Senecio rowleyanus 'Variegata' - String of pearls

Senecio rowleyanus ‘Variegata’ (synonym Curio rowleyanus) is the famous string of pearls in its variegated form. This succulent plant is valued for its long trailing stems that cascade from hanging baskets. Its small, round cream and green leaves enhance a shelf, console table, or bright window. When happy, it forms a cascade of small pearls, very decorative in a bright interior.

Curio rowleyanus belongs to the Asteraceae family. This species originates from the Cape Provinces in South Africa. It grows there in rather dry environments, and its stems tend to run along the ground, rooting upon contact with the substrate. The most common botanical synonyms are Senecio rowleyanus and Kleinia rowleyana. The foliage is evergreen: the fleshy, almost spherical leaves measure about 1 cm in diameter and often end in a small point. They are strung all along slender stems that can reach 0.80 m (sometimes more under good conditions).
The leaves of ‘Variegata’ are variegated with green and cream; its growth is a little slower, and it is more dependent on good light. Flowering remains rare indoors; it takes the form of small creamy-white heads, with coloured stamens, and a slight cinnamon scent.
The plant is toxic if ingested and its sap can irritate the skin: it is best placed out of reach of children and pets.

Indoors, this variegated string of pearls thrives in bright light without scorching sun, in a rather dry atmosphere, within a temperature range of 10 to 27 °C. It is not difficult to grow, provided you avoid excess water and give it enough light to keep the stems nice and dense.

Senecio rowleyanus ‘Variegata’ thrives near an east or west-facing window, in a living room, office, or temperate conservatory. Place it in a hanging basket in a fairly heavy pot (or in a raised container) to let the stems run freely without tangling. It pairs well with succulents such as Senecio herreianus 'Purple Flush', Crassula perforata (string of buttons) or Ceropegia woodii.