String of Pearls (Curio rowleyanus)

String of Pearls

Curio rowleyanus

Beads of green trail like living necklaces, softening shelf edges. Succulent trailing houseplant; common name: string of pearls.

Partial sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Bright indirect light; tolerate up to 2 hours of morning direct sun, but avoid harsh midday sun to prevent leaf scorching
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Watering Allow the entire soil medium to dry completely between waterings to prevent root rot; reduce frequency in cool, low-light conditions
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Temperature Thrive at 15–25°C; protect from temperatures below 10°C to avoid cold damage and leaf drop
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Spherical, pea-sized succulent leaves storing water; evenly spaced along thin trailing stems
  • Flower: Small, daisy-like white blooms with a subtle cinnamon scent; borne on thin upright stalks
  • Stem: Slender, wiry green stems that trail downward or spread horizontally as ground cover
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Care Guide

Watering

Water deeply when top 5 cm of soil is fully dry; avoid standing water in saucers

Fertilization

Diluted succulent fertilizer once every 6 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can cause elongated, weak stems and reduced leaf fullness

Banana peel compost tea:Fully compost banana peels to eliminate odor; dilute 1:40 with water for root drench to support healthy leaf development without overfeeding
Pruning
  • Trim yellowing, shriveled, or damaged leaves at the base of the stem to maintain plant appearance
  • Pinch back overgrown stems to encourage bushier, more compact growth
  • Remove dead flower stalks after blooming to redirect energy to new leaf production
  • Trim trailing stems to control length and prevent tangling
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; ingestion leads to oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing

Humans: Contains calcium oxalate crystals; ingestion causes mild mouth and throat irritation; prolonged skin contact may trigger mild itchiness

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: Symbolizes patience and resilience due to its ability to survive prolonged dry periods

Usage: Ornamental hanging houseplant; ground cover in arid outdoor rock gardens