string of pearls
Curio rowleyanus
Also known as: Senecio Rowleyanus
How do you care for string of pearls?
Light: Wants bright, indirect light — sensitive to both extremes. Too much direct sun causes burns, too little causes stretching. Water: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry. Adjust with the seasons — less in winter, more in summer. Soil: Needs well-draining soil — add perlite or orchid bark to a standard potting mix. Good drainage is critical to prevent root rot. Keep it away from cats and dogs.
About String Of Pearls
String Of Pearls (Curio rowleyanus) care guide from the PlantGrail knowledge base. Covers disease treatment, pest control, propagation methods, watering and care. Compare the symptoms and growing conditions before choosing a care step.
String Of Pearls care at a glance
- Light
- Bright indirect. Wants bright, indirect light — sensitive to both extremes. Too much direct sun causes burns, too little causes stretching. Grow lights: Thrives under artificial grow lights (LED or fluorescent, 10-12 hours/day). A great option if your space lacks natural light.
- Watering
- Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry. Adjust with the seasons — less in winter, more in summer.
- Humidity
- Appreciates some humidity but adapts to average home conditions. Brown tips in winter? Your air might be too dry — a light misting helps.
- Temperature
- Prefers moderate temperatures (60-80°F). Keep away from radiators and intense afternoon sun windows.
- Soil
- Needs well-draining soil — add perlite or orchid bark to a standard potting mix. Good drainage is critical to prevent root rot.
- Pets
- May be toxic to pets. Keep out of reach of cats, dogs, and small children.
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Common String Of Pearls problems, answered
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String of Pearls Mealybugs: Alcohol, Soap or a Systemic?
White, cottony tufts tucked between the pearls, at stem joints or at the soil line are usually mealybugs. Extension sources treat systemic soil insecticides as a last resort indoors: they are less reliable against mealybugs and carry risks in homes with pets or children.
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String of Pearls Sunburn: Signs, Fixes and Safe Light
Sunburn on string of pearls shows as tan, brown or bleached patches on the beads that face the sun, usually soon after a move into stronger light. The scorched beads do not recover, but the strands usually keep growing once the plant is back in bright, indirect light.
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Underwatered String of Pearls: Shrivelled Pearls and the Fix
An underwatered string of pearls has wrinkled, shrivelling pearls over dry, light mix. A slight wrinkle is simply the cue to water. Pearls that shrivel, yellow and drop, with bare strands near the pot, mean the plant stayed dry too long and some roots may have died. Shrivelled pearls in damp mix point to root rot instead.
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