{"id":318,"date":"2024-01-29T04:16:18","date_gmt":"2024-01-29T04:16:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/essentialhouseplants.com\/?p=318"},"modified":"2024-01-29T04:16:19","modified_gmt":"2024-01-29T04:16:19","slug":"string-of-pearls","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/essentialhouseplants.com\/string-of-pearls\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Grow & Care for String of Pearls Plant"},"content":{"rendered":"

The succulent known as string of pearls with its long trailing stems festooned with round green leaves that look just like peas are perfect for a hanging pot. They also produce unusual flowers in the early spring. Although they need a little more upkeep than your typical succulent, they are happy with less light than most succulents \u2014 they are a great option for north-facing rooms. <\/p>

But don\u2019t eat these peas! \u2014otherwise known as string of beads or string of peas, for obvious reasons once you\u2019ve seen it\u2014is poisonous. However, in a pet and toddler-free household string of pearls makes an ideal houseplant.\u00a0<\/p>

This guide will help you meet this unique succulent\u2019s needs.\u00a0<\/p>

Quick Guide to String of Pearls<\/h2>
<\/i> Sun requirements <\/strong><\/td>Medium-low light needs for a succulent, dappled shade or indirect sunlight may be sufficient<\/td><\/tr>
<\/i> Hardiness\/Zone<\/strong><\/td>Not cold hardy, plant outdoors only in Zones 9-11<\/td><\/tr>
<\/i> Water needs<\/strong><\/td>Above average for a succulent, prefers not to dry out entirely<\/td><\/tr>
<\/i> Toxicity<\/strong><\/td>Poisonous to humans and pets<\/td><\/tr>
<\/i> Primary growth season<\/strong><\/td>May have a winter dormancy or (indoors) may grow slowly year-round<\/td><\/tr>
<\/i> Typical size at maturity<\/strong><\/td>Strands trail up to three feet <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure><\/div><\/div>

Growing Requirements for Senecio Rowleyanus<\/em><\/h2>
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Where to Plant<\/h3>

Pet Access<\/h4>

String of pearls is not the plant for you if you live with pets or young children. In humans, the consumption of string of pearls can cause serious vomiting, diarrhea, and skin rashes<\/a>. If consumed by pets, it can cause similar (and more severe) problems.\u00a0<\/p>

Warning: <\/strong>While there are some mildly toxic plants you can get away with keeping on a high shelf in a house with pets or young children, we strongly recommend that you do not take that risk with this plant.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>

The round leaves look so much like peas (or kibble) that string of pearls is much more attractive to your pet or child than, say, a spiky aloe plant. It looks too much like food for them to resist. <\/p>

If you are looking for a pet-safe succulent with a trailing stem structure, we recommend the string of hearts. It produces trailing stems of beautiful sage-green, silver, and pink leaves and is safe for all of your two-legged and four-legged housemates. <\/p>

For more information on pet-safe and pet-unsafe succulents, check out our guide<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>

Indoor Placement<\/h4>
\"string<\/figure><\/div>

It\u2019s always a struggle to find suitable plants for bright east- and north-facing windows, but a string of pearls plant fits the bill. It doesn\u2019t like direct summer afternoon sunlight and will tolerate bright indirect light. <\/strong><\/p>

This succulent is prized for its beautiful trailing stems, which beautifully fill out a hanging planter but can also be trained to grow all to one side. <\/p>

Like many succulents, the string of pearls originates in the deserts and semi-deserts of east Africa. In the wild, the string of pearls doesn\u2019t grow in a hanging basket; it grows on the ground. The stems don\u2019t trail vertically; they creep horizontally, making a ground cover.<\/p>

Info: <\/strong>Their origin as a ground-cover plant is why their sun needs differ from most succulents. They are habituated to growing in the dappled shade of taller plants. <\/p>

However, in many indoor locations, the top of the plant (as opposed to the trailing leaves) may not get much light, which may become sparse. If that occurs, you may want to add a grow light or move your plant outdoors to a suitable spot for the summer.<\/p>

Outdoor Placement<\/h4>

In hot climates, a string of pearls can be grown outdoors as a ground cover, in a pot (hanging or otherwise), or even trailing over a rock wall. It is not cold-tolerant<\/strong>, so if you live outside of USDA Zone 9-11, you\u2019ll need to grow it in a pot and move it indoors for the winter.<\/p>

The best placement for an outdoor string of pearls would protect the plant from the afternoon sun. It prefers dappled or indirect light. <\/strong>For more on how to grow healthy indoor and outdoor succulents, check out our guide to succulent care<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>

Container and Soil<\/h3>
\"string<\/figure><\/div>

String of pearls has a bit of a Goldilocks complex. It doesn\u2019t want to dry out entirely, the way many succulents can, or at least not for long. At the same time, it doesn\u2019t want soggy roots. It grows best planted in a well-draining potting mix in a well-draining pot. You should also use a pot with a good-sized drainage hole. If your pot doesn\u2019t have a drainage hole, you can drill your own hole or use the ‘pot in a pot’ method.<\/p>

Note: <\/strong>Over time your string of pearls can develop a pretty substantial root-ball, but they are not particularly deep-rooting. That means it\u2019s smart to use a shallower planter than you normally would use for a plant its size. Too deep of a pot can make watering more challenging. <\/p>

Commercially available cactus\/succulent-specific potting mixes will work, but we encourage you to make your potting mix for succulents. Not only is it better for your succulents than anything you\u2019ll find at your local big-box store, but it\u2019s also cheaper. You don\u2019t have to be strict about the ratios, but a good basic recipe is:<\/p>