color of purple succulents.

Don’ts

• Never overwater your succulents.
• Never expose them to direct sunlight. 
• Never over-feed them with fertilizer. 

FAQ About String of Pearls

How much light does a string of pearls need?

You should give your string of pearls succulent enough sunlight. Enough, in this case, means exposing them to bright, indirect morning sunshine and afternoon shade. Never put them under the scorching heat of the sun, as this can lead to sunburn. 

How often should I water my string of pearls?

Like other succulent varieties, the string of pearl succulents only needs to be watered sparingly. You’ll know they need watering if the soil on the pot is completely dried out. Ideally, you only need to water them once every two weeks. 

Why does my string of pearls keep dying?

The most common cause of succulent death is overwatering. This can cause the plant to have rotten roots and mushy leaves and stems. 

Does a string of pearls succulent bloom?

Yes, they do, but the blooming period only lasts for a month. 

How to save an overwatered string of pearls plant?

With proper care and treatment, you can revive your overwatered succulent. Kindly refer to the care guide mentioned above on how to go about this. 

When should I repot my string of pearls?

Ideally, you need to repot 12 to 18 months after you first moved them to a new container.

How long does it take for a string of pearls to grow?

Give the plant three to five weeks to allow its roots to grow. 

Conclusion

Growing a string of pearls succulents is easy if you know its growth requirements and you’re aware of how to grow them. Expose them to bright, indirect morning sunshine and afternoon shade, and water them once every two weeks. Remember only to use well-draining hanging pots to allow the trailing foliage to hang down. 

Also, place your plant in an area with at least 22 degrees Celsius temperature while growing actively. When it’s dormant, place them in a cooler place, possibly at 10 to 13 degrees Celsius. Fertilize but never overdo it as too much fertilizers can kill the plant. Follow these tips to ensure a healthy and thriving string of pearls succulent.

Photos from: Irrmago / depositphotos.com, Luoxi / depositphotos.com, AlonaGryadovaya / depositphotos.com and lermont51 / depositphotos.com.