Some care needed
String of Pearls
Curio rowleyanus
$164-inch
A cascade of perfect spherical beads — the most architectural trailing succulent in existence.
String of Pearls is one of the most visually distinctive plants available for indoor cultivation. Its long, trailing stems carry rows of perfect spherical leaves — each one a tiny bead of stored water — creating a curtain of living pearls that cascades dramatically from a hanging pot or high shelf. The spherical leaf shape evolved to minimise water loss in the arid slopes of South Africa where this plant originates. Each pearl contains a translucent 'window' at its tip to maximise light absorption while the outer surface stays reflective. The effect in a terracotta pot is extraordinary.
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Pot colour — see it live in the preview above
Care needs
LightHigh
Light is High
WaterLow
Water is Low
DifficultyMedium
Difficulty is Medium
Set a care reminder
This plant needs watering every 2–4 weeks. Add it to your calendar so you never forget.
This is a demo store — no real purchase will be made.
Care guide
Care tips
Water sparingly — allow the soil to dry completely between waterings, then water thoroughly until it drains freely. Reduce watering significantly in winter. Plant in a fast-draining succulent mix with added perlite or pumice. Hang near a bright window — south or east-facing is ideal — with at least 4 hours of bright indirect light daily. The pearls will plump up when the plant is well-watered and appear shrivelled when thirsty.
Common issues
Mushy pearls and a rotten stem base indicate root rot from overwatering — the most common cause of death. Shrivelled pearls in a plant that receives regular water usually means the roots are damaged and cannot uptake moisture; check for root rot. Brown, dried pearls from the bottom up indicate underwatering. Mealybugs can hide at stem nodes — treat with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol.