Variegated String of Tears
Curio herreanus 'Variegata' (syn. Senecio herreanus/herreianus)

Description

The Variegated String of Tears botanically called the Curio herreanus, although still often referred to and looked for using the outdated Senecio herreanus, is a popular hanging succulent from the family Asteraceae and is often grown along with the well-loved hanging succulents String of Pearls and String of Bananas. Also commonly referred to as the String of Beads, String of Raindrops, or even String of Watermelons, its egg-shaped and fat leaves hang decoratively from the slender hanging stems of this trailing plant.

The difference from the regular green variegated form is the leaves – although the leaves are the same teardrop shape, each of them will have streaks of cream or white with the green, and so each strand has a swirled two-tone effect. Fine transparent stripes on the leaves let the light in too, like its relatives. With long growing stems this succulent trails from the rim of its pot, so it makes for a brilliant hanging plant or one for a shelf. Small, gently spiced white flowers with a hint of cinnamon sometimes appear on older, established plants.

A good choice for homes or offices that can accommodate bright conditions without the strong afternoon glare – the variegated sections on the leaves can burn more readily than pure green leaves. It can look effective placed on a windowsill, suspended on a hook next to a window, or on a sheltered balcony, and once established, will be very low maintenance. For the houseplant enthusiast with some experience of succulents that desires a more ornamental, trailing option.

Key Features

• Plump, teardrop-shaped bead leaves with green and cream variegation
• Trailing growth habit, well-suited to hanging baskets and raised shelves
• Fine translucent stripes on the leaves add extra visual detail
• Drought-tolerant, storing water in its bead-like foliage
• Occasional small white, cinnamon-scented flowers on mature plants
• Low day-to-day maintenance once settled into a bright spot
• Compact at the base while stems trail and lengthen over time
• A distinctive, more decorative alternative to the plain green String of Tears

Care at a Glance

Product Specifications

What's in the Box

• 1 x Variegated String of Tears succulent
• 1 x Pot (Bare-rooted/Pot: Optional)
• Well-draining succulent/cactus potting mix (if potted option selected)
• Basic care guide

Important Notes

• Natural variation in the amount and pattern of cream variegation is normal - no two strands look exactly alike.
• This plant is reported to be mildly toxic if ingested, so keep it out of reach of pets and young children.
• Direct sun can easily burn lighter, cream-colored parts of leaves. Try to introduce them gradually to brighter light.
• Some bead-leaf drop or shrivelling during transit is normal for this succulent and usually recovers within a couple of weeks once settled and watered correctly.
• Handle the trailing stems gently, as the leaves can bruise, mark, or detach if pulled or pressed firmly.
• Avoid watering directly onto the foliage or letting water sit in the pot's saucer, as this can lead to rot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the variegation on my plant going green or faded?

A: The strength of the variegation often relies on light. A new shoot grown with less light could be more green with not much of a creamy coloured strip, so place your plant in a higher light, indirect spot and this should return in time.

Q: How often should I water it?

A: Only water this when the soil has dried up fully then give this a good drink until the water runs out the bottom. The bead-like leaves store water so this plant tolerates underwatering much better than overwatering.

Q: A couple of leaves have shriveled. What should I do?

A: Small bits of shriveled leaf normally indicate the plant needs water, using reserves already in the plant, giving water to the beads to refill within days . If this happens even after watering the roots of your plant then you may need to check for rot after water logging.

Q: Can I grow the plant indoors? 

A: Of course! It does well in any room that has plenty of light next to a window and will give the plant some partial shade to the leaves during the day to avoid over-exposing and scorching some of the parts.

Q: I want a much bushier plant, any advice? 

A: Pinch back the trailing stems gently, lightly, and often, to promote a much bushier and fuller growth. Cuttings that are taken from healthy plants can be placed over new soil, to root and produce more shoots within the pot.

Q: Is this plant suitable for pet owners?

A: No, Curio species (including this plant) are said to be slightly toxic when eaten or chewed. Plant this in a hanging display or shelf to protect it from hungry or curious pets and children.