Last Updated on March 17, 2026
String of Pearls Care: The Complete Guide
String of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus, now often reclassified as Curio rowleyanus) is one of the most visually stunning houseplants you can own — those cascading strands of round, bead-like leaves look almost too good to be real. But it's also one of the easiest to accidentally kill.
The number one problem? Overwatering. String of pearls is a succulent native to the dry scrublands of South Africa. It stores water in those round pearls. Give it too much water and it rots — usually before you notice anything is wrong.
This guide covers everything you need to keep your string of pearls thriving: the right light, the exact watering schedule, what soil to use, how to handle common problems, and yes — the toxicity warning you need to know before you put it within reach of pets.
🌿 String of Pearls Care at a Glance
| Care Factor | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Light | Bright indirect; some direct morning sun |
| Water | Every 10–14 days in summer; every 3–4 weeks in winter |
| Soil | Fast-draining succulent or cactus mix |
| Humidity | Low — dry air is preferred |
| Temperature | 65–80°F (50°F minimum; no frost) |
| Fertilizer | Monthly in spring/summer (diluted) |
| Toxic to pets | Yes — toxic to cats and dogs |
| Growth habit | Trailing; strands can reach 2–3 feet |
☀️ Light Requirements
String of pearls needs bright light — this is non-negotiable. In low light, the pearls shrink and spread apart as the plant stretches toward any available light source. That stretched look never reverses.
Best placement:
- South- or east-facing window
- Bright indirect light for most of the day
- A few hours of direct morning sun is actually fine and encourages compact growth
- Avoid harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch the pearls
Signs of too little light:
- Pearls getting smaller or more widely spaced
- Long bare gaps between clusters of pearls
- Slow or no growth even in summer
Signs of too much direct sun:
- Pearls turning brown or shriveling on the sun-facing side
- Yellowing with crispy texture
If you don't have a bright window, a grow light 6–8 inches above the plant for 12–14 hours per day works well.
💧 Watering String of Pearls
Watering is where most people go wrong. String of pearls holds water in its round pearls — when it needs water, the pearls look slightly less round and a bit firm-soft. When it's overwatered, they look mushy or translucent.
The right approach: soak and dry
- Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom
- Empty the saucer — never let it sit in water
- Let the soil dry completely before watering again
- Then wait a few more days before you water
Seasonal schedule:
- Spring/Summer: Every 10–14 days (check soil first)
- Fall: Every 2–3 weeks
- Winter: Every 3–4 weeks — plants go semi-dormant and need much less
The pearl test:
Lightly squeeze a pearl between your fingers. If it feels firm and plump, it doesn't need water. If it's slightly soft or wrinkled, it's time to water. If it's mushy, you've already overwatered.
🪴 Soil and Potting
The right soil is critical. String of pearls will rot in standard potting mix because it holds too much moisture.
Best soil options:
- Cactus and succulent potting mix (most garden centers carry this)
- Standard potting mix cut 50/50 with perlite
- Sandy, gritty mix with excellent drainage
Pot choice matters:
- Always use a pot with drainage holes — no exceptions
- Terracotta pots are ideal because they wick moisture away from the soil
- Avoid glass or glazed ceramic, which trap moisture
Repotting:
String of pearls doesn't love being repotted — it prefers slightly snug conditions. Repot only when roots are actively circling the bottom or pushing out of drainage holes. Go up just one pot size, and repot in spring.
🌡️ Temperature and Humidity
Temperature:
- Prefers 65–80°F (18–27°C)
- Can tolerate down to 50°F short-term, but not frost
- Keep away from cold drafts, AC vents, and heating vents
- If you set it outside in summer, bring it in before temperatures drop below 50°F
Humidity:
Unlike many tropical houseplants, string of pearls prefers low humidity — a reflection of its South African origin. Standard indoor air (30–50% humidity) is perfect. Avoid placing it in a humid bathroom or near a humidifier.
🌱 Fertilizing
String of pearls is a light feeder. During the active growing season (spring through early fall), fertilize once a month with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. In fall and winter, stop fertilizing entirely.
Over-fertilizing causes leggy, stretched growth and can burn the roots. Less is more.
✂️ Pruning and Shaping
You can trim string of pearls at any time to:
- Remove dead or dried-up strands
- Encourage bushier growth at the top (cut a few strands back to the soil level)
- Control the length of trailing stems
Bonus: Any healthy cuttings you trim off are perfect for propagation. You can root them back into the same pot to fill it in, or start new plants. See our how to propagate string of pearls guide for the full method.
🐾 Toxicity Warning
String of pearls is toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. All parts of the plant contain compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress, drooling, vomiting, and lethargy if ingested. Keep it out of reach of pets and small children — which is usually easy since it looks great in a hanging planter or on a high shelf.
If you suspect your pet has ingested any part of the plant, contact your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline: (888) 426-4435.
🔍 Common Problems and Fixes
Shriveling Pearls
Cause: Usually underwatering, but can also be from too much direct sun.
Fix: Give the plant a thorough soak and move it out of harsh afternoon light. Pearls should plump up within a day or two.
Mushy or Translucent Pearls
Cause: Overwatering — the most common problem.
Fix: Let the soil dry out completely. If it smells bad or roots look brown and soft, you may have root rot (see below).
Dropping Pearls
Cause: Several possibilities — overwatering, sudden temperature change, repotting stress, or the plant is in decline.
Fix: Check your watering schedule first. Reduce watering and ensure the pot has drainage. If the dropping is widespread and the plant looks overall unhealthy, check roots for rot.
Root Rot
Cause: Soil staying wet too long, usually from overwatering or poor drainage.
Symptoms: Mushy stems, mushy pearls, plant suddenly wilting despite moist soil, foul smell from soil.
Fix:
- Unpot the plant
- Remove all brown, mushy roots (cut back to healthy white/tan roots)
- Let roots air dry for 1–2 hours
- Repot in fresh, dry succulent mix
- Wait a week before watering
If the rot is severe and most roots are gone, take healthy cuttings from the top and propagate a new plant.
Long Bare Stems (No Pearls)
Cause: Low light causing the plant to stretch for light. Also normal for older stems — pearls grow at the tips.
Fix: Move to brighter light. You can trim the bare stems back and propagate the healthy tip cuttings into the same pot.
Yellow Pearls
Cause: Overwatering, too much direct sun, or normal aging (older pearls at the base may yellow and drop naturally).
Fix: Check watering and light conditions. A few yellowing pearls at the base is normal.
🌿 Growing String of Pearls Outdoors
In USDA zones 9–11, string of pearls can grow outdoors year-round as a ground cover or in hanging baskets. In colder zones, it can go outside in summer (after the last frost) and come back inside in fall.
Outdoor tips:
- Place in morning sun / afternoon shade
- Protect from heavy rain (drains fine if soil is fast-draining, but prolonged rain can overwhelm)
- Bring in when temps drop below 50°F
📏 Quick Reference: String of Pearls vs. String of Dolphins
A common mix-up: string of dolphins (Senecio peregrinus) has pearls shaped like tiny leaping dolphins. It needs the same care as string of pearls — bright light, infrequent watering, fast-draining soil. They're essentially interchangeable in terms of care.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water string of pearls?
Every 10–14 days in spring/summer, every 3–4 weeks in fall/winter. Always let the soil dry completely between waterings. When in doubt, wait a few more days — underwatering is much easier to recover from than overwatering.
Why are my string of pearls shriveling?
Shriveling usually means underwatering or too much direct sun. Give the plant a thorough soak and check its light placement. Pearls should plump back up within 24–48 hours if underwatering was the cause.
Is string of pearls toxic to cats?
Yes. String of pearls is toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. Keep it on a high shelf or in a hanging planter out of reach of pets.
Can string of pearls grow in low light?
It can survive in lower light, but it won't thrive — pearls will shrink and stems will stretch and go bare. Bright indirect light is the minimum for compact, healthy growth.
How do I make my string of pearls fuller?
More strands = fuller look. Take cuttings from existing strands and root them back into the top of the soil. With a few cuttings and some patience, you can double the fullness of a sparse plant.
Why is my string of pearls dropping pearls?
Dropping pearls can be caused by overwatering, temperature shock, root rot, or repotting stress. Check your watering schedule first — overwatering is the most common culprit. Ensure the pot has drainage and the soil dries completely between waterings.
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