String of Pearls
Also known as
String of Beads, Pearl Necklace, Bead Plant, String of Peas
Keep this plant’s care guide close at hand.
Get the appAbout String of Pearls
Curio rowleyanus, commonly called String of Pearls, is a trailing succulent from southwestern Africa. Its distinctive pea-like leaves are modified water-storage spheres with translucent windows that allow light into the interior for photosynthesis while minimizing surface area and water loss. Slender, creeping stems can reach 60–90 cm or more, forming cascades from hanging containers or rooting along the soil as a groundcover. The plant bears small, white, cinnamon-scented, daisy-like flowers primarily in late winter to spring when given a cool, bright, dry rest. In habitat it threads through rocky, sandy soils beneath nurse shrubs, enjoying bright light but protection from scorching midday sun. Indoors it thrives in a fast-draining cactus mix, careful watering, and good airflow. Overwatering is the most common cause of failure; pearls that turn mushy indicate excess moisture, while shriveling signals thirst. With proper light, infrequent feeding, and occasional pruning to maintain fullness, this species provides elegant, bead-like texture in living spaces.
Taxonomy
Properties & Requirements
How to care for String of Pearls
Water
Adopt a soak-and-dry routine. Water thoroughly until excess drains, then allow the mix to dry almost completely before watering again. In bright, warm conditions this may be every 1–2 weeks; in cooler, lower light, extend to 3–4 weeks. Check by lifting the pot, probing the mix, or feeling 2–3 cm below the surface. Pearls that wrinkle slightly signal time to water; mushy or translucent pearls indicate overwatering. Reduce watering significantly in winter.
Light
Provide bright, indirect light with 2–4 hours of gentle morning sun. East windows or filtered south exposures are ideal; shield from harsh midday summer sun to prevent scorch. Outdoors, choose bright shade or dappled light. Under grow lights, supply 12–14 hours daily at moderate intensity, keeping fixtures 20–30 cm above foliage. Insufficient light causes long internodes and sparse strings; increase light gradually to avoid stress.
Nutrients
Feed lightly during active growth (spring through early autumn) with a low-nitrogen, balanced cactus/succulent fertilizer diluted to 1/4–1/2 strength every 4–6 weeks. Avoid heavy feeding, which encourages leggy growth. Flush the pot with plain water occasionally to prevent salt buildup. Do not fertilize in winter while growth slows and plants are kept cooler and drier. If using organics, choose gentle options (e.g., dilute worm-castings tea) and apply sparingly to avoid excess moisture retention.
Temperature
Ideal temperatures are 18–26°C during active growth with good airflow. Provide a cool, bright rest at 10–15°C in winter to encourage flowering and maintain compact form. Protect from frost; short dips near 5°C may be tolerated only if dry. Avoid hot, stagnant conditions above 32°C, especially with elevated humidity, which fosters rot. During heat waves, increase shade, ventilation, and water early in the day.
