Key Facts
- Trailing succulent with small spherical bead like leaves
- Popular as a hanging houseplant and in containers
- Prefers very free draining soil and is drought tolerant
- Does best in bright light and tolerates some direct sun
- Produces small white pea like flowers typically in warmer months
- Easily propagated from stem cuttings
- Not frost hardy and kept as a tender plant in cool climates
- Toxic if ingested and can cause skin or digestive irritation
String Of Pearls is a trailing succulent with small spherical bead like leaves grown for hanging baskets and bright indoor spots. It creates long cascading stems that look dramatic in a high hanging basket but is tender and not frost hardy.
Identification
Small round leaves appear like green beads along thin trailing stems. Plants form a low mound 2 to 8 in above the pot rim while stems commonly trail 12 to 48 in when allowed to hang. Small white pea like flowers appear in the warmer months in many cultivated settings.
Best uses
Use in hanging baskets containers or on high shelves where the trailing habit can be shown off. It is popular as a houseplant in bright windows and as a container specimen on patios in warm frost free climates.
Light and location
Provide very bright light and some direct sun when possible. Indoors place in a very bright window with morning sun for compact growth and better chances of flowering. Avoid prolonged deep shade which leads to stretched thin stems and smaller leaves.
Soil and watering
Plant in a very free draining cactus or succulent mix. Allow the potting mix to dry between waterings. Plants are drought tolerant and will decline in waterlogged soil. If the soil stays too wet root rot and rapid decline can occur.
Planting and overwintering
Grow outdoors year round only in warm areas roughly USDA 9 to 11. In cooler zones keep as a houseplant or move containers inside before the first frost. Choose a pot with drainage and allow room for stems to trail rather than crowding plants together.
Propagation and pruning
Propagate easily from stem cuttings. Let cut ends callus briefly then place in free draining compost or lay on top of the mix until roots form. Trim back long stems to control spread and use trimmed sections as new plants.
Toxicity and handling
Contains toxic compounds and is harmful if eaten by people or pets and may irritate skin or the digestive system. Keep out of reach of children and pets and avoid repeated skin contact with the sap. Seek medical or veterinary advice if ingestion or significant skin exposure occurs.
After flowering care
Remove spent flowers and any thin or damaged stems. Light trimming refreshes the plant and provides material for propagation. Reduce watering a little during slow growth periods but do not let the potting mix stay soggy.
Frequently asked questions
- How fast does String Of Pearls grow?
- Growth rate is moderate and depends on light pot size and care. Trailing stems commonly reach 12 to 48 in over time in favorable conditions.
- Is String Of Pearls poisonous to pets?
- Yes it contains toxic compounds and can cause skin and digestive irritation if ingested. Keep the plant away from pets and children.
- Can it be grown outdoors?
- Yes outdoors in warm frost free areas roughly USDA 9 to 11. In colder zones keep as a container plant and bring indoors before frost.
- How should I water String Of Pearls?
- Use a free draining mix and water only after the soil has dried. Overwatering causes root rot and decline.
- What is the easiest way to propagate it?
- Take stem cuttings allow the ends to callus briefly then root in a free draining compost. Cuttings root readily with minimal fuss.
- How do I encourage flowering?
- Provide plenty of bright light and some direct sun and expect flowers in the warmer months in cultivation.