String of Pearls Plant Care Tips for Thriving Succulents

ByMatthew Harris

String of Pearls looks like a houseplant that raided a jewelry box and never left. Those tiny green beads trail over pots like a living necklace, and yes—people will stop you to ask what it is. If you want a showy plant that doesn’t need babying, you’ve found your star.

Let’s get those pearls thriving instead of shriveling, shall we?

Meet the Drama Queen: What Is String of Pearls?

String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus, now Curio rowleyanus if you want to be botanically fancy) is a succulent with bead-like leaves that store water. It tumbles beautifully from shelves and hanging baskets, creating a cascading effect that looks way pricier than it is. It grows fast when happy and sulks visibly when neglected—kind of like a cat, but greener. Quick facts:

  • Light: Bright, indirect light or gentle direct morning sun
  • Water: Deep but infrequent; let it dry out between drinks
  • Soil: Fast-draining succulent mix
  • Temperature: 60–80°F (15–27°C)
  • Pet safety: Toxic to pets if ingested

Light: The Make-or-Break Factor

Give this plant bright, indirect light and it will reward you with plump pearls and lush growth.

It loves a few hours of soft morning sun, especially in east-facing windows. Harsh afternoon sun can scorch those beads—think crispy peas, and not the good roasted kind. Indoor placement ideas:

  • East window: chef’s kiss
  • South window: pull it back a foot or use a sheer curtain
  • West window: monitor for scorch, especially in summer
  • Low light: it will survive, but expect leggy, sparse strands

Grow Lights? Totally Allowed

No bright windows?

Use a full-spectrum grow light 8–12 inches above the plant for 10–12 hours daily. IMO, that’s the easiest hack for apartments and basement plant dungeons.

Watering: Less Often, More Smartly

Overwatering is the number-one string-of-pearls killer. Those beads hold water, so you need to let the soil dry out between waterings.

When you water, drench thoroughly until it runs out of the drainage holes, then leave it alone. Simple watering rhythm:

  • Spring–summer: every 2–3 weeks, depending on light and heat
  • Fall–winter: every 4–6 weeks (they nap a bit during cooler months)

How to Read the Pearls

  • Wrinkled, soft beads: Usually means thirsty—water soon.
  • Mushy beads or sudden bead drop: Overwatered—check roots and soil.
  • Brown, crispy spots: Too much sun or heat.

FYI: Bottom watering can help hydrate evenly, but don’t keep it sitting in water for more than 10–15 minutes.

Soil, Pots, and Drainage (Yes, It Matters)

Use a gritty, fast-draining mix. If your soil compacts or stays damp, those roots suffocate. I like a blend of 2 parts succulent mix, 1 part perlite or pumice, 1 part coarse sand. Pot tips:

  • Material: Terra cotta breathes; plastic retains moisture longer (good for hot climates)
  • Shape: Shallow, wide pots encourage fuller top growth
  • Drainage: Non-negotiable—no drainage holes, no deal

Pruning, Styling, and Getting That Full, Cascading Look

You can prune without fear.

In fact, strategic pruning gives you that lush, layered waterfall. Cut strands to just above a node (the little bead connection), and it will branch out and thicken.

Fullness Hack

Lay cuttings in a spiral on top of the soil and pin them down with hairpins or plant clips. They root along the nodes and fill the pot from above while the ends dangle over the edge.

Double win.

Hanging or Shelf?

Both work. If you hang it, pick a spot where you won’t shoulder-check it every time you walk by. If it lives on a shelf, drape strands to avoid kinks and bruises.

Pearls don’t love rough handling; they pop off like tiny green grenades.

Propagation: It’s Almost Too Easy

Propagating string of pearls is basically a personality trait at this point. Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove the bottom few beads, and either lay the bare nodes on soil or insert the cut end lightly into the mix. Steps:

  1. Snip healthy, non-woody strands.
  2. Let cut ends callus for a few hours.
  3. Place on/in gritty, lightly moist soil—don’t bury deeply.
  4. Give bright, indirect light and mist the soil surface every few days.
  5. After 2–3 weeks, gently tug—if it resists, roots formed.

You can also water-propagate, but IMO soil propagation is faster and less drama-prone.

Feeding and Seasonal Care

This plant doesn’t need a buffet. Feed lightly during the growing season with a diluted, low-nitrogen fertilizer once a month.

Too much nitrogen = soft, leggy growth. Seasonal tweaks:

  • Spring–summer: More light, moderate watering, light feeding
  • Fall: Reduce water, stop feeding
  • Winter: Bright light, sparse watering; watch for cold drafts

Will It Flower?

Yep—tiny white pom-pom blooms that smell like cinnamon. Encourage blooms with bright light, cooler nights (around 55–60°F), and a light winter rest. Don’t expect fireworks every year, but when it happens, it’s adorable.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

  • Beads shriveling: Usually underwatering or rootbound stress.

    Water deeply and check roots.

  • Beads dropping off: Overwatering or rough handling. Improve drainage and move carefully.
  • Leggy, sparse growth: Not enough light. Move closer to a window or add a grow light.
  • Brown tips: Sunburn or low humidity plus hot air.

    Soften the light and avoid blasting heaters.

  • Pests (mealybugs, spider mites): Dab with alcohol, rinse gently, and use insecticidal soap weekly until gone.

Pet and Kid Safety

It’s toxic if ingested. Keep it out of chomp range and sweep up fallen beads. Looks like a snack; definitely not a snack.

FAQ

How often should I water my string of pearls?

Water every 2–3 weeks in bright conditions and every 4–6 weeks in winter.

Always check the soil first—if the top 1–2 inches feel dry and the beads look slightly less plump, it’s time. When in doubt, wait a few days. Overwatering kills faster than underwatering here, FYI.

Why are my pearls shriveling even though I water?

Roots may be damaged or rotting from compacted soil or too much moisture.

Slip the plant out and inspect. Trim mushy roots, repot in a gritty mix, and water less frequently. If roots look fine, increase light—weak light can slow water uptake.

Can string of pearls live in low light?

It can tolerate it, but it won’t thrive.

Expect elongated gaps between beads and slower growth. Add a grow light for 10–12 hours daily if your windows are meh. IMO, light is the best “fertilizer” you can give.

How do I make it fuller at the top?

Prune and replant cuttings onto the soil surface.

Pin them so nodes contact the mix. Over a few weeks, those nodes root and create a dense carpet. Keep light bright and watering restrained while they establish.

What’s the best pot size?

Choose a shallow, wide pot an inch or two larger than the current root mass.

This plant doesn’t need a deep planter; it likes to spread. Too big a pot means too much wet soil around the roots, which leads to rot—hard pass.

Can I put it outside?

Yes, in warm weather with bright, indirect light or gentle morning sun. Avoid heavy rain and hot afternoon rays.

Bring it in before temps drop below 50°F (10°C). Outdoor light can supercharge growth, so monitor watering more closely.

Conclusion

String of Pearls is dramatic, gorgeous, and—once you get the rhythm—surprisingly easy. Give it bright light, fast-draining soil, and infrequent deep watering, and it’ll reward you with cascading strands that look like you know exactly what you’re doing.

Prop a few cuttings, share with friends, and enjoy the tiny cinnamon-scented blooms when they show up. IMO, it’s one of the most satisfying houseplants you can grow—low effort, high visual payoff.