How to care for String of Pearls
Curio rowleyanus · Asteraceae
An iconic trailing succulent with pea-shaped leaves strung along threadlike stems, formerly Senecio rowleyanus. It is gorgeous and notoriously easy to kill: the shallow roots rot in wet soil, yet the pearls shrivel quickly in prolonged drought. Success hinges on strong light, a shallow pot, and precise watering. Water roughly every 12 days while it's growing (about every 25 in winter), give it bright, indirect light, kept above 50°F (10°C) — dry air is fine for it.
Care at a glance
Water thoroughly when the pearls just begin to lose their sheen and pucker slightly — soil fully dry but pearls not yet deflated.
Very bright light with some gentle direct sun on the soil and crown; strands need light at the top of the pot, not just on the trails.
Quarter-strength balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks in spring and summer.
Mistakes that kill this plant
- A deep pot of regular soil — the shallow roots need a shallow pot of gritty mix.
- Watering while the lower soil is still moist, rotting the crown.
- Hanging it high in a dark corner where the crown never gets direct light.
Seasonal tips
- Lay a few strands across the soil surface — they root and thicken the crown.
- In winter, keep it cool, bright, and much drier.
- Check the pearls, not a calendar: slight puckering is your watering cue.
Is it safe for pets?
We have String of Pearls recorded as toxic to cats and dogs.
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Toxicity here is informational, not a safety guarantee. Those are our own records, compiled by following the ASPCA's published toxic and non-toxic plant lists and Pet Poison Helpline's plant poison list rather than copied from them — confirm anything that matters against the ASPCA's published lists, which this one is matched to, or with your vet. If your pet ingested this plant, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.