String of pearls care guideSenecio rowleyanus
Bead-like trailing succulent. Ranked #63 of Europe's most-searched houseplants.
WateringWhen and how much water
Water String of pearls when the soil has dried out completely. In summer that's typically every 14 to 21 days; in winter slow down to every 30 to 45 days, sometimes less. Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain — never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
The real schedule depends on three things the calendar can't see: the actual light at the plant, the pot's size and material (terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic), and your local humidity. Botanicaly's app retunes the schedule from those signals on every reminder.
LightHow bright a spot it needs
String of pearls is bright / direct light: needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. The ideal lux range is 10,000 - 50,000 lux. In practical terms, place it directly in front of a south or southwest window, or 30 cm from an east window.
TroubleshootingCommon problems
Most String of pearls problems trace back to watering — here's how to read the leaves.
Signs of overwatering
Watch for: Mushy stems · Yellowing pearls · Root rot · Bursting pearls. Let the soil dry further between waterings and make sure the pot drains freely — soggy roots are the usual cause.
Signs of underwatering
Watch for: Shriveled pearls · Wrinkled pearls · Flattened beads. Water a little more often and don't let the soil go bone-dry for long.
Pet safetyToxic to pets
Toxic to pets. The plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed. Keep String of pearls out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like Cactus assortment, Echeveria, or Donkey's tail.
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light: Cactus assortment, Echeveria, Donkey's tail. See all pet-safe alternatives →
Pet-safety is hand-checked against ASPCA toxicity data — verified by people, not guessed by AI.
Field noteSomething worth knowing
Each 'pearl' has a thin transparent stripe that lets sunlight reach the inner photosynthetic tissue while minimising water loss in dry Namibian winds.
Get the personalised schedule
Botanicaly tunes water, light, and care reminders for String of pearls based on your home's actual conditions. Free on iOS and Android.
Download BotanicalyFAQCommon questions
How often should I water a String of pearls?
Water your String of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) when the soil has dried out completely. In summer, that's typically every 14 to 21 days; in winter, slow down to every 30 to 45 days, sometimes less. Botanicaly's app tunes this further based on your home's actual light, pot size, and local weather.
How much light does a String of pearls need?
String of pearls is bright / direct light: needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. The ideal lux range is 10,000 - 50,000 lux. In practical terms, place it directly in front of a south or southwest window, or 30 cm from an east window.
Is String of pearls safe for cats and dogs?
The plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed. Keep String of pearls out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like Cactus assortment, Echeveria, or Donkey's tail.
Why are my String of pearls's leaves turning yellow or drooping?
On a String of pearls, yellowing and soft growth usually mean overwatering — watch for mushy stems, yellowing pearls, or root rot. Let the soil dry further between waterings and check drainage. If the leaves are shriveled pearls, wrinkled pearls, or flattened beads instead, it's likely thirsty — water a little more often. Botanicaly's Plant Doctor can diagnose it from a photo.