String of Pearls

Curio rowleyanus

🪴 Indoor Seasonal Care

How this houseplant's needs shift through the year indoors.

💡 Brittle strands - handle gently; the cool, dry winter rest can trigger small flowers.

At a Glance

String of Pearls (Curio rowleyanus) is a captivating trailing succulent prized for its unique bead-like leaves cascading in long strands. Native to arid regions, it thrives in bright, dry indoor conditions and is ideal for elevated shelves or hanging baskets where its delicate strands can flow freely. This low-maintenance plant rewards careful watering with a stunning, cascading display.

Light

String of Pearls demands bright, consistent light to maintain its compact, healthy growth. Position it on a sunny south- or west-facing windowsill where it receives ample indirect light throughout the day; a little gentle morning or late afternoon sun is beneficial and encourages the most vibrant leaf colour. Avoid placing it in dim corners or rooms with only north-facing light, as insufficient illumination causes the stems to stretch unnaturally as they reach for light, resulting in a sparse, leggy appearance. If your home lacks a very bright window, a few hours of direct sun on a south-facing sill during the sunniest part of the day is sufficient; otherwise, supplement with a bright LED grow light for 4-6 hours daily to prevent stretching.

Watering

This succulent requires extremely sparing watering, as it is highly susceptible to root rot. Water thoroughly only when the top inch or two of the free-draining soil feels completely dry to the touch, typically every 2-3 weeks in spring/summer and even less frequently in autumn/winter. Always ensure excess water drains away completely from the pot; never let the plant sit in a saucer of water. During the active growing season (spring and early summer), you might water slightly more often, but the soil must dry out fully between sessions. In winter, reduce watering significantly, as the plant enters a dormant phase and requires minimal moisture.

Humidity and temperature

String of Pearls thrives in low humidity environments, making it exceptionally well-suited to typical UK indoor conditions, which are often drier than outdoor settings. It prefers average room temperatures between 18°C and 24°C (64°F–75°F) and should be kept away from cold draughts near windows or heating vents, which can cause stress. Avoid placing it in very humid areas like bathrooms unless the light is exceptionally bright, as high humidity combined with inadequate light increases the risk of fungal issues. The plant is not suited to very hot, stagnant air and benefits from good air circulation.

Feeding and repotting

Feed sparingly during the active growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer (half-strength) applied every 4-6 weeks. Do not feed in autumn or winter when the plant is dormant. Repot only when the roots have completely filled the current pot, usually every 2-3 years, using a pot only slightly larger than the rootball. Choose a container with excellent drainage holes. Use a free-draining cactus or succulent compost mix; never use standard potting soil, as it retains too much moisture. Repotting is best done in spring to encourage new growth.

Propagation

Propagating String of Pearls is straightforward and highly successful using stem cuttings. Take a healthy stem section (about 4-6 inches long) with several 'pearls' using clean, sharp scissors. Allow the cut end to dry and callus over for 1-2 days before placing it in a small pot of moist, free-draining succulent compost. Keep the cutting in bright, indirect light and mist the soil lightly every few days until roots form (usually 2-4 weeks). Alternatively, place the cutting in a glass of water; roots will develop, and you can then transfer it to soil. Once rooted, care for the new plant as you would the parent.

Common problems and how to fix them

The most frequent issue is overwatering, leading to root rot. Symptoms include yellowing or translucent, mushy leaves, a foul smell from the soil, and the plant wilting despite wet soil. To fix this, immediately remove the plant from its pot, trim away all rotted roots and affected leaves, repot in fresh, dry succulent compost, and drastically reduce watering frequency. Underwatering causes the leaves to shrivel and become pale; simply water thoroughly until the soil is moist but not soggy. Leggy growth from insufficient light (stretched stems) is fixed by moving the plant to a brighter location. Pests like mealybugs can occasionally appear; treat with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or a diluted insecticidal soap.

Is it toxic to cats and dogs?

String of Pearls is toxic to cats and dogs according to the ASPCA. If ingested, it can cause vomiting, drooling, lethargy, and the sap may irritate skin. It is crucial to keep this plant out of reach of pets and children at all times. If you suspect your pet has eaten any part of the plant, contact your veterinarian immediately or call the Animal PoisonLine on 01206 798223 for urgent advice. Do not attempt to treat the ingestion yourself; professional veterinary care is essential. Always supervise children around this plant and wash hands after handling it to avoid skin irritation.