If you ever see one, pick it up and run because it is one of the easiest exotic looking plants you can get.  Senecio rowleyanus, otherwise known as String of Pearls, has succulent leaves that resemble peas strung together.  Our plant below started as three tiny 3″ plants, and I can remember the first day they spilled over the side of the pot.  Here are some stats so you can have success growing your own.

Senecio rowelyanus hanging in our front window.

Botonical Name: Senecio rowleyanus

Common Name: String of Beads, String of Pearls

Family: ASTERACEAE

Type: EP (Evergreen perennial)

Origin: Southwest Africa

Water: IBT (Infrequent but through)

Light: Light Shade

Senecio rowelyanus detail

Characteristics

Growth rate: 6” H x 24-36” L vines                        Zones: 8-10                 Hardy to: 50°F

Form: Creeping vine like, and slender.                                  Texture: Smooth.

Foliage: Can be variegated, blue-green, smooth textured and fleshy leaves.

Flowers and Inflorescence: White to near white composite flowers lacking florets.  They have a strong cinnamon smell.

Fruit: None.

Bark and Branches: N/A

Identifying Characteristics: Long vine like stem with pea shaped leaves in intervals on the stem.

Senecio rowleyanus

Uses

Landscape Uses: Grown for its foliage.  Hanging baskets, ground cover.  Ideal for places where a cascading plant is required.

Seasonal Value: Flowers in mid fall to mid winter.

Cultivars: None found.

Compatible Plantings: Xeriscape or drought-tolerant companions.

Care

Soil: Well drained soil.

Tolerances: Drought tolerant.

Pruning: If the container does not fill in, pull back a few of the cascading stems and lay them on the surface of the soil. They will root at the nodes and fill in the bare soil.

Maintenance: The plant will occasionally need to be cut back to rejuvenate the foliage of the pot.

Pest Problems: Fungus, aphids, mealy bugs, and cochineals.

Propagation: From herbaceous stem cuttings (let the cut end dry out first).  A single leaf will root and form a small plant at the base.  Propagate them in evenly moist soil, mist occasionally, and keep in filtered sunlight until they are growing.

…and who does not like saying the name of this species…

–Matti Far Out Flora

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