Senecio rowleyanus /sɛˈnɛ.ki.oː/
Common name: String of pearls · String of beads
Senecio rowleyanus is a trailing succulent native to the arid regions of southwest Africa. Its slender stems bear spherical, pea-like leaves that cascade over the edges of pots, making it a favorite for hanging baskets.
Care summary
Sun
Bright light with some direct morning sun
Water
Infrequent; let soil dry out fully
Soil
Sandy cactus or succulent mix
Hardiness
Zones 9–12
Mature height
Trailing stems up to 60–90 cm (2–3 ft)
Pet safe
Toxic to cats and dogs if ingested
Difficulty
Moderate
Propagation
Stem cuttings propagate readily. Lay a 8-10 cm strand on the surface of moist succulent soil, or coil several strands in the pot, and roots will form at the nodes; you can also root cuttings in water before potting.
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.