Is String of Pearls a Succulent?

Yes, String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) is a succulent and is recognized for its cascading stems and small, round leaves resembling beads.

A string of pearls is a favourite choice for hanging baskets or trailing over the edges of containers.

People love the string of pearls because it’s really pretty. It’s like a hanging piece of art that you can put in a basket or let trail down from a pot.

The best part is that it’s not picky; you don’t have to be a plant expert to take care of it. Whether you’re a pro gardener or a beginner, this plant is a great choice.

What Are Succulent Plants?

Succulent plants are like nature’s water-saving experts. They have a cool trick: they store water in their leaves, stems, or roots. This helps them survive in places where water is scarce, and because of this, they look chubby and full.

Succulents come in lots of shapes and colors. Some look like roses, while others have long-hanging vines. People like succulents because they’re tough and don’t need a lot of water.

Although they need water to stay alive, they’re good at handling long periods without it. They use the water and nutrients stored in their leaves to get through droughts. But if their roots stay soaked in water for a while, they can get damaged and eventually die.

Moreover, a lot of succulents like warm climates, and they can’t handle freezing temperatures. Because they store water in their leaves, when it freezes, the plant can die or its leaves can become soft and mushy.

Furthermore, succulents have the cool talent that they can make new plants very easily. Some types are better at this than others, but lots of them can grow a whole new plant from just a fallen leaf.

Is a String of Pearls a Succulent?

Yes, String of Pearls is indeed a type of succulent. Its scientific name is Senecio rowleyanus, and it’s well-known for its unique appearance. This succulent comes from southwest Africa and is good at growing in dry areas where there isn’t much water.

A string of pearl plants are exceptional succulents that stand out with their charming, bead-like leaves. These tiny pea-shaped leaves dangle elegantly from trailing stems, draping over containers and baskets.

An interesting thing about them is their stem-propagation ability, which makes them grow quickly.

Apart from their beauty, if you want to successfully grow a string of pearls, then consider planting in the summer season.

Alongside its captivating spherical leaves, the String of Pearls blooms delicate white in spring with a fragrance of sweet and spicy, cinnamon-like scent. However, flowering indoors is a rarity. (University of Wisconsin-Madison)

What does the succulent plant mean?

The term “succulent” originates from the Latin word “sulcus,” which means juice or sap. Their leaves usually appear thick, plump, and fleshy, conserving water and reducing water loss.

Most succulents have roots that spread out a lot or go deep into the ground. They’re usually from places with very little water, like deserts or spots where it’s dry sometimes.

There are more than 60 families of plants that have succulents in them. Some of the main ones are Aizoaceae, Cactaceae, and Crassulaceae.

Also Read: Can String of Pearls Survive in Winter?

10 Common String of Pearls Varieties That Are Succulents

When it comes to String of Pearl’s succulents, there’s more to discover than pearls. Here are 10 common strings of pearl varieties that are succulents:

1. String of bananas

A string of bananas has a different name: Senecio radicans, another captivating member of the succulent family. The succulent has soft leaves that look like bananas, which adds to its charm. It also grows pretty little flowers in yellow and white.

2. String of hearts

The String of Hearts, scientifically known as Ceropegia woodii, is a captivating and delicate trailing plant. Its lovely look and unique growth pattern make it a popular choice and suitable for both indoor and outdoor spaces. The most unique feature of the String of Hearts is its slender stems enhanced with small, heart-shaped leaves.

Also Read: Why String of Pearls Turning Brown?

3. String of buttons

The String of Buttons is also known as Crassula perforata. The leaves are typically a bluish-green color, and they often have a reddish margin. Originating from South Africa, the String of Buttons is well-adapted to arid conditions.

4. String of dolphins

The most unique feature of the String of Dolphins is its leaves, which are shaped like tiny jumping dolphins. The leaves are normally a vibrant green color and have a curved and pointed shape.

5. Calico kitten

The Calico Kitten is also known by its name, Crassula pellucida. Its pretty mix of rose-pink and cream colors on green, heart-shaped leaves will make any place look more beautiful.

6. String of nickels

Dischidia nummularia is a climbing plant that grows on other surfaces. Its little round leaves, which look like small coins, hang in pairs along its stems. In the spring, you might see small white or yellowish-white flowers on this plant.

7. String of Tears

Curio citriformis (String of Tears) is a special and leisurely-growing succulent. It showcases both upright and hanging stems, adorned with leaves resembling teardrops. The leaves are tender, and their hue varies from light to rich green, featuring see-through stripes running along their length.

8. Jade Necklace

The leaves display a vibrant green shade with reddish edges, boasting a thick, rounded, and compact arrangement along the stem. Clusters of dainty, star-shaped, and slightly pink-tinged flowers adorn the plant.

9. Strings of watch chains

This succulent plant is stunning with its leaves that hang like linked chains, resembling cascading watch chains. Its specific appearance is not only intriguing but also makes it a hassle-free choice.

10. String of coins

Xerosicyos danguyi (String of Coins) shows beautiful clusters of green circular discs gracefully. This feature makes it a good choice, particularly well-suited for enhancing the beauty of hanging baskets.

Check this: Why Is My String of Pearls Plant Dying?

String of Pearls: A Succulent Plant Care Tips

To help your String of Pearls thrive well, here are some care tips to consider:

Light: Find a bright spot with indirect sunlight for about 6 to 8 hours for your string of pearls. A window site with filtered light is ideal. Remember to protect it from strong, direct sunlight, as this can cause damage to its fragile pearl-like leaves.

Watering succulents are experts at water conservation, and the String of Pearls is no exception. Let the upper inch of the soil become dry before you water again.

Check the moisture content by inserting your finger. It’s safer to do it underwater than overwater, as too much moisture can result in root rot.

Soil: Opt for a well-draining soil or cactus potting mix. This type of soil ensures that water doesn’t pool around the roots, preventing potential problems. You can also add inorganic components like small pea gravel, coarse sand, poultry grit, or pumice.

Container: Choose a pot with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. This prevents waterlogged soil, which can harm the plant’s roots.

Temperature and Humidity: The String of Pearls prefers a comfortable temperature range between 70 and 80°F during the day and slightly cooler temperatures at night. They adapt well to typical indoor humidity levels but ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.

Fertilizing: During the growing season (spring and summer), provide your String of Pearls with a diluted, balanced fertilizer every four to six weeks. This will provide the nutrients it needs to flourish.

Pruning: To encourage a bushier and more compact growth habit, don’t hesitate to prune any leggy or excessively long stems. This will help maintain its attractive appearance.

Propagation: A string of pearls can be propagated by taking stem cuttings. To create a new string of pearl plants, start by snipping 3–4-inch stem tips.

Remove about 3–4 leaves from the lower part of the cutting. Position the cutting on or in a damp potting mix, making sure to slightly cover the lower nodes.

At each node, roots will soon start growing. Lightly mist the soil’s surface to prevent excessive watering until the roots have taken hold.

Pest and Disease: Regularly inspect your plant for common pests like mealybugs and spider mites. If you notice any issues, treat them immediately to stop further infestations.

Also Read: Why is My String Of Pearls Turning White?

Conclusion

The String of Pearls is undoubtedly a member of the succulent family. Its unique appearance and water-storing abilities define its succulent nature, making it a sought-after plant for both its beauty and stability.