String of Pearls (Senecio Rowleyanus) is a beautiful and unique plant that can bring a lot of character to your space. It’s often found in hanging baskets, with its trailing stems forming a lush green curtain with small pearl-like leaves.
This easy-care succulent has quickly become one of the most popular plants for both indoor and outdoor gardens around the world. Native to South Africa, String of Pearls requires very little water and maintenance to thrive.
It thrives best in bright indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions if needed. With some patience, you’ll be rewarded with an abundance of bright green growth wherever you decide to place it!
String of Pearls at a glance
| Common Name | String of Pearls |
| Scientific Name | Senecio Rowleyanus |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Full maturity | 2-3 years |
| Height (max) | 5 cm |
| Width (max) | 90 cm |
| Pet safe? | No |
| Sunlight | Bright, indirect sunlight |
| Soil Ph | 6.6–7.5 |
| Native to | South Africa |
Growing String of Pearls indoors in Australia
Growing indoors in Australia is becoming incredibly popular, with the drought and water restrictions making it difficult to grow plants outside. More and more Australians are now turning towards indoor plants to bring life into their homes and apartments.
One type of plant that has become especially popular for its unique appearance is the String of Pearls (Senecio Rowleyanus). This unusual succulent originates from South Africa, but can be easily grown indoors in Australia with a few simple steps.
The String of Pearls has small round leaves which run along the stem like a pearl necklace, hence its name. It grows best near bright windows that receive indirect light, but they can also survive in low-light areas as long as they are replanted regularly. The soil should remain slightly moist at all times and when watering be sure not to overwater or let the plant sit in excess water.
Quick care tips
String of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) is a beautiful, easy-to-care for plant that makes a stunning addition to any home. If you are thinking about adding one of these trailing beauties to your own collection, here are some quick care tips to help keep it looking its best.
First, give it plenty of bright but indirect light. Too much direct sun can cause the leaves to burn and turn yellow.
It’s best kept in an area with an east or west window that gets several hours of light each day. However, be sure not to place it too close to a window as the draught created by opening and closing windows can dry out the soil quickly. Next, keep its soil lightly moist with occasional waterings when the top 2–3 cm or two has dried out completely.
String of Pearls (Senecio Rowleyanus) (Source)
Caring for your String of Pearls
If you’re looking to add a unique and beautiful element to your home decor, consider growing String of Pearls (Senecio Rowleyanus). This trailing succulent is native to South Africa, and stands out with its thin stems and clusters of small, pearl-like leaves.
Keep reading to learn the basics of plant care for the String of Pearls. This easy-to-care-for plant prefers bright indirect light when grown indoors, making it a great choice for both novice gardeners or those short on time.
When watering your String of Pearls, make sure the soil is allowed to dry out between waterings – overwatering can easily lead to root rot. An ideal potting mix for this succulent should be well draining and slightly sandy in texture.
Light
When it comes to houseplants, the String of Pearls (Senecio Rowleyanus) is a must-have. With its unique look and texture of dangling pearls, this plant elevates any room with its beauty.
But while the String of Pearls may be easy to keep alive, bright light is essential for it to thrive. Light is an important factor when growing any type of houseplant, but especially so for the String of Pearls.
This trailing succulent needs at least four hours of bright indirect sunlight each day in order to remain healthy and happy. If your home isn’t naturally well lit, you can supplement the plant’s light with a grow light that provides enough UV rays for it to flourish.
Water
Water is essential for all life, and plants are no exception. In order to thrive, many plants need precise amounts of water at certain times.
Growing string of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) is an indoor plant that requires a specific watering schedule in order to remain healthy. String of pearls thrives with regular and consistent watering.
This succulent should be given enough water so that the soil can absorb it fully but not too much that the roots are sitting in standing water. Watering should be done every seven to 10 days or when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch; this will vary depending on environmental conditions like temperature and humidity levels. A good way to check if your string of pearls needs more water is by using a moisture meter or simply feeling down into the soil with your finger.
Fertiliser
Fertiliser is a key component to the successful growth of many plants and flowers, including the popular String of Pearls (Senecio Rowleyanus). This climbing succulent features small, round bead-like foliage that trails off gracefully from its stems.
To ensure your String of Pearls plant stays healthy and continues to grow new stems and leaves, it’s important to fertilise with a balanced liquid fertiliser every few weeks during spring and summer months. The best way to apply fertiliser is by mixing it into a watering can at half-strength, then giving your plant a thorough watering.
Make sure not to overfertilise as this can be harmful for your String of Pearls or any other type of succulent.
Temperature
Temperature is an important factor to consider when growing string of pearls. Senecio rowleyanus, commonly known as string of pearls, is a succulent houseplant that requires bright light and moderate temperatures.
In ideal conditions, the plant produces small white or yellow flowers in spring and summer months. It flourishes best in moderate temperatures between 18 and 23 degrees Celcius during the day and 12 and 20 degrees Celcius at night.
String of pearls plants require high humidity levels to grow properly so misting them regularly will help keep them healthy. Avoid placing the plant near air conditioners or drafty windows since a sudden drop in temperature can damage its delicate leaves. If you plan on moving your string of pearls outdoors for the summer months, make sure to acclimate it slowly by increasing its exposure to direct sunlight over 10-14 days before fully exposing it to outdoor conditions.
Humidity
Humidity is an important consideration when growing the String of Pearls (Senecio Rowleyanus) plant. This tropical succulent thrives in moist, humid environments, making it a great addition to any modern home or office space that has access to indirect light.
When humidity levels drop too low, this delicate plant can suffer significantly – leaving its leaves wilted, discoloured and prone to breakage. In order to keep your String of Pearls healthy and thriving, it’s important to provide adequate levels of humidity within its environment.
The ideal humidity level for this plant should be between 40-60%, which may require the use of a humidifier if you don’t live in a naturally moist climate. Alternatively, you can mist your String of Pearls daily with lukewarm water or place it on top of a tray filled with pebbles and water.
Learn more about how humidity can affect indoor plants.
Flowering
Flowering is a special event in the life of any plant, and the string of pearls (Senecio Rowleyanus) is no exception. This succulent is easily identifiable due to its unique appearance; its leaves look like beads strung together along a thin stem.
The string of pearls produces white flowers with yellow centers in late winter or early spring, usually around February or March. The long stems can reach up to 1 metre long, making for a showy display of beautiful blooms that will last for several weeks! If you are looking forward to seeing your string of pearls bloom, be sure to give it plenty of bright indirect light throughout the year and water it sparingly during the hot summer months.
Since it’s a succulent, it also needs well-draining soil and should be fertilised only once every four months or so.
Pests
Pests can be a major challenge for those growing the String of Pearls plant (Senecio Rowleyanus). This succulent, with its unique trailing stems and tiny leaves, is especially susceptible to problems caused by pests.
Common pests that can wreak havoc on your String of Pearls include aphids, mealybugs, spider mites and thrips. All of these pests feed on the sap within the leaves and stems of your plant, causing discolouration or scarring.
The best way to combat pests is to inspect your plants regularly for any signs of infestations. Early detection is key in order to prevent major damage from occurring. Additionally, it’s important to keep humidity levels low since most pests thrive in warm and humid environments.
Find out more about common indoor plant pests in Australia.
Diseases
Diseases are one of the most common causes of death worldwide. While there is an ever-growing list of crises and illnesses affecting humans, it is important to be aware that some plants can also suffer from various diseases.
Senecio Rowleyanus, also known as “String of Pearls,” is a popular houseplant that can easily succumb to fungal and bacterial infections if not properly cared for. For Senecio Rowleyanus owners, understanding how to identify, prevent, and treat diseases brought on by bacteria or fungi can help significantly prolong their plant’s life expectancy.
Fungal infections such as powdery mildew or root rot can occur due to poor air circulation and too much soil moisture. Symptoms include spots on leaves, wilting or yellowing foliage, and stunted growth which left untreated will eventually kill off the entire plant.
Soil
Soil is an essential component in the successful growth of the String of Pearls (Senecio Rowleyanus). This unique succulent is native to dry regions of East Africa, where it grows in rocky soil and other areas with limited moisture.
To ensure optimal growing conditions at home, gardeners must choose an appropriate soil mixture. When selecting a soil for this particular succulent, look for options that are low on nutrients and provide good drainage.
A general-purpose cactus mix or sandy loam will work well; be sure to avoid soils that are rich in organic matter, such as potting soil or composted manure. Additionally, the addition of perlite or pumice can help improve drainage.
Learn how to lower your soil PH.
Pot size
Pot size is an important factor to consider when growing String of Pearls (Senecio Rowleyanus). It affects the overall health and growth of the plant, as well as its ability to maintain an attractive shape.
To ensure that your String of Pearls has everything it needs to thrive, you should select a pot size that fits its special requirements. The most appropriate pot size for a String of Pearls depends on how mature it already is.
If it’s still in the early stages of growth, then it will require a smaller pot with drainage holes at the bottom. This ensures sufficient airflow around the roots and helps keep excess moisture from accumulating in soil. As your String of Pearls matures and begins producing more stems, opt for a medium-sized pot that offers enough space for new branches and leaves to grow without becoming overcrowded.
Pruning your String of Pearls
Pruning is an important part of caring for any plant, including the popular String of Pearls (Senecio Rowleyanus). This succulent houseplant grows long trailing vines filled with round bead-like leaves.
To help keep this unique plant healthy and thriving, it should be pruned regularly. By trimming back overgrown or dead stems, you can give your String of Pearls a neat and even look.
This also helps encourage growth in areas where fewer leaves are present. Pruning also promotes healthier foliage by removing dead or damaged leaves, which prevents disease and pests from taking up residence in the plant’s soil. Additionally, regular pruning encourages branching of stem tips which leads to more flowers blooming when grown outdoors in warmer climates.
Propagating your String of Pearls
Propagation is an important step in increasing the size of a String of Pearls (Senecio Rowleyanus) plant. This easy-to-care-for succulent is a great addition to any home, and propagating it is incredibly straightforward.
The process will help the original plant thrive while creating an entirely new String of Pearls. To propagate this stringy succulent, you will need scissors or pruners and a soil mix specifically designed for succulents or cacti.
Start by cutting off one to five centimetres from the end of the stem, making sure that each cut contains at least one leaf node with its tiny leaves intact. Once you have your cutting, allow it to dry for about two days before planting it in its soil mix.
Is String of Pearls poisonous?
Are you looking for information about growing a string of pearls, also known as Senecio Rowleyanus? This popular succulent is a great addition to any home or garden. However, it’s important to note that the plant is toxic; if ingested, it can cause stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea.
For this reason, it should be kept away from children and pets at all times. This article will provide helpful information on keeping your string of pearls healthy and thriving in its environment.
We’ll start by discussing light requirements and how much water the plant needs before going into more detail about its specific care requirements. Finally, We’ll look at some of the common pests and diseases that may affect your Senecio Rowleyanus plants so you know what to watch out for when caring for them.
Featured Image: Source
