succulent
DecorativeString of Pearls
Curio rowleyanus
Toxic to cats and dogs — keep it out of reach (source: ASPCA).
A sunny south-facing window with 6+ hours, or a grow light.
Let the soil dry out between waterings; it dislikes staying wet.
Needs a little consistency, but nothing fancy.
String of pearls is a trailing succulent with strands of round bead-like leaves that spill over a pot or shelf. It is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed and the sap can irritate skin.
About String of Pearls
String of pearls (Curio rowleyanus) is a trailing succulent from southwest Africa, with thin stems of round, bead-like leaves that spill over the edge of a pot. The strands can hang two to three feet, so it does its best work in a hanging planter or on a high shelf where a renter can use vertical space instead of floor. A small, shallow pot suits its shallow roots.
It wants bright light, including some gentle direct sun, to keep the beads plump, and water only when the soil has gone dry. Slightly shriveled beads are the cue that it's thirsty. Use a gritty succulent mix in a shallow container. The plant is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed, and the sap can irritate skin.
What it’s like to grow
String of pearls is moderately tricky, and overwatering is the usual killer. Beads that turn mushy and burst mean the roots are sitting wet, so let it dry out fully between drinks. Sparse, gappy strands with few beads point to too little light. It's a good pick for someone with a bright window and a tendency to underwater rather than overwater. It is toxic to cats and dogs if eaten and the sap irritates skin, so hang it well clear of pets that bat at trailing stems.
What to expect
It asks for a little consistency, but nothing fancy. No sunny window? It also does fine under a clip-on grow light.
See what you’ll need to get started ↓Grow it alongside
Houseplants that want the same light, water and humidity are happy sharing a spot. See what thrives with String of Pearls →
Tips
- Give it bright light, including some gentle direct sun, to keep the beads plump.
- Water only when the soil is dry; slightly shriveled beads mean it’s thirsty.
- Use a shallow pot with a gritty succulent mix; its roots are shallow.
Common problems
- Mushy, bursting beads from overwatering and rot.
- Sparse, gappy strands in too little light.
Common questions
Is String of Pearls toxic to cats and dogs?
String of Pearls is toxic to cats and dogs if eaten, so keep it out of reach of pets that chew. Source: ASPCA.
How much light does String of Pearls need?
String of Pearls wants bright light — a south-facing window with six or more hours of sun, or a grow light to make up for it.
How often should I water String of Pearls?
Water String of Pearls sparingly. Let the soil dry out fully between waterings — it's far more likely to rot from overwatering than to suffer from neglect.
What temperature does String of Pearls need?
String of Pearls is happiest around 18–26 °C. It tolerates brief dips to about 7 °C, but cold drafts and sudden chills set it back.
Can I grow String of Pearls without a sunny window?
Yes. String of Pearls does well under an affordable clip-on grow light, so a bright window isn't essential.
How big does String of Pearls get?
A trailing succulent with thin stems of spherical bead-like leaves; strands can hang 0.6–0.9 m.
How do I propagate String of Pearls?
Lay a short strand on dry mix so the nodes touch soil; they root within a few weeks.
What pests affect String of Pearls?
Watch for mealybugs, aphids and spider mites. Check new growth and the undersides of leaves often, and treat early with a rinse or insecticidal soap before they spread.
Is String of Pearls easy to grow?
String of Pearls is moderately easy. It asks for some consistency with light and water, but nothing advanced.
Gear for String of Pearls
Gear suggestions to get you started — general picks, not paid placements.
Pet-toxicity from the ASPCA. Care details are general guidance, not professional or veterinary advice. Photo: Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA). Care info last updated 2026-06-02.