“Our original and most loved String of Pearls.”
String of Pearls
Curio Rowleyanus / synonym Senecio Rowleyanus
Easy to grow
Easy to care for
No prior experience required
Originates
South Africa but like our other trailing succulents has started to make itself at home across the UK.
Overview
This succulent takes its name from the unusual pea or pearl-shaped leaves, almost mimicking the look of a pearl necklace. A slow-growing house plant that certainly creates conversation with everyone that visits. We have listed String of Beads and String of Tears separately due to their leaf shape, however all plants are considered part of the same family. Whilst this plant in its natural habitat produces a daisy-like white flower, we have never experienced this with our house-raised String of Pearls, but if you are lucky enough its scent is considered similar to cinnamon. A similar flower we have managed to grow on our String of Tears.
Position
Your String of Pearls will be happiest in a sunny window, in a pot where the pearl growth next to the soil can absorb daylight at all times. With its trailing pearls you may find it best placed on a shelf or in a pot designed with a raised stand to protect and display the new growth. The String of Pearls’ sap is considered toxic so keep out of reach of pets or young children. When handling your plant gardening gloves are recommended.
Watering
As with other succulents String of Pearls actually thrive with less watering. To avoid over-watering make sure the soil around the roots is completely dry first. This plant holds its moisture within the pearls, so you will be able to see when water is required from the condition of the pearls. Across the Winter you may find your plant needs watering only once a month.
How to make plant fuller
The String of Pearls is easy to propagate to make your plant appear fuller. Take a short cutting c.2cm from the end of your plant and place it directly back into the soil. This process will encourage new shoots to form within a matter of weeks. This is a useful way to make your plant appear fuller, but also because the average lifespan is approximately five years, so with regular propagation you will be able to extend the life of your plant. Don’t worry if a pearl falls off, this is its leaf and can be planted – just squeeze it open to encourage propagation in the soil.
Repotting
You will know when your String of Pearls requires a new pot or refreshed soil, as it may stop growing, look weaker or less healthy than the previous season. A peat-free cactus or succulent mix is recommended to encourage the right level of drainage for this succulent.
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