String of Pearls belongs to the Asteraceae family, specifically within the Curio genus, which was previously classified under Senecio. This succulent, evergreen perennial is known for its unique, trailing growth and distinctive foliage. Other common names include string of beads, rosary vine, and pearl plant, reflecting the spherical, bead-like leaves that dangle on slender stems, resembling a necklace of pearls, making it a favorite among succulent enthusiasts.
String of Pearls was first documented by European botanists in the 19th century during explorations of southern Africa’s arid regions. Indigenous peoples may have used it for ornamental or minor medicinal purposes, though records are scarce. Its popularity as a houseplant surged in the 20th century, particularly during the succulent craze of the 1970s and 1980s, due to its low-maintenance care and striking appearance, cementing its status as a decorative staple in modern indoor gardening.
Native to the arid, semi-desert regions of southwestern South Africa, particularly in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape, String of Pearls thrives in dry, rocky environments with well-draining soil. It grows naturally as a groundcover or trailing plant in shaded crevices, adapting to low water and intense sunlight. This resilience to drought and ability to store water in its leaves make it ideal for indoor cultivation in various climates.
String of Pearls is characterized by its long, thin, trailing stems, which can grow up to 3 feet, adorned with small, spherical leaves resembling green peas. Each leaf has a translucent “epidermal window” that aids photosynthesis in arid conditions. The plant produces small, white, daisy-like flowers with a cinnamon-like scent in spring or summer, though blooming is rare indoors. Its succulent, bead-like leaves and cascading growth are its defining features.
String of Pearls is primarily grown as an ornamental houseplant, valued for its cascading, bead-like foliage that adds elegance to hanging baskets, shelves, or macramé hangers. It’s popular in minimalist and bohemian decor for its delicate, sculptural appearance. The plant is also used in succulent arrangements or terrariums, where its trailing habit complements other textures. While not known for air purification, its low-maintenance care makes it a favorite for beginners and collectors alike.
String of Pearls
Common String of Pearls
String of Pearls (Curio rowleyanus) is the most iconic, with spherical, pea-like green leaves on trailing stems up to 3 feet long. Native to South Africa, it thrives in bright, indirect light, well-draining sandy soil, and minimal watering to avoid root rot. Its bead-like leaves, with translucent “epidermal windows” for photosynthesis, create an elegant cascade, perfect for hanging baskets.
Variegated String of Pearls
The Variegated String of Pearls, a cultivar of Curio rowleyanus, features green leaves with cream to pink striping, adding a colorful twist. Growing 1–3 feet long, it needs bright, indirect light to maintain variegation and well-draining soil. Its delicate, multicolored beads make it a rare, eye-catching addition to succulent collections.
String of Bananas
String of Bananas (Curio radicans) has glossy, banana-shaped leaves on trailing stems up to 3 feet long. Native to South Africa, it thrives in bright, indirect light, well-draining soil, and occasional watering. Its playful, curved leaves and cinnamon-scented white flowers in spring make it a charming, drought-tolerant houseplant.
String of Tears
String of Tears (Curio citriformis) features teardrop-shaped leaves with pointed tips, growing up to 12 inches long. Native to Namibia, it prefers bright, indirect light and sandy, well-draining soil, with minimal watering. Its denser, tapered foliage offers a fuller, whimsical look compared to String of Pearls.
String of Watermelons
String of Watermelons (Curio herreianus) has elongated, oval leaves with purple stripes, resembling tiny watermelons, on stems up to 2 feet long. Native to South Africa, it thrives in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, with infrequent watering. Its striped, bead-like leaves add a unique texture to hanging displays.
String of Dolphins
String of Dolphins (Curio peregrinus) features crescent-shaped leaves resembling leaping dolphins on stems up to 3 feet long. Native to South Africa, it thrives in bright, indirect light, well-draining cactus soil, and infrequent watering. Its playful, dolphin-like leaves make it a fun, conversation-starting houseplant.
String of Raindrops
String of Raindrops (Curio citriformis ‘Raindrops’) is a cultivar with slightly larger, teardrop-shaped leaves than String of Tears, growing up to 12 inches long. Native to Namibia, it needs bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, with minimal watering. Its plump, droplet-like leaves create a delicate, cascading effect.
String of Fish Hooks
String of Fish Hooks (Curio radicans ‘Fish Hooks’), a cultivar of String of Bananas, has elongated, curved leaves resembling fish hooks on stems up to 2 feet long. Native to South Africa, it prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, with minimal watering. Its distinctive, hooked leaves make it a striking hanging plant.
String of Lemons
The String of Lemons (Curio citriformis ‘Lemon Drops’) has small, lemon-shaped, pale green leaves with pointed tips, resembling tiny citrus fruits, on stems up to 12 inches long. Native to Namibia, it prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, with sparse watering to avoid root rot. Its compact, citrus-like foliage offers a playful, unique aesthetic for small spaces.
String of Beans
The String of Beans (Curio radicans ‘Glauca’) is a cultivar of String of Bananas with glaucous, bluish-green, banana-shaped leaves on trailing stems up to 3 feet. Native to South Africa, it thrives in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, with occasional watering. Its cool-toned, curved leaves create a striking, cascading effect in hanging baskets.
String of Pearls Giant
The String of Pearls Giant (Curio rowleyanus ‘Gigantea’) features larger, spherical green leaves than the standard String of Pearls, on thicker stems up to 3 feet long. Native to South Africa, it needs bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, with watering every 2–3 weeks. Its bold, oversized beads make it a dramatic choice for larger hanging displays.