String of Pearls

Senecio rowleyanus

(previously known as Curio rowleyanus)

Overview

Uses: Hanging baskets, indoor houseplant displays, patio containers, and groundcover in frost-free climates.

Benefits: Distinctive trailing stems lined with bead-like succulent leaves. Excellent drought tolerance once established and well-suited for bright indoor spaces.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 9–12 (grown as a houseplant in all zones)

Sun: Full Sun to Partial Sun/Shade

Life Cycle: Tender Perennial

Growth Habit: Trailing, Spreading — cascading stems that drape over edges.

Bloom Color: White

Foliage Color: Green

Mature Height: ~4"

Mature Width: 12"–36" (trailing spread)

Bloom Season: Summer

Growth Rate: Moderate

Summary

String-of-Pearls is instantly recognizable for its trailing strands of round, bead-like foliage.

Each spherical leaf stores water, allowing the plant to tolerate dry conditions and making it especially suited for bright indoor environments and hanging displays. When mature and happy, it produces small white summer flowers with a light cinnamon-like fragrance.

In warm climates it may be used outdoors as a spreading groundcover, while in colder zones it thrives as a houseplant or patio specimen brought indoors before frost.

Care

String of Pearls Care

Place in bright light with some direct morning sun or strong indirect light. Avoid prolonged harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch foliage.

Allow soil to dry between waterings. Overwatering is the most common cause of decline. Use a well-draining cactus or succulent mix and ensure containers have drainage holes.

Feed lightly during active growth using a slow release fertilizer.

For container growing, watering needs will be greater than in-ground plantings. Reduce watering frequency during winter dormancy. Plants hardy in the ground may require winter protection when grown in containers in colder zones.

Size

What Size is the String of Pearls Plant for Sale Online?

This plant ships in a greenhouse-grade grow pot and is well-rooted and actively growing at time of shipment. For specific sizing questions, please contact us.

How Large Does String of Pearls Grow?

Mature plants typically remain about 4 inches tall, with trailing stems extending 12–36 inches depending on growing conditions and container size.

Additional Information

What are some common names for this plant?

• String-of-Pearls
• String-of-Beads

Is String of Pearls considered a houseplant?

Yes. It is most often grown indoors in bright spaces where its trailing stems can cascade from shelves or containers. Browse more options in our Houseplants collection.

Does it work well in hanging baskets?

Absolutely. Its natural trailing habit makes it ideal for elevated containers where the stems can drape freely. You can explore additional options in our Hanging Baskets collection.

Can it grow outdoors year-round?

In frost-free climates within Zones 9–12, it may be grown outdoors as a spreading groundcover or container plant. In colder areas, it should be overwintered indoors. See more warm-climate selections in our Tropical Plants collection.