String of Pearls
Curio rowleyanus
A South African trailing succulent with pea-like spherical leaves, each with a translucent window that lets light into the leaf. Best in a hanging planter with bright filtered light and a full dry-down between soaks.
Light
Bright Indirect
Water
Low
Difficulty
Moderate
Humidity
Low
Pet Warning
All parts of the plant are toxic to humans and pets. Ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Contact with the sap may also cause skin irritation.
Care Notes
Light
Give bright, filtered light. Intense afternoon sun can scorch the pearls. A south or west window with a sheer curtain is a solid setup.
Water
Use soak-and-dry: wait until the soil is fully dry, then water thoroughly. Slightly shriveled pearls are a thirst cue. Always use a pot with drainage holes.
Soil
A cactus or succulent mix with extra perlite or pumice prevents root rot. Terracotta helps moisture leave the mix.
Humidity & Temperature
Low humidity is fine. In winter, water much less and pause fertilizer while growth slows.
Common Issues
Mushy pearls mean overwatering. Long bare stems mean more light or a prune to thicken the crown. Cuttings root readily for a fuller hanging planter.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
Balanced liquid succulent fertilizer diluted to half-strength
Soil
Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with extra inorganic matter like perlite
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
Stems can trail up to 3 feet in length
Growth Rate
Moderate
Propagation
Stem cuttings laid on top of moist soil or water propagation
Common Varieties
Variegated String of Pearls (Curio rowleyanus f. variegatus)
Trailing pea-like spheres marbled in creamy white and pale green.
String of Bananas
Cascading stems with small emerald leaves shaped like miniature bananas. Related to String of Pearls and often hardier and faster-growing.
String of Dolphins
Trailing hybrid with fleshy leaves shaped like tiny leaping dolphins. A cross of Curio rowleyanus and Curio articulatus; may produce small white flowers with a light cinnamon scent.
String of Hearts
Thin purple-toned vines with fleshy heart-shaped leaves, silver marbling on top and magenta undersides. Fast-growing South African trailer with lantern-like purple flowers.
String of Nickels
Epiphytic trailer with small round coin-like green leaves. From Southeast Asian and Australian rainforests; good in hanging planters or terrariums.
String of Turtles
Peperomia prostrata with tiny round leaves patterned like turtle shells in white and silvery-green. Slow-growing Brazilian epiphyte for terrariums or shelves.
Variegated String of Hearts
Heart-shaped leaves in cream, silvery-green, and rosy pink on slender purple stems. Pink edges deepen in bright indirect light.