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Senecio /sɛˈnɛ.ki.oː/

Common name: String of pearls · String of beads

Senecio An enormous genus of over a thousand species in the daisy family, ranging from ragworts and groundsels to a celebrated group of succulent houseplants. The string of pearls, with its bead-like leaves cascading from pots, is the best known of these. Succulent senecios need bright light and infrequent, thorough watering in gritty soil.

Care summary

Sun Bright light with some direct morning sun
Water Infrequent; let soil dry out fully
Soil Sandy cactus or succulent mix
Hardiness
Mature height
Pet safe

Fun facts

  • Each spherical leaf has a translucent 'window' stripe that lets light into the leaf interior.
  • It is named after British botanist Gordon Douglas Rowley, a specialist in succulents.
  • Its small, cinnamon-scented white flowers resemble tiny pom-poms.
  • It roots easily from stem cuttings laid on top of moist soil.

Common problems

    • Let soil dry fully between waterings
    • Use a gritty succulent potting mix
    • Repot into fresh dry soil
    • Move to bright indirect light
    • Rotate the pot weekly
    • Pinch stems to encourage branching
    • Wipe pests off with alcohol-dipped swabs
    • Spray with insecticidal soap
    • Isolate infested plants immediately
    • Water deeply when soil is dry
    • Check roots for rot before watering
    • Resume a regular watering schedule