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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.

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.

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

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