Plant Encyclopedia
String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) plant care guide
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String of Pearls Care Guide

Senecio rowleyanus

Also known as: Senecio, String of Beads

Watering

Summer

Every 12 days

Winter

Every 16 days

Let the top 2-3cm of soil dry out before watering. Stick your finger in - if it feels dry, water.

Light

Bright indirect

Near a window but no direct rays hitting the leaves

Humidity

30-40%

Thrives in dry air. No misting needed.

Pet & Child Safety

Mildly toxic - may cause irritation

Harmful to: cats, dogs

Pot & Soil

Must have a small pot with excellent drainage - very rot-prone. Cactus mix with extra perlite.

Pot-size watering

The 12-16 day range is a starting point. A 5cm pot dries quickly, but the soil should still reach its proper dry-down before watering. A 22cm pot can hold moisture deep inside even when the top looks dry.

Prefers snug roots

This plant usually prefers a snug root zone. Size up only when roots are circling, the plant dries out much faster than usual, or growth has clearly stalled.

Soil refresh

Refresh gritty mix when drainage slows, salts crust on the surface, or the potting mix collapses - usually every 18-24 months for stable plants.

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Good to Know

Iconic trailing succulent. Very rot-prone.

Frequently asked

How often should I water String of Pearls?

Every 12 days in summer and every 16 days in winter is the reference range. The 12-16 day range is a starting point. A 5cm pot dries quickly, but the soil should still reach its proper dry-down before watering. A 22cm pot can hold moisture deep inside even when the top looks dry. Let the top 2-3cm of soil dry out before watering. Stick your finger in - if it feels dry, water.

What light does String of Pearls need?

Bright indirect. Near a window but no direct rays hitting the leaves.

Is String of Pearls safe for pets and children?

Mildly toxic - may cause irritation if chewed. Keep out of reach of curious pets and small children.

What humidity does String of Pearls prefer?

30-40%. Thrives in dry air - no misting needed.

What soil and pot does String of Pearls need?

Must have a small pot with excellent drainage - very rot-prone. Cactus mix with extra perlite. This plant usually prefers a snug root zone. Size up only when roots are circling, the plant dries out much faster than usual, or growth has clearly stalled. Refresh gritty mix when drainage slows, salts crust on the surface, or the potting mix collapses - usually every 18-24 months for stable plants.

Is String of Pearls beginner-friendly?

String of Pearls is a succulent at intermediate difficulty - manageable with a bit of care attention.

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