Curio rowleyanus aka String Of Pearls

Taxonomy

Genus Curio Family Asteraceae Order Asterales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Curio rowleyanus, also known as Senecio rowleyanus, is a flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. This creeping, perennial, succulent vine is native to the drier parts of southwest Africa, where its stems trail along the ground, rooting where they touch and forming dense mats. It often grows in the shade of other plants and rocks to avoid direct sunlight. The plant is commonly known as string-of-pearls or string-of-beads due to its large, round, bead-like leaves that are arranged on cascading stems, reaching up to 60-90cm (2-3 feet) in length. The spherical leaves have a small point at the tip and a window on the side, allowing for photosynthesis while protecting the plant from extreme heat. This unique shape also allows for efficient water storage and minimizes water loss through evaporation. During the summer, the plant bears clusters of small, fragrant, white trumpet-shaped flowers studded with colorful stamens. The bloom lasts for about a month and is followed by seed pods with cottony filaments attached, likely aiding in seed dispersal by wind. The plant's signature shape evolved as an adaptation to store water in dry environments, with cells in the green pearls performing photosynthesis to feed the plant. The translucent crescents act like windows, allowing sunlight to reach cells on the inside of the pearl, increasing their ability to capture the sun. It's important to note that the common name "string-of-beads" is also shared with Curio herreanus, which has teardrop-shaped leaves instead of spherical ones.

Common names

String Of Pearls, String Of Beads

How to care for String Of Pearls

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, String Of Pearls is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

String Of Pearls should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

When growing the String Of Pearls, it's important to use a potting soil that is well-draining and does not retain excessive moisture. An optimal soil mix should contain a high proportion of perlite or vermiculite for good drainage and some organic matter for nourishment. Simply add a few scoops of perlite to regular cactus soil to achieve this.

Lighting

String Of Pearls requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your String Of Beads is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for String Of Pearls to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Humidity

String Of Pearls plants thrive in dry environments, however, if you choose to provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on the leaves can create an ideal environment for certain types of harmful fungi.

Fertilizer

The String Of Pearls grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

String Of Pearls’s native range is Southwestern Africa.

More info:
Wikipedia

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More Species in Curio Genus

Curio talinoides Blue Fingers

Curio

Curio ficoides Blue Mountain Fingers

Curio repens Blue Chalk Sticks

Curio avasimontanus Paintbrush Flower

Curio citriformis String Of Pearls

Curio herreanus String Of Dolphins

Curio radicans Creeping Berry

Curio rowleyanus String Of Pearls