watering my plant
String of Pearls
Senecio rowleyanus
Water about every 21 days.
Let the soil dry out between waterings. Push a finger right down into the pot before you pour, past the top couple of inches. Dry on top means very little on a plant like this — it would far rather be too dry than too wet. Lifting the pot works too: if it still has some weight to it, there’s water down there.
How your pot, light and size change it
Every 21 days is the starting point. Here’s how each part of your setup moves it on its own — the free schedule tool combines all of them for your plant.
| Factor | Setup | Water |
|---|---|---|
| Pot | Terracotta | every 18 days |
| Plastic | every 21 days | |
| Glazed ceramic | every 23 days | |
| Light | Bright | every 18 days |
| Medium | every 21 days | |
| Low | every 24 days | |
| Plant size | Small | every 19 days |
| Medium | every 21 days | |
| Large | every 23 days |
How much water to give
Roughly 150–250 ml for a small pot, 250–500 ml for a medium one and 500–750 ml for a large plant. Pour slowly until a little runs out of the drainage hole, then tip away whatever collects in the saucer — a String of Pearls sitting in water is the quickest way to rot its roots.
Watering String of Pearls through the seasons
In spring and summer, growth picks up and warm days pull moisture from the pot faster. In a hot, dry spell our schedule tightens to about every 15 days. In autumn and winter the plant slows down and the soil stays damp for longer, so in cool, damp weather the schedule stretches to about every 28 days. Whatever the season, check the soil before you pour — the date is a reminder, the soil has the final say.
Signs of overwatering and underwatering
A String of Pearls stores water in its leaves and stems, so too much water is by far the more common problem. Signs of overwatering: leaves or stems turning soft, translucent or mushy, darkening at the base, and soil that stays damp for days. Signs of underwatering: wrinkled, shrivelled or deflated-looking leaves or stems. A thirsty String of Pearls plumps back up within a few days of a good soak; a rotting one often can’t be saved, so when in doubt, wait.
String of Pearls care guide
Unique trailing succulent with distinctive bead-like leaves on thin stems. Thrives in bright light; full sun intensifies color. Water when soil is completely dry. Requires well-draining cactus soil. Prefers 60-80°F and low humidity. Cascades beautifully from hanging planters. Grows rapidly. Propagate from stem cuttings. Produces delicate white flowers.
String of Pearls watering FAQ
How often should I water my String of Pearls?
Water your String of Pearls about every 21 days. Let the soil dry out between waterings. Terracotta pots, bright light and small plants dry out faster; glazed pots, low light and larger plants hold water for longer.
Should String of Pearls dry out between waterings?
Yes. Let the soil dry out between waterings. Push a finger right down into the pot before you pour, past the top couple of inches. Dry on top means very little on a plant like this — it would far rather be too dry than too wet. Lifting the pot works too: if it still has some weight to it, there’s water down there.
How much water does a String of Pearls need?
Roughly 150–250 ml for a small pot, 250–500 ml for a medium one and 500–750 ml for a large plant. Pour slowly until a little runs out of the drainage hole, then tip away whatever collects in the saucer — a String of Pearls sitting in water is the quickest way to rot its roots.
Should I water my String of Pearls less in winter?
Usually, yes. Growth slows and the soil stays damp for longer, so in cool, damp weather the interval stretches to about every 28 days. Check the soil rather than sticking rigidly to the calendar.
Does a terracotta pot change how often I water a String of Pearls?
Yes. Terracotta breathes and dries faster, so a String of Pearls in terracotta needs water about every 18 days, compared with every 21 days in plastic and every 23 days in a glazed pot.
How do I know when my String of Pearls needs water?
Push a finger right down into the pot before you pour, past the top couple of inches. Dry on top means very little on a plant like this — it would far rather be too dry than too wet. Lifting the pot works too: if it still has some weight to it, there’s water down there.
