String of pearls - Curio rowleyanus (Care, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images)

String of pearls

Also known as: String of beads

String of pearls is a succulent vine that looks like its common name, with small bubbles or pearls growing along its length. The string of pearls blooms with white flowers that have brightly colored stamens and a fragrance similar to cinnamon. With its cascading tendrils, the string of pearls makes a wonderful display in a hanging basket.

Scientific classification

Species

String of pearls (Curio rowleyanus)

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.

Download the App for Free

Toxic to Pets

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Succulent, Vine, Herb

Plant Type

Summer, Early fall

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall

Harvest Time

60 cm to 90 cm

Plant Height

45 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

White

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Non-dormant

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer

Growth Season

Images of String of pearls

Distribution of String of pearls

Distribution Map

String of pearls is a plant species indigenous to the arid regions of the African continent, where it has evolved to thrive. Its resilience and distinctive appearance have led to widespread cultivation in various regions across the globe. In these areas, string of pearls is typically grown as an ornamental houseplant, favored for its unique aesthetics and low maintenance requirements.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

Discover plant distribution and habitat

Gain insights into where plants thrive and how they adapt, helping you identify, cultivate, and protect them with essential information on habitats, distribution maps, and climate trends.

Download the App for Free

Habitat

Rocks, hanging baskets

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

String of pearls is a popular succulent due to its attractive trailing growth habit and dainty, cream-colored flowers. This plant can withstand drought and is typically unaffected by changes in humidity which makes them a well-adapted outdoor plant. It is best suited to be grown in a hanging container or shallow dish to appreciate its strings of rounded leaves.

Symbolism

Simple, pure, elegant and naïve

Interesting Facts

The string of pearls plant leaves are as round and plump as peas in size, and as green as emerald in color. They look like a string of windchimes hanging around a flowerpot. It is great for planting as a hanging plant.

Name Story

String of beads||String of pearls: This plant was named after the British botanist, Gordon Douglas Rowley who specialized in Cactaceae and succulents. In its natural environment, its stems trail on the ground, rooting to where it touches and forms dense mats. The plant receives its common name from special leaf characteristics which are the size and shape of small peas. Hence, it is called the string of pearls or string of beads.

Get quick plant knowledge with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant identification and learn about its name, symbolism, interesting facts, uses, and more.

Download the App for Free

Quickly Identify String of pearls

Pea-sized spherical leaves densely cover dangling stems, giving string of pearls a cascading appearance.

Distinctive pom-pom-like flowers with red stamens and yellow anthers emit a cinnamon fragrance.

Small, succulent, pea-shaped leaves with a lime green color and translucent stripe.

Slender, green, trailing stems with a branching pattern and resilient nature.

Fruit capsules contain wind-dispersed seeds topped with white cotton-like pappus.

Identify plants with a snap

Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.

Download the App for Free

Care Guide for String of pearls

Every 3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Succulent & Cactus Soil

Soil Type

Water: String of pearls flourishes in arid conditions, requiring minimal watering—approximately every three weeks. Best suited for indoor environments, it thrives in well-draining soil to prevent root rot. Its ability to retain moisture makes it ideal for low-maintenance care.

Fertilize: For string of pearls, use a balanced, water-soluble succulent fertilizer quarterly at half-strength to prevent root burn. Feed more in spring and summer, reducing in fall and stopping in winter. Watering string of pearls before fertilizing aids absorption and minimizes stress; avoid over-fertilization for optimal growth.

Propagation: String of pearls propagates easily in Spring and Summer through herbaceous cuttings. Successful propagation is indicated by new growth and root development. Ensure cuttings have at least two nodes for optimal growth.

Repotting: Repot string of pearls every 2 years in spring for optimal growth, using a slightly larger hanging pot with drainage holes and well-draining soil. After repotting, place in bright, indirect light and resume watering once the soil is dry to encourage healthy growth and prevent root rot.

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

Download the App for Free

Images of String of pearls

Distribution of String of pearls

Culture

Quickly Identify String of pearls

Care Guide for String of pearls

PEOPLE ALSO ASK

Common Pests & Diseases