String of pearls care guide
Senecio rowleyanus
Quick answer
Water your string of pearls when the top 5 cm (2 in) of soil feel dry. In summer that’s typically every 11 to 17 days.
- WateringEvery 11 to 17 days · summer
Every 22 to 34 days, sometimes less often · winter - LightBright light, some sun
- Climate13–27 °C (55–81 °F)
- Pet safetyToxic to cats and dogs
Not sure it’s this plant?Get the free Botanicaly app and find out with a photoWhen and how to water
5 cm (2 in)
- Summer · Jun–AugEvery 11 to 17 days
- Winter · Dec–FebEvery 22 to 34 days, sometimes less often
Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Adjust the timing for the light at the plant, the pot’s size and material, and the humidity indoors. Terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic.
Work out your own rhythm with the watering calculator.
Light and placement
Bright light, some sun
String of pearls needs bright light and a little gentle direct sun, such as morning sun. Strong midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it close to an east- or west-facing window.
Feeding
Feed your string of pearls every 90 days while it’s actively growing. Use a cactus and succulent fertilizer, which is lower in nitrogen, at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Climate13–27 °C (55–81 °F)
Humidity30–50%
During leafy growth, aim for 13–27 °C (55–81 °F). For routine indoor care, keep it above about 10 °C (50 °F) and avoid cold drafts. This is a care guideline, not an exact damage threshold. Cooler overwintering depends on the species and its rest conditions.
It does best at 30–50% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Common problems
Yellowing, drooping, and dry edges often point to watering or drainage. Compare the signs before changing the routine.
Find what’s wrong
Toxic to pets?
Yes. Keep it out of reach.
Wear gloves when you cut or repot it. Keep the sap away from your eyes and skin, and wash your hands afterwards.
Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Full string of pearls toxicity guide →
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light
Common questions
How often should I water a string of pearls?
Water your string of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) when the top 5 cm (2 in) of soil feel dry. In summer, that’s typically every 11 to 17 days. In winter, slow down to every 22 to 34 days, sometimes less often.
How much light does a string of pearls need?
String of pearls needs bright light and a little gentle direct sun, such as morning sun. Strong midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it close to an east- or west-facing window.
Is string of pearls safe for cats and dogs?
The source reports vomiting and diarrhea, lethargy, minor skin irritation (from the sap). Keep string of pearls out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like wax plant, sweetheart plant, Gerbera daisy, or bloodleaf.
Why is my string of pearls turning yellow or drooping?
Yellowing, drooping and brown tips can have several causes. Check the potting mix before adding water and follow this plant’s watering and rest instructions. If the mix is still wet, do not add more water. Check drainage and roots, then light, humidity, water quality and pests. Faded color or webbing alone does not show that the roots need water.
Sources4 references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineAccepted name · classification · species record · Synonymy · accepted-name relationship
- Royal Horticultural SocietyPlant profile · position · soil · watering · temperature · propagation · pests and toxicity note · Position · compost · humidity · common causes of decline · Compost · light · feeding · repotting · winter conditions
- North Carolina State University Extension Gardener Plant ToolboxDescription · light · water · medium · temperature · propagation · problems and pests
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlSucculent examples · String of pearls/Senecio rowleyanus · reported ingestion signs
- How we check our plant advice
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