How to care for String of Turtles
Peperomia prostrata · Piperaceae
A tiny trailing peperomia from Brazilian rainforests, with round leaves patterned exactly like turtle shells stitched along thread-thin stems. It grows slowly and stays small, making it perfect for shelves and terrarium-adjacent spots. Despite the succulent look, it is a semi-succulent tropical that resents both drought and soggy soil. Water roughly every 7 days while it's growing (about every 12 in winter), give it bright, indirect light, kept above 55°F (13°C) — average room humidity suits it.
Care at a glance
Water when the top 1 inch (2-3 cm) of soil dries, soaking thoroughly but never leaving the shallow root system sitting in wet mix.
Bright, filtered light close to an east window keeps the shell pattern crisp; harsh midday sun bleaches the leaves.
Balanced liquid fertilizer at quarter strength monthly in spring and summer.
Mistakes that kill this plant
- Treating it like a true succulent and letting it fully desiccate between waterings.
- Potting it in a deep pot where the lower soil never dries — shallow pots only.
- Blasting it with direct sun, which fades and crisps the leaves within days.
Seasonal tips
- Growth nearly stops in winter — cut watering back and skip fertilizer entirely.
- Trim leggy strands in spring; cuttings root easily laid on moist soil.
- Move it a bit closer to the window in the darker months to keep the pattern strong.
Is it safe for pets?
Our records list String of Turtles as non-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.