Senecio rowleyanus String of Pearls

Description

String of Pearls, Senecio rowleyanus botanically, is a cascading succulent characterized by tiny, pea-like, circular green leaves dangling off fragile, wiry vines. The little balls of green house water – a fact that contributes to their unique shape and allows the String of Pearls to tolerate dry spells in between waterings unlike a large percentage of house plants. The species origin comes from the desert climates in South West Africa; as can be expected this succulent is happiest drying out before its next sip, no swampy roots allowed!

People love String of Pearls for the way their stems spill down shelves, windowsill or out of hanging baskets – rather than pointing to the sky, they trail languidly. The plant can be useful in a living room, an office nook, a shaded balcony or a kitchen windowsill provided it receives sufficient light. As it doesn’t require constant watering or attention, it is a pretty reliable option for a succulent beginner who isn’t too bothered about checking the watering schedule but is able to let soil to dry out between watering sessions.

The plant is delivered barerooted or in a nursery pot containing succulent potting mix-since the plant comes in an ideal, well-draining potting mixture, you don’t have any potting preparations to make prior to setting it up in a sunny location like your sill. Although the foliage alone offers sufficient ornamental merit, it makes an especially convenient low-care desk or open shelf plant for anywhere you want an overhanging, spilling addition.

Key features

• Water storing leaves that resemble beads, providing the plant with a spherical shape. 
• Trailing habit is excellent in hanging baskets, elevated shelves or window sills
• Plump leaves will help them survive missed waterings than the average houseplants. 
• Low daily maintenance when it’s settled in a bright spot with the correct water routine.
• Small white blooms might form during warm periods (this depends on the plant.)
• Easy to propagate from stem cuttings, meaning you’ll quickly have multiple plants out of just one. 
• Unique gift idea that requires very little maintenance for the plant owner who has many house plants already.

Care at a glance

Product specifications

What's in the box

• 1 × Live Senecio rowleyanus (String of Pearls) plant
• 1 × Nursery pot (Bare-rooted / Pot: Optional)
• Well-draining potting mix
• Basic care guide

Important notes

• Bead size, stem length and full is expected to differ from plant to plant as it is a live product and not man-made. 
• Some beads may shrink slightly during transit or may lose a few leaves during shipping, however these plants will recover in two weeks to normal care.
• Do not immediately plant it into direct sunlight after unboxing, let it acclimatise over a few days first and place it in its final, bright home.
• It can often get waterlogged when someone new takes this plant home, check that the soil has dried out first, always before watering!
• Reduced growth occurs seasonally in winter and when light levels are low - this is perfectly natural and doesn't signify that your plant is miserable. 
• The sap on this and other plants of the Senecio group is toxic when eaten and irritating when it gets into broken skin - keep away from young children and pets prone to nibbling plants.

Frequently asked questions

Q: My String of Pearls beads are yellowing or mushy, what’s wrong? 

A: Overwatering is the most common reason. Your pot probably doesn’t have a drainage hole or you may be over-watering. Wait until the soil is totally dry and add water; pluck away any mushy stems until new growth begins. 

Q: How Often Do String of Pearls Need to be Watered?

A: This depends on your plant, environment and the season. Generally, you can water once the soil has completely dried. For plants inside, this may mean once every 7-14 days, less during the colder months. 

Q: Can I grow String of Pearls around pets? 

A: String of Pearls is best kept high out of the reach of animals on a high shelf or in a hanging basket, since the plant has irritating sap which can cause problems if your pet decides to chew on or swallow any, just as it is with other types of Senecio.

Q: Do they need direct sun?

A: They should not be given too many hours of direct sun as it will scorch. Ideally bright, indirect light and some morning sun will be sufficient. 

Q: How quickly will my String of Pearls grow?

A: Slow growth is normal. In the spring and fall you may see some development with speed depending on how well you meet your plant’s needs. 

Q: Can I have String of Pearls in a pet’s home?

A: You should probably put String of Pearls on a higher shelf or in a hanging planter to keep it away from pets, as the sap can irritate when it is chewed or ingested, like with other species of Senecio.