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String of Pearls

Curio rowleyanus

Family: AsteraceaeGenus: CurioNative: Southwest Africa

String of pearls is a trailing succulent whose stems are strung with round, pea-like leaves — a living beaded curtain for bright windows.

String of Pearls (Curio rowleyanus) plant — trailing stems of round, pea-shaped leaves
How to spot String of Pearls: trailing stems of round, pea-shaped leaves.

How to identify String of Pearls

Look for these tell-tale features when identifying String of Pearls (Curio rowleyanus).

  • Trailing stems of round, pea-shaped leaves
  • A translucent “window” stripe on each pearl
  • Cascading, curtain-like habit

String of Pearls care guide

Everything String of Pearls needs to thrive, at a glance.

Light

Bright light with some direct sun.

Water

Water sparingly when soil is dry; avoid wetting the pearls.

Soil

Gritty succulent mix.

Temperature

18–24°C (65–75°F).

Humidity

Prefers dry air.

Fertilizer

Feed lightly twice in the growing season.

Is String of Pearls toxic to pets?

Cats & dogs: ToxicHumans: Toxic

Toxic to pets and mildly toxic to humans; ingestion causes drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea, and the sap can irritate skin.

Common String of Pearls problems and fixes

  • Shriveled pearls when underwatered
  • Mushy stems from overwatering
  • Sparse growth in low light

How to propagate String of Pearls

Lay stem cuttings on soil; they root at the nodes.

Fun facts

  • The leaf “window” lets light reach inner photosynthetic tissue.
  • Grows fast trailing over a shelf edge.

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String of Pearls FAQ

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