Overview

A practical guide to keeping String of Pearls (Curio/Senecio rowleyanus) plump and trailing, with clear steps for light, watering, soil, and propagation. Gentle routines help you fit care into calm, livable spaces.

Equipment

• Smoker
• Thermometer

Wood

Post oak

Meet the plant

String of Pearls (Curio rowleyanus, syn. Senecio rowleyanus) is a trailing succulent with bead-like leaves that store water. Indoors, stems can cascade 2–3 ft (60–90 cm) or more when well lit. Those little beads are beautiful—and easily damaged—so a gentle touch and steady routine make all the difference.

Light that keeps pearls plump

Aim for bright, indirect light with a few hours of gentle morning sun. East windows are ideal; a bright south or west exposure works if you diffuse the harsh midday rays with a sheer curtain. Target roughly 800–2,000 foot-candles (8,000–20,000 lux). What you’ll see:

• Too little light: long gaps between pearls (etiolation), thin, sparse strands.
• Too much sun: bleaching, crisped beads, or a bronzed cast on the sunniest side. Grow light help: a full-spectrum LED 12–14 inches above the plant for 10–12 hours can keep growth compact. Start at 40–50% intensity and adjust weekly to avoid bleaching.

Watering: soak, dry, and simple checks

This plant is far more often overwatered than underwatered. Use a thorough soak-and-dry approach in a fast-draining mix.

• Spring–summer: water every 10–21 days once the mix is fully dry. In small pots or strong light, it may be closer to 7–10 days; in low light or larger pots, 2–3 weeks. Always confirm the soil is dry before watering.
• Fall–winter: slow to every 3–5 weeks. Cooler, shorter days mean slower uptake. Check cues:
• Soil: insert a wooden skewer or finger to the bottom—if it comes out clean and dry, water. A moisture meter should read near 1–2 at depth.
• Beads: firm and round is right; wrinkled and papery means thirsty; mushy or translucent signals overwatering. Method: water until it runs freely from the drain holes, then let the pot drain completely. Avoid frequent misting, which raises rot risk at the nodes.

Soil, pot, and repotting

String of Pearls has shallow, delicate roots that demand fast drainage and air around the crown. Soil recipe (well-draining):

• 1 part cactus/succulent mix
• 1 part pumice or coarse perlite
• 0.5 part coarse sand or fine orchid bark Pot choice: a shallow, wide terracotta or breathable hanging pot helps the top layer dry evenly. Always use a drainage hole. Keep the crown just above the soil surface to prevent rot. Repotting: every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot. Handle trails with care; support strands with a soft towel while you work. The smell of slightly damp, gritty mix after watering is your cue you’ve got the drainage right.

Propagation made reliable

Best seasons: spring through early fall. Cuttings: snip 3–6 in (7–15 cm) stems with at least 4–6 nodes. Remove the bottom 2–3 beads and let the cut end callus for 24–48 hours. Soil method (most dependable): lay the cutting on the surface and lightly pin nodes into contact with the mix; or plant the bare nodes horizontally just under the surface. Keep the top inch barely moist (not wet) until rooted, then water like the mother plant. Roots form in 2–4 weeks. Water method: possible but riskier—beads may rot. If you try it, keep only the bare stem in water, not the pearls. Layering: loop existing strands onto the soil of the same pot and secure; they root where nodes touch, thickening the plant.

Seasonal care, feeding, and temperature

Temperature: 60–80°F (16–27°C) is comfortable; avoid prolonged dips below 50°F (10°C). Protect from hot, stagnant air near glass in summer. Feeding: in spring and summer, apply a half-strength, low-nitrogen succulent fertilizer every 4–6 weeks. Skip feeding in winter. Airflow: good airflow helps prevent rot—think open shelves and light movement from a ceiling or clip fan, not a drafty blast. Winter adjustments: brighter placement, longer light hours, and longer drying intervals. Resist the urge to “help” with extra water.

Troubleshooting at a glance

• Mushy, translucent pearls: overwatering or poor drainage. Refresh soil to a grittier mix and lengthen dry time.
• Wrinkled, papery pearls: underwatering or extended heat. Water deeply, then wait for a full dry again.
• Sparse, stretched strands: insufficient light; move closer to a window or add a grow light.
• Sudden strand collapse: rot at the crown—unpot, trim to healthy tissue, repot in a dry, airy mix, and reduce watering.
• Pests: mealybugs or spider mites may appear in warm, dry conditions. Dab mealybugs with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; follow with a gentle insecticidal soap spray 5–7 days later. Test any spray on a small area first.

Make it fit your home and routine

Display where morning light skims the room—a bright kitchen window or office shelf—so the pearls glow without scorching. Let trails cascade from a hanging pot, or perch a shallow bowl on a high shelf and enjoy the soft hush of strands brushing the wall. Simple routine:

• Weekly 2-minute check: rotate a quarter turn, lift the pot to feel weight, inspect the crown for moisture, and note any pests.
• Habit stack: after you make morning coffee, glance at the soil and squeeze one bead—cool and firm? You’re on track.
• Mini tidy: coil any extra-long strands onto the soil to root and thicken, and snip leggy pieces for new cuttings. A clear, uncluttered windowsill lets light bounce and keeps the plant safe from bumps.

Tools and materials

• Narrow-spout watering can
• Full-spectrum LED grow light (optional) with timer
• Terracotta or breathable hanging pot with drainage
• Cactus/succulent mix, pumice or coarse perlite, coarse sand or fine bark
• Clean snips or scissors, soft plant ties or hair pins for layering
• Wooden skewer or moisture meter
• Small tray to catch runoff, paper towel or soft cloth to support strands
• Mild fertilizer for succulents, 70% isopropyl alcohol for mealybugs

Safety and responsibility

Toxicity: String of Pearls is toxic to pets and people if ingested (can cause vomiting, diarrhea). Keep out of reach of cats, dogs, and small children, and avoid placing it where strands can be batted or pulled. Sap may irritate skin—wash hands after pruning. Soil handling: pumice and perlite are dusty; pre-wet mixes lightly and wear a simple mask if you’re sensitive. Work in a ventilated area, and store fertilizers and alcohol out of reach. Hanging safely: anchor ceiling hooks into studs or use appropriate anchors; confirm weight after watering. Keep electrical cords from grow lights away from water trays.

Notes

• Synonymy: often sold as Senecio rowleyanus; current classification places it in Curio.
• Average home humidity is fine; avoid terrariums or enclosed planters that trap moisture around the crown.
• Shallow, wide pots reduce crown rot by allowing the top layer to dry faster.