Succulents & Cacti
String of Pearls
Curio rowleyanus
Cascading green peas on threads - stunning in photos, ruthless about overwatering in practice.
- Typical watering
- Every ~14 days
- Light
- bright indirect with gentle morning sun
- Difficulty
- demanding
- Safety
- Toxic to cats and dogs
Care tips
- Water when pearls start to wrinkle slightly, not on a schedule
- Plant shallow - the fine roots sit in the top 5 cm
- Give strong light; dim spots mean sparse, stretched strands
- Lay cuttings across the soil surface to thicken a thinning pot
Common questions
How often should I water a string of pearls? +
A healthy indoor string of pearls typically wants water every 14 days or so. Treat that as a starting cadence, not a rule — pot size, light, and season all shift it, so check the soil before you pour.
How much light does a string of pearls need? +
A string of pearls does best in bright indirect with gentle morning sun light. If it stretches, fades, or stalls, adjust its spot before changing anything else.
Is a string of pearls toxic to cats or dogs? +
Yes — the string of pearls is considered toxic to cats and dogs (per the ASPCA plant lists). Keep it out of reach, and call your vet if you suspect a pet has chewed it.
Typical guidance for a healthy string of pearls — your own conditions (and your vet, for animals) come first.
Related guides
- Aloe Vera Sun-loving succulent with soothing gel; water rarely, deeply.
- Burro's Tail Braided ropes of plump beads spill over the pot - gorgeous, but every bump sheds leaves.
- Cactus The ultimate low-maintenance sunbather.
- Christmas Cactus A jungle cactus, not a desert one - it drinks more than you'd think and blooms on cue in winter.
- Echeveria Perfect pastel rosettes that stay perfect only with real sun and a stingy watering can.
- Jade Plant A miniature tree with coin-like leaves that can outlive its owner on a sunny sill.