String of Pearls Plant Indoors

String of Pearls (Senecio Rowleyanus) aka Bead Vine is a lovely succulent plant with little green pea-shaped leaves strung on thread-like stems. This unique houseplant instantly draws attention to its attractive round leaves dangling on trailing vines. The thick, round leaves are used to store water for drought periods to prevent water loss.

It is a member of the daisy family and will produce small white flowers in the spring when given plenty of sunlight, but it is mainly grown for the attractive foliage.

For decorative purposes, this lovely houseplant can provide an interesting focal point in the home or office.  The water-retention qualities and low-humidity requirements of the Bead Vine make this plant ideal for aerial growing.

string of pearls plant

Display this unique plant in a high hanging planter or a pedestal so the trailing stems of beads can cascade over the sides. This easy-to-grow plant is native to southwestern Africa and can grow stems two feet or more over in length.  Make sure it is placed in a location just out of direct sunlight to avoid burning the leaves. 

String of Pearls Indoor Care Tips

LIGHT:  Place your plant near a sunny south, east, or west window for good light exposure.

WATER:  Water then drain off the excess to keep the the potting mix lightly moist during the growing season. Watering can be scaled back during the winter as this succulent plant goes dormant. If the plump, round leaves are flattening out, then it's a sign  for you to give it more water. Be careful not to overwater; because the soggy soil will lead to root rot.

TEMPERATURE: Keep plant in a warm area with temperatures around seventy degrees from spring through fall.  In winter, S. rowleyanus can tolerate cooler temps, down to about fifty degrees Fahrenheit without damage.

HUMIDITY:   Low humidity is best for this plant (10 percent or more).

FERTILIZER:  Feed your plants biweekly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. During its dormant period, it only needs feeding about every six weeks.

SOIL:  The potting mixture should contain 20% to 50% builder's sand.  You can also purchase a commercial mix for succulent plants. The mix should be fast-draining to prevent soggy soil.

REPOT: every 2 years in well-aerated potting mix at the beginning of spring. 

PROPAGATION:  When old plant starts to die off, propagate with new tip cuttings of 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm).

PESTS:  Mealybugs and scale can be a common problem.  If found, spray with appropriate pesticide.

Overall, The String of Pearls plant is beautiful and delightful as an ornamental plant, but it  is  toxic to pets and humans. 

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