String of pearls soil: choose a free-draining mix
Senecio rowleyanus
Quick answer
Use free-draining, peat-free cactus or succulent mix for Senecio rowleyanus. The pot must drain freely, and the mix should dry between waterings.

Toxic to pets
String of pearls soil: choose a free-draining mix
- 01
Best soil mix
Use a free-draining, peat-free cactus or succulent potting mix. You do not need a particular brand.
Use a container that drains freely and let the mix dry between waterings. If the plant is severely dehydrated, inspect the leaves and mix before withholding water.
- 02
Match the mix to the pot and setting
This advice covers Senecio rowleyanus sold as string of pearls or string of beads in an indoor or conservatory container. Current labels may use Curio rowleyanus. Do not transfer this soil decision to another species.
- 03
Soil pH
A neutral mix suits Senecio rowleyanus. You do not need to aim for an exact pH number.
- 04
When soil alone is not the problem
Choose the pot and mix for drainage rather than an exact recipe. The plant may be labeled Senecio rowleyanus or Curio rowleyanus. This advice is not for other trailing succulents.
All string of pearls guides
Keep reading
Sources3 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
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