String Of Tears (Senecio herreianus) - How to Grow & Care Guide

Plant Snapshot

Common Name: String Of Tears
Latin Name: Senecio herreianus
Hardiness Zones: USDA 9–11 outdoors or grown as a houseplant in colder zones. In colder zones bring indoors or protect from frost. In warmer zones may be grown outdoors year round with protection from extreme wet cold.
Typical Height: Trails 6–24 in (15–60 cm) from the pot. Stems can become longer in favorable hanging conditions.
Typical Spread: Spreads as trailing stems over the pot surface and can drape well beyond pot diameter. Typical spread 6–18 in (15–45 cm) in container culture.
Bloom Period: May produce small white to cream daisy like flowers when mature. Exact bloom season varies by region and growing conditions.
Soil Preferences: Very well draining soil such as a cactus or succulent mix. Neutral to slightly acidic pH is acceptable. Avoid heavy or waterlogged soils to prevent root rot.
Light Preferences: Bright light to strong indirect light. Tolerates some morning sun but avoid prolonged hot afternoon sun that can scorch leaves.
Toxicity: Contains toxic compounds common to many Senecio species. Ingestion can be harmful to pets and people and handling may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Propagation: Easily propagated by stem cuttings placed in well draining mix. Tip cuttings root quickly and can also be briefly rooted in water then potted.

Key Facts

Trailing succulent grown typically in hanging baskets or containers.
Has small beadlike or tear shaped succulent leaves along thin stems.
Prefers very well draining soil and infrequent watering.
Likes bright light or filtered sun and is commonly grown indoors in cooler climates.
Easily propagated from stem cuttings.
Can produce small daisy like flowers on mature plants.
Contains toxic compounds common to many Senecio species and should not be eaten by pets or people.

String Of Tears (Senecio herreianus) is a trailing succulent prized for its beadlike or tear shaped leaves and elegant draping stems, perfect for hanging baskets and high shelves. It prefers bright light and very well draining soil and is most often propagated from stem cuttings.

Identification

Recognize this plant by its small beadlike or tear shaped succulent leaves arranged along thin, wiry stems that trail from the pot. Mature specimens can drape several inches to a few feet depending on container size and light. Plants may produce small daisy like white or cream flowers when well established.

Where to Grow and Best Uses

Use String Of Tears as an indoor hanging plant in cooler climates or outdoors in sheltered containers where winters stay mild. It is generally treated as a tender succulent for USDA zones 9 to 11 and should be brought indoors or protected from frost in colder regions. Ideal for bright rooms and patios with filtered sun.

Light and Soil

Provide bright light or strong indirect light and avoid long exposure to hot afternoon sun that can scorch leaves. Plant in a very well draining cactus or succulent mix to prevent waterlogged soil. Neutral to slightly acidic pH is acceptable but heavy or poorly drained soils lead to decline from root rot.

Watering and Care

Water infrequently and allow the potting mix to dry between waterings. Persistent moisture or sitting water invites root rot and fungal problems, while occasional soaking followed by drying keeps succulents healthy. Reduce watering in cooler, low light periods and avoid letting roots remain wet for extended times.

Propagation

Propagate easily from stem or tip cuttings. Allow cut ends to callus for a short time then place them in a fast draining mix or briefly root in water before potting. Cuttings root quickly under bright light and gentle warmth, making this species simple to multiply and replace lost stems.

Maintenance and Pruning

Trim back long stems to control the drape and encourage fuller growth; pruning also removes leggy sections and spent flowering stems. Routine light pruning keeps the plant compact for containers and prevents stems from overwhelming the pot rim. Repot into fresh mix when soil breaks down or drainage slows.

Toxicity and Safety

Contains toxic compounds common to many Senecio species, including pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Ingestion can be harmful to pets and people and handling may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Keep out of reach of children and pets and consult ASPCA or local poison control for specific concerns.

Frequently asked questions

How fast does String Of Tears grow?: Growth varies with light, container size and care. In bright light stems commonly lengthen and can fill a hanging basket over a season, while lower light slows trailing and branch production.
Is String Of Tears poisonous to pets?: Yes. It contains compounds found in the Senecio genus that can be toxic if eaten. Keep plants where pets and children cannot ingest foliage and consult poison control for definitive guidance.
How do I propagate String Of Tears?: Take stem or tip cuttings, allow the ends to callus briefly, then root them in a well draining succulent mix or root briefly in water before potting into fast draining soil.
Can I grow it outdoors year round?: Only in mild climates. It is generally treated as a tender succulent for USDA zones 9 to 11 and should be protected from frost or brought indoors in colder zones.
Why are my leaves shriveling?: Shriveling can result from under watering or from root damage. Check the potting mix and roots; persistently wet soil often causes rot while dry, compacted mix leads to dehydration.