The Wonderful World of String of Pearls in the Wild

String of pearls is an unusual succulent with nearly spherical leaves from South Africa. The plant was recently moved from the large genus Senecio (which includes succulents and common weeds like common groundsel) to the new genus Curio. It was named after the British botanist Gordon Rowley. However, it is still likely to be known as Senecio rowleyanus in the gardening world and in books. This soft, evergreen perennial plant is from the daisy family (Asteraceae) and grows naturally in dry parts of the eastern Cape of South Africa. There is also a variegated form with wide white stripes and sections (which might actually be S. hirta, which has round leaves that are a bit bigger, longer, and striped; it is also known as string of pearls or string of beads. The plant has weak surface roots that send out trailing stems that can be up to three feet long. These stems can root where they touch the ground and form dense mats. It often grows under bushes or between rocks which provide some protection from intense sunlight. These are the alternate leaves that store water. They are about the size and shape of small peas, with a pointy end and a thin dark green stripe running along the side. The round shape of the leaves reduces the amount of surface area that is exposed to dry desert air, which lowers the amount of water that evaporates. However, this also means that photosynthesis can’t happen as much as it could on a normal thin, flat leaf. Darker, see-through tissue on the side of the leaf acts as an “epidermal window” that lets light into the leaf, making more space for photosynthesis. Several other succulents from southern Africa, like the related Senicio radicans, and baby toes (Fenestraria spp.) have also adapted to dry places in this way. ) and Haworthia cooperi which grow underground, exposing only the leaf tips. String of Pearls blooms in the summer, with white discoid flowers that look like daisies and have long red stamens and bright yellow anthers on 1½ inch long stems. The small flowers don’t stand out, but they do smell nice. The scent is said to be sweet and spicy, like cinnamon. After the flowers come many seeds, each with a white, cottony covering that helps the wind spread them. String of pearls is commonly grown as a houseplant or an outdoor ornamental in frost-free climates. It is often grown in hanging baskets to allow the trailing stems to spill downward. It could also be grown in a flat dish, which would let it keep growing in a way that looks like it does in the wild. For the growing season, indoor containers can be moved outside, but they need to be brought used to the sun slowly so they don’t get burned. They should also be kept out of the rain, and they need to be brought back inside before frost. Like most succulents, this one doesn’t need much care. It just needs bright light, soil that drains well, and only a little watering every so often. Root rot from overwatering is the most common cause of its demise. Grow plants in cactus mix or potting medium that drains well. You can also mix in inorganic materials like pea gravel, sharp sand, poultry grit, or pumice (up to a 1:1 ratio). Utilize a shallow pot since the plants won’t be able to grow deep roots (and if they can’t quickly remove water from a large soil volume, they will be more likely to develop root rot). Clay pots are better than plastic or ceramic ones because they let water evaporate through the sides more quickly, drying the soil out. Let the soil in the pot dry out completely between waterings. When the plant is not actively growing, give it more water in the summer than in the winter. Providing a rest period during the winter with cool (55-60°F). Dry conditions may promote blooming in summer. Plants need to be watered when the leaves start to look a bit shriveled. Repot every year or two or fertilize lightly in spring. Mealybugs or aphids may infest plants but otherwise they have few pest problems. The leaves are slightly poisonous; eating them may make you throw up or have diarrhea. The plant’s sap may irritate or rash sensitive skin. Propagate string of pearls by taking 3-4 inch stem tip cuttings. Take off three to four leaves from the bottom of the cutting and put it in or on wet potting mix, making sure to just cover the last few bottom nodes. Roots should start to grow at each node right away. Mist the soil surface to avoid overwatering until the roots are established. This plant can also be grown from seed but it is not commonly available. – Susan Mahr, University of Wisconsin – Madison.

Ask Your Gardening Question

If you’re unable to find the information you need, please submit your gardening question here:

Featured Articles by Season

String of Pearls in Bloom / Gardening Experiences