String of Pearls
Curio rowleyanus · Asteraceae
- Light
- Bright-indirect to direct
- Water
- Low
- Humidity
- Average
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Pet-safe
- No
- Propagation
- Stem Cuttings
Common problems: Root RotMealybugsAphidsFungus Gnats
Quick facts
- Light: Bright indirect to some direct sun · Water: Let dry well between waterings
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Pet-safe: No
Description
A trailing succulent with bead-like leaves threaded along thin hanging stems. It looks delicate, but the real problem is usually not fragility so much as the classic succulent trap: too little light and too much water.
Care
- Light: Needs strong light, often with some direct sun indoors.
- Water: Let the mix dry thoroughly before watering again.
- Soil & potting: Very fast-draining cactus mix in a pot with drainage.
- Humidity & temperature: Average indoor humidity is fine.
- Feeding: Very light feeding in active growth.
- Repotting / propagation: Keep the crown from staying buried and wet.
Propagation
Very easy from stem cuttings. Lay strands on top of soil so nodes touch the mix, or root short cuttings directly. See Propagation Basics.
Toxicity
Treat as not pet-safe. Chewing foliage can cause stomach upset and irritation in pets.
Common ailments, afflictions & pests
Click any item for how to identify and treat it.
- Root Rot — the main killer; pearls turn mushy and stems collapse.
- Mealybugs — hide near the crown and between stems.
- Aphids — sometimes show up on flowers or fresh growth.
- Fungus Gnats — a sign the mix is staying too wet.
- Shriveled pearls? Often underwatering or roots already failing from past overwatering.
See also: Diagnose a Problem.