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String of pearls, or “rosary vine” plants, are unique vining succulents that are easily recognizable by their tiny pea-shaped leaves. The leaves grow on trailing stems that gracefully spill over the sides of planters and hanging baskets.
A single plant will survive for about five years if properly cared for. The ideal time to repot your string of pearls plant is at the beginning of spring. Spring, summer, or early fall (in warmer climates) are good times to propagate. You can also plant seeds, although it is often less successful.
String of pearls (Curio rowleyanus) and string of tears are closely related, coming from the same part of the world. String of pearls rarely have issues with pests and diseases, making them great to keep. The biggest problem this plant has is usually related to too much or not enough water. If you live in zone 8 or below, bring your plant indoors during the winter.
Water once every seven to 14 days; the top inch of soil should feel dry before watering again . If the round leaves flatten, it’s a sign you should increase water frequency.
| Common Name | String of pearls, string of beads, string of peas, rosary vine |
| Botanical Name | Curio rowleyanus (formerly Senecio rowleyanus) |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Plant Type | Succulent |
| Mature Size | 1-2 ft. tall, 1-2 ft. long |
| Sun Exposure | Full, partial |
| Soil Type | Sandy, well-drained |
| Soil pH | Neutral to acidic |
| Bloom Time | Summer |
| Flower Color | White |
| Hardiness Zones | 9-12 (USDA) |
| Native Area | Africa |
| Toxicity | Toxic to humans, toxic to pets |
