String of pearls care
Curio rowleyanus — also called String of beads. Everything below is the same data Plantroster uses to schedule care for this species.
Care at a glance
| Light | Very bright indirect with some direct. Tolerates bright. Morning sun ideal; scorches in hot afternoon sun. |
|---|---|
| Water | About every 14 days in summer, every 28 in winter. Let the soil dry out completely first. |
| Soil | Fast-draining succulent mix — 4 parts potting mix, 4 parts pumice, 2 parts sand |
| Humidity | At least 20%, happiest near 40% |
| Temperature | 60–80°F. Cold damage below 40°F; heat stress in sun above 95°F. |
| Feeding | Every ~90 days while actively growing. Nothing in winter. |
| Repotting | Every 3 years, or when roots circle the pot |
| Tap water | Tolerates tap water |
| Pets & children | Toxic. Toxic if eaten — vomiting, drooling. |
What people get wrong about string of pearls
Shriveled pearls are ambiguous — it means the roots are not delivering water, from EITHER drought or rot. Check the soil before watering more.
Common problems
Watch for mealybugs, aphids. Check leaf undersides monthly — backlighting a leaf against a window is the fastest way to catch mite webbing before an infestation takes hold.
Plantroster tracks this plant's watering, feeding and repotting cadence against your actual weather — and tells you when a cold night or heatwave means moving it.
Open PlantrosterString of pearls FAQ
How often should I water a string of pearls?
Roughly every 14 days in the growing season and every 28 days in winter, but treat that as a starting point rather than a rule — light, pot size and your home's warmth all shift it. Water sparingly and only when the pearls start to flatten slightly. The most commonly drowned houseplant.
Is string of pearls toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Toxic if eaten — vomiting, drooling. Keep it out of reach of pets that chew plants.
How much light does a string of pearls need?
Very bright indirect with some direct is ideal, and it will cope with bright. Morning sun ideal; scorches in hot afternoon sun.
Why does my string of pearls have brown tips?
String of pearls is not fluoride-sensitive, so brown tips here usually point to inconsistent watering or fertilizer salts built up in old soil. Flush the pot thoroughly and keep to a steadier watering rhythm.
What soil is best for string of pearls?
Fast-draining succulent mix: 4 parts potting mix, 4 parts pumice, 2 parts sand. Succulents and dracaenas rot in moisture-retentive mixes. Grit is the whole point.
Other plant guides
General horticultural guidance, not a substitute for inspecting your own plant. Toxicity notes are a starting point — if a pet or child has eaten part of a plant, contact a vet or poison control rather than relying on this page.