String-of-beads (Curio rowleyanus) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

String-of-beads is a trailing houseplant with round, green leaves along thin stems. In the United States it is mostly grown on shelves or in hanging baskets. It is also called string of pearls.

Appearance

Appearance: Thin stems can trail about 1–3 ft (0.3–0.9 m).
Leaves: Each pea-sized leaf is nearly round, with a narrow translucent stripe that lets light reach deeper into the leaf.
Flowers: Small white flowers form brush-like heads and may have a cinnamon-like scent. Indoor plants seldom bloom.

Look-alikes

String of bananasCurio radicans

String-of-beads has almost round leaves; string of bananas has longer, curved leaves shaped like tiny bananas.

Why they get mixed upBoth have trailing stems with fleshy green leaves.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: Houseplants
Hanging baskets
Warm-climate patios
Range: It comes from southern Africa. In the United States it is mostly grown indoors, though it can grow outside in warmer areas ( 9B–11B).
Preferred conditions: Give it bright light and a potting mix that drains quickly. Water lightly; persistently wet soil can rot the roots.

Growing it

Propagation: Stem cuttings can root where leaves join the stem if those spots touch the potting mix.
Toxicity: Eating the leaves can cause vomiting or diarrhea, and the sap can irritate skin. Keep it away from children and pets.

Name and classification

About the name: Older plant labels may call it Senecio rowleyanus.
Varieties and forms: The cultivated 'Variegatus' form has green-and-cream beads.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: NENot EvaluatedNot yet assessed

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