Senecio herreianus - String of tears

The Senecio herreianus or String of Pearls is a succulent plant perfect for dressing up a hanging basket or shelf. With its trailing slender stems dotted with fleshy leaves resembling small jade-green pearls, it charms with its simplicity and originality. Low-maintenance and resistant to diseases and pests, this variety is ideal for beginners. The secret to its success? Avoid overwatering, especially in summer, and choose a well-draining pot to prevent root rot.

The Senecio herreianus also known as 'String of Pearls Plant' is a perennial succulent belonging to the Asteraceae family. Native to the arid regions of Namibia in southern Africa, this plant has adapted to dry environments by developing fleshy leaves capable of storing water. This plant has a naturally creeping habit which becomes trailing when grown in pots. Its thread-like stems can reach up to 80 cm in length. Its thick, fleshy, green leaves taper to a point and have an elongated pea-like shape. Do not confuse this species with that of Senecio rowleyanus whose leaves are perfectly spherical! The discreet flowering takes the form of small white to cream flowers borne on slender 7 cm-long stems. It typically occurs in late winter or early spring and the blooms emit a light cinnamon scent. This vigorous plant shows rapid growth in spring, autumn, and winter. Summer marks its dormant period when it requires very little watering. 
The Senecio herreianus thrives in full sun to partial shade. It tolerates temperatures as low as -4°C in the ground and handles heat very well. Indoors, it prefers temperatures between 15 and 25°C.

Warning - this plant is toxic if ingested; it is therefore recommended to keep it out of reach of children and pets.

The Senecio herreianus fits beautifully in bright rooms such as a living room, kitchen, or a sunlit conservatory. Suspended in a macramé hanger or placed on a high shelf, its trailing stems create an elegant cascading effect perfect for bohemian or minimalist décors. This plant complements a Scandinavian style in a white ceramic pot, or an industrial look when placed in aged metal containers. Pair it, for example, with a Hoya linearis or a Rhipsalis baccifera.