Overview
Introduce a touch of whimsical elegance to your indoor garden with the captivating string of pearls live plant. Also known by its scientific name, Senecio rowleyanus, or often simply as ‘String of Beads’, this unique succulent is celebrated for its distinctive pea-shaped leaves that grow along trailing stems, creating a beautiful cascading effect. Originating from the drier regions of Southwest Africa, this plant has adapted to store water in its spherical leaves, making it a relatively low-maintenance option for plant enthusiasts. Our 6-inch potted specimen arrives ready to display, offering immediate visual appeal for hanging baskets, shelves, or bright windowsills. Its vibrant green foliage and intriguing form make it a conversation starter and a favorite among succulent collectors. If you’re looking for an unusual yet charming addition to your plant collection, the string of pearls live plant is an excellent choice, bringing a desert-inspired aesthetic to any room.
Key Benefits
The string of pearls live plant offers numerous advantages beyond its striking appearance, making it a rewarding addition to your home. Its unique growth habit and ease of care contribute to its widespread appeal, enhancing both your living space and your well-being.
- Unique Decorative Appeal: The distinctive spherical leaves and trailing stems of this succulent create an eye-catching display, perfect for adding texture and interest to any room. It’s an ideal focal point for hanging planters or elevated surfaces.
- Low Maintenance: As a succulent, the string of pearls live plant is drought-tolerant and requires infrequent watering, making it a great choice for busy individuals or those new to plant care. Its resilience simplifies routine maintenance.
- Air Purifying Qualities: Like many houseplants, the String of Pearls can contribute to healthier indoor air by helping to filter toxins and improve overall air quality, fostering a more pleasant living environment.
- Versatile Placement: Its cascading nature makes it suitable for various indoor settings, from sunny windowsills to office desks, provided it receives adequate light. It thrives in locations where its tendrils can freely trail.
- Easy Propagation: The Senecio rowleyanus is relatively easy to propagate from stem cuttings, allowing you to easily expand your collection or share with friends and family. This makes it a rewarding plant for those who enjoy growing new plants.
- Adds Greenery: Bringing natural elements indoors can boost mood and reduce stress. The vibrant green of the String of Pearls provides a calming presence and connects your indoor space with nature.
Plant Care & Growing Tips
Caring for your string of pearls live plant is straightforward, but understanding its specific needs will ensure it thrives and maintains its lush, trailing appearance. This succulent prefers bright, indirect light. Place it near a south or west-facing window where it can receive several hours of bright light daily, but avoid harsh, direct midday sun which can scorch its delicate leaves. If the light is too low, the ‘pearls’ may become sparse and elongated. When considering string of pearls care, watering is crucial. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, typically every 2-4 weeks depending on temperature and humidity. Overwatering is the most common cause of problems, leading to root rot. When you do water, soak the soil thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot, then ensure no standing water remains in the saucer.
The ideal soil for a string of pearls live plant is a well-draining succulent or cactus mix. This type of soil prevents waterlogged roots and mimics its natural arid habitat. A pot with drainage holes is absolutely essential. This plant prefers average room temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C) and can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures in winter, but protect it from freezing. It generally doesn’t require high humidity. Fertilize sparingly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted liquid succulent fertilizer, about once a month. Reduce or stop fertilizing in fall and winter. Watch out for common pests like mealybugs or aphids, and address them promptly with insecticidal soap. Proper string of pearls care will result in a healthy, vibrant plant that can trail several feet.
Size & Details
This offering is for a string of pearls live plant, shipped in a 6-inch nursery pot. The plant will arrive with established roots and characteristic trailing stems, ready to be enjoyed in your home. The length of the trails can vary, but typically range from 6-12 inches upon arrival, with the potential to grow much longer over time, often reaching several feet in ideal conditions. This succulent has a moderate growth rate, especially during spring and summer. It is best grown as an indoor succulent in most climates, though it can be moved outdoors in warm, frost-free regions during summer. The plant is shipped in its pot with soil, ensuring minimal shock and a smooth transition to its new environment. Expect a healthy, vibrant plant that will continue to develop its unique bead-like foliage.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: How big does this 6-inch string of pearls live plant get? A: While this plant arrives in a 6-inch pot, its trailing stems can grow quite long, often reaching several feet in length over time. The ‘pearls’ themselves are small, pea-sized spheres.
- Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: The string of pearls live plant is primarily grown as an indoor succulent in most regions of the US. It can be placed outdoors in warm, frost-free weather but should be brought inside before temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
- Q: How much sunlight does the Senecio rowleyanus need? A: This plant thrives in bright, indirect light. A south or west-facing window is ideal, providing ample light without direct, harsh sun exposure which can burn the leaves.
- Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Yes, the String of Pearls is considered a relatively easy-care succulent, especially for those familiar with succulent care. The most important thing is to avoid overwatering and ensure it gets sufficient light.
- Q: What condition will the string of pearls live plant arrive in? A: Your plant will arrive as a healthy, established live plant in its 6-inch nursery pot, with soil intact. We pack carefully to ensure it reaches you in the best possible condition.
- Q: How often should I water my indoor succulent? A: Water thoroughly only when the soil has completely dried out. This could be every 2-4 weeks, depending on your home’s temperature, humidity, and light conditions. When in doubt, it’s better to underwater than overwater.
- Q: Is the string of pearls live plant pet-safe? A: No, the String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) is considered toxic to pets if ingested. It’s best to keep it out of reach of curious pets and children.
- Q: Can I propagate my String of Pearls? A: Yes, propagating the String of Pearls is quite easy. You can take stem cuttings, allow them to callus for a day or two, and then place them on top of moist succulent soil or directly into water to root.
- Q: What kind of soil is best for string of pearls care? A: A well-draining succulent or cactus potting mix is ideal for this plant. This type of soil will prevent water from sitting around the roots, which can lead to rot.
- Q: Will my plant bloom? A: Under ideal conditions, the String of Pearls can produce small, white, cinnamon-scented flowers, usually in late spring or early summer. These blooms are a delightful bonus to its unique foliage.


















