String of Pearls Care: Light, Water, and Propagation
Priya Hollis · Oct 23, 2026 · 5 min read
Quick answer
This trailing succulent needs bright light and very careful watering.
String of pearls (Curio rowleyanus) has trailing stems lined with small, round, bead-like leaves. It looks spectacular in hanging pots.
Like most succulents, it is far more likely to die from overwatering than neglect.
1 Light
Give it bright light with some gentle direct sun, such as a few hours of morning sun. Too little light makes stems leggy with sparse pearls.
2 Watering
Water when the compost has dried out completely and pearls look slightly wrinkled. Then water thoroughly and let it drain. In winter, water much less. Mushy, translucent pearls mean too much water.
3 Soil and pots
- ✓Use cactus and succulent compost with extra grit
- ✓Choose shallow pots with drainage holes
- ✓Terracotta helps soil dry out
- ✓Avoid oversized pots
4 Propagation
Lay cuttings on top of moist compost or pin stems down so nodes touch soil. Roots form in a few weeks. The plant is toxic if eaten, so keep it away from pets and children.
This is general gardening information. Results depend on your climate, soil, and conditions. Follow label directions for any fertiliser or treatment, and check whether plants are toxic to pets or children before bringing them home.