At a glance
- Light
- Bright light, some sun
- Typical interval
- Every 11 to 17 days (summer)
Every 22 to 34 days, sometimes less (winter) - Climate
- 18–24 °C
- Humidity
- 30–60 %
- Pet safety
- Toxic to cats and dogs
- Scientific name
- Senecio rowleyanus
When and how much water
Water string of pearls when the top 5 cm 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. Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Light and placement
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 string of pearls every 60 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
String of pearls is comfortable between 18 and 24 °C. It handles a cool room well, even in winter, as long as it stays above 5 °C.
It does best at 30–60% 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.
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 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.
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 plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Chewing it can cause oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting. Keep string of pearls out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like pink jasmine, Camellia, Dendrobium orchid, or indoor banana.
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 you see shriveled pearls, wrinkled pearls, or flattened beads instead, it’s likely thirsty. Water a little more often. With Botanicaly Pro, Botanicaly Bot can help assess visible signs from a photo and suggest possible causes.
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
Last reviewed: 2026-09-21
