Senecio rowleyanusString of Pearls

Senecio rowleyanus, String of Pearls, is a trailing succulent from the drylands of southwestern Africa whose threadlike stems are strung with spherical pea-like leaves, each with a translucent window down one side that lets light into the interior.

It is used in hanging baskets, planter and wall cascades and interior schemes, wherever a fine trailing line is wanted at eye level or above.

Specifications

• Height0.1 metres, with stems trailing to 1 metre
• Width0.5 to 1 metre
• Native toThe drylands of southwestern Africa, in Namibia and South Africa
• FoliageThreadlike trailing stems strung with spherical pea-like succulent leaves; evergreen
• Growth rateModerate

Conditions

• SoilRequires very free-draining sandy or gritty media and is intolerant of wet
• LightBright indirect light or gentle morning sun; scorches in hot direct sun
• WaterLow; allow the media to dry fully between waterings
• ClimateThrives in warm dry conditions and is grown under cover or indoors in most climates

Additional Features

• FlowersSmall white brush-like flowers with a cinnamon scent
• FormFine trailing and cascading stems
• UsesIdeal for hanging baskets, planter and wall cascades and interior landscaping
• SpacingAllow 0.3 metres between plants in a shared container
• Low MaintenanceTrim back bare stems and lay cuttings on the media to fill gaps
• Pest ResistanceGenerally trouble-free; monitor for mealybug in the leaf axils
• Drought ToleranceStores water in the leaves and resents any routine watering schedule
• ToxicityToxic to people and pets if eaten

String of Pearls is a detail plant rather than a landscape one, and it earns its place spilling out of a planter at height.