String of pearls care guideSenecio rowleyanus

Bead-like trailing succulent. Ranked #63 of Europe's most-searched houseplants.

String of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) — a healthy specimen photographed indoors
Scientific name
Senecio rowleyanus
Origin
Southwest Africa
Difficulty
Moderate
Light
Bright / direct light
Watering (summer)
every 14 to 21 days
Watering (winter)
every 30 to 45 days, sometimes less
Humidity
30-40%
Pet safety
Toxic to cats and dogs

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.

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 Spider plant, Calathea, or Boston fern.

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.

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FAQCommon 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 Spider plant, Calathea, or Boston fern.

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