String of Tears (Senecio citriformis)

String of Tears

String of Tears (Senecio citriformis) is a succulent native to South Africa. It is popular for its teardrop-shaped foliage growing on upright stalks. It also produces creamy or milky yellow pom pom-like flowers and green foliage with opaque streaks and glossy covering. The specific epithet, citriformis, comes from "citrus" meaning "lemon" in Latin, while "forma" means "form," alluding to the form or shape of the leaves.

Scientific classification

Species

String of Tears (Senecio citriformis)

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

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Toxic to Pets

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Succulent, Herb

Plant Type

Summer

Bloom Time

2.5 cm

Flower Size

White, Yellow

Flower Color

Non-dormant

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of String of Tears

Culture

Garden Use

String of Tears is an ornamental succulent species that is valued for its unique appearence, with creeping stems and small round leaves. String of Tears is considered winter hardy and is planted as groundcover in outdoor succulent gardens and rock gardens.

Symbolism

purity

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Care Guide for String of Tears

Every 3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Succulent & Cactus Soil

Soil Type

Water: String of Tears thrives in arid conditions, requiring minimal moisture and prefers watering every three weeks. It's drought-tolerant and typically grown indoors for controlled humidity. As an adaptive succulent, string of Tears is ideal for container gardening, facilitating careful water management during growth cycles.

Fertilize: For string of Tears, use a succulent-specific fertilizer at a quarter strength monthly in spring and summer. Halve fertilization in fall and winter to support dormancy. Use soft water to prevent salt buildup and periodically flush soil to maintain health. Moderation is essential for thriving growth.

Propagation: String of Tears propagates effectively via herbaceous cuttings in Spring and Summer. Take a healthy cutting, remove lower leaves, and allow the wound to heal. Plant in well-draining soil and promote growth with bright indirect light and minimal watering for best results.

Repotting: String of Tears is a delicate trailing succulent needing biennial repotting in spring to maintain root health. Use a slightly larger, well-draining container, and after repotting, place in a sunny spot with minimal watering until new growth appears, handling its fragile tears carefully.

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