Asteraceae
String of Pearls (Curio rowleyanus): Complete Care Guide
Curio rowleyanus
Drought-tolerant succulent that needs very infrequent watering — always let soil dry completely between waterings. Provide bright indirect light and fast-draining sandy soil. Avoid humidity, overwatering, and cold temperatures below 10°C.
Every 14 days
Bright indirect
10° - 27°C
20% - 40%
Categories
What is String of Pearls?
String of Pearls (Curio rowleyanus) is a medium-care plant from the Asteraceae family. String of Pearls (Curio rowleyanus) is a trailing succulent native to South Africa, prized for its distinctive spherical, bead-like leaves that cascade elegantly from hanging baskets. WARNING: Toxic to cats, dogs, and humans due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
String of Pearls grows up to 60cm, with spread of 90cm, watering every 14 days, 10°C – 27°C, 20–40% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 28 days.
How to Care for String of Pearls?
TLDR: String of Pearls needs Bright indirect, watering every 14 days, and temperatures between 10-27°C with 20-40% humidity.
How Often Should You Water String of Pearls?
Water every 14 days on average, only when soil is completely dry. Reduce frequency further in winter. Never let the plant sit in water — root rot is the number one killer of this species.
How Much Light Does String of Pearls Need?
Place in bright indirect light (20,000–50,000 lux), near east or west-facing windows. Avoid intense afternoon direct sun which can scorch the delicate pearl-like leaves.
What Is the Best Soil for String of Pearls?
Use a cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or coarse sand for excellent drainage. Soil pH should be 6.6–7.5. Never use dense potting soil alone.
What Pot Should You Use for String of Pearls?
Unglazed terracotta pot with drainage holes. The porous material helps prevent excess moisture in the substrate.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 90 days
Repot
Every 1825 days
What Is String of Pearls and Where Does It Come From?
String of Pearls (Curio rowleyanus) is a trailing succulent native to South Africa, prized for its distinctive spherical, bead-like leaves that cascade elegantly from hanging baskets. WARNING: Toxic to cats, dogs, and humans due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
How to Propagate String of Pearls?
Stem Cutting
Do not bury the stem — simply lay it on the soil surface. Avoid overwatering during rooting to prevent rot.
- 1 Cut a healthy stem section 10 cm long
- 2 Let the cut end callous for 1-2 days in a dry spot
- 3 Lay the stem on top of lightly moist succulent mix
- 4 Keep in bright indirect light and avoid watering for the first week
- 5 Water lightly only when substrate is dry
Materials needed:
Leaf Cutting
Slower and less reliable than stem cutting. Keep in a warm, well-lit location.
- 1 Detach a healthy spherical leaf from the stem
- 2 Allow to dry for 1-2 days
- 3 Place on lightly moist substrate
- 4 Wait for roots and new growth to appear
Materials needed:
How Big Does String of Pearls Grow?
TLDR: String of Pearls can reach up to 60cm tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
60cm
Spread
90cm
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect String of Pearls?
TLDR: String of Pearls is susceptible to 5 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Fun Facts
The spherical leaves act as water storage organs — an adaptation to the dry climate of South Africa
Flowers emit a sweet, spicy cinnamon-like fragrance
Stems can trail over 1 meter when grown in ideal conditions
Formerly classified as Senecio rowleyanus, renamed Curio rowleyanus in honor of botanist Gordon Rowley
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water String of Pearls?
Is String of Pearls toxic to cats and dogs?
What light does String of Pearls need?
Why are my pearls shriveling?
How do I propagate String of Pearls?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flamingo Flower | Medium | Partial shade | 5d | ⚠️ |
| Prayer Plant | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Boston Fern | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Weeping Fig | Medium | Partial shade | 10d | ⚠️ |
