String of Pearls
Senecio rowleyanus
A captivating succulent with distinctive pearl-like leaves that cascade beautifully from hanging baskets or shelves. This South African native creates stunning living curtains of spherical foliage and produces small, fragrant white flowers that smell like cinnamon. Its unique appearance and easy-care nature make it a conversation starter in any home.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Bright
Zones
9–12
USDA hardiness
Height
12-24 inches
Complete Growing Guide
Soil: Sand. Soil pH: Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Occasionally Dry, Very Dry. Spacing: Less than 12 inches. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Division, Leaf Cutting, Seed.
History & Origin
Origin: South Africa
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Drought, Dry Soil, Heat
- +Attracts: Ground Cover, Herbaceous Perennial, Perennial, Poisonous, Shrub, Succulent
- +Wildlife value: Some plants used by the larvae of some Lepidoptera (butterflies & moths) species as host plants
- +Low maintenance
Considerations
- -Toxic (Leaves): Medium severity
- -Causes contact dermatitis
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Snake Plant
Similar low-water needs and tolerates bright indirect light, complementary upright form
Jade Plant
Matching drought tolerance and light requirements, both prefer infrequent watering
Zebra Plant (Haworthia)
Compatible watering schedule and light needs, creates textural contrast
Burro's Tail
Similar succulent care requirements and trailing growth habit for layered displays
Rubber Plant
Provides height variation while tolerating similar bright, indirect light conditions
Pothos
Creates visual contrast with different leaf shapes while having adaptable light requirements
Aloe Vera
Shares preference for well-draining soil and infrequent watering schedule
Spider Plant
Complementary cascading growth and similar tolerance for bright indirect light
Keep Apart
Boston Fern
Requires constant moisture and high humidity, opposite of string of pearls' dry conditions
Peace Lily
Needs frequent watering and high humidity, can cause overwatering of succulent companion
Calathea
Requires consistent moisture and high humidity, conflicting with drought-tolerant care needs
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Generally disease resistant but susceptible to root rot from overwatering
Common Pests
Mealybugs, aphids, spider mites
Diseases
Root rot, stem rot from excessive moisture