PlantFiles: String of Beads, String of Pearls
Senecio rowleyanus

I've tried several times to sustain the String of Pearls, but without much luck, for no discernible reason that I can share. Perhaps the usual watering considerations, since succulents aren't my biggest success stories.

One thing I want to add about this plant--a caveat I would like to see appended to care tags on plants intended for consumers who are not aware or don't research, but usually buy for cosmetic value: this plant is toxic to your pets and would probably sicken a small child, as well, if ingested.

If you are going to have it as a houseplant, be sure it's in a spot where your animals can't chew it.

I absolutely LOVE this plant! I first placed it hanging outside in hot sun, and it didn't seem to like our California heat and full sun too much.
I transferred it inside where it gets bright light all day, and it is really taking off! I water every two weeks or so, making sure to drench and letting all the water drain out of the pot.
Flowers are fragrant. Beautiful in hanging baskets.

I love this plant because it's so unique looking! I got my first one when I was a little girl on a trip to the Amish country in Pennsylvania. This was actually my first plant, and I didn't know much about gardening at the time so it died after about two years probably from a combination of overwatering and never upsizing its original pot. Over the years I've searched for a replacement, but I was never able to find another one in stores, but my boyfriend purchased a clipping from an online store last Fall. It is a fast grower and has already more than quadrupled in size. It is so healthy that I'm sure it will flower this year!

I absolutely love this plant it is doing wonderful! Sprouting new growth everywhere. I currently puchased some liquid plant food that is for cacti and succulents and it seems to be helping.

I really love this plant, I bought mine from a nursurey in AZ sadly though it doesn't seem to be doing so well latley. It fell over and almost all the pices broke loose from the soil. It also doesn't seem to be growing quickly and I've had it for over a year...come to think of it, it hasn't grown at all. Does anyone know how to replant the pieces..there doesn't seem to be any root system..there are some very thin hairs ..there is also alot of brown/dead pieces that were at the bottom of the pile of pearls. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks!

Unique-looking plant. Just be sure to treat for mealy bugs if they appear.

Very nice plant for a hanging-basket. Seems to like a bright location with 2-4 hours of direct sun light. Flowers are white and smell like cinnamon. Stem cuttings are easy to propagate, just cut stem near a node and stick cutting into soil. Leaf "balls" will loose their round shape when the plant is in need of watering. Variegated form might actually be Senecio herreianus (Gooseberry Senecio) which has slightly larger, elongated and striped leaf "balls".

This plant grows in a basket and comes variegated or green. It looks like peas/pearls/beads on a string. Often found for sale at Nabibia, Walmart, or Lowe's - quite common. It may go dormant. Does not like hot weather, may hang under a patio cover. Give plenty of room to hang down. Make sure it has plenty of light and cool air.

You may grow it in a 6" pot wrapped around and round. Cut off strings and just press them into fresh soil to restart. It will form potato-like lumps under the soil. If all the leaves fall off don't fret, stop watering and wait until it starts to grow again. A very popular plant.