String of pearls (Curio rowleyanus; formerly Senecio rowleyanus) is a unique vining succulent that is easily recognizable by its almost spherical, tiny pea-shaped leaves. The leaves grow on 2-foot trailing stems that gracefully spill over the sides of planters and hanging baskets. You can use the stems to propagate the plant, which is a very robust grower but does not live long without propagation.
 
Though normally cultivated as a hanging plant, in its natural habitat (the deserts of East Africa) the string of pearls is terrestrial and forms a ground cover. In addition to its peculiar sphere-like leaves, the string of pearls produces white flowers with a pleasant scent reminiscent of cinnamon.
Botanical Name
Curio rowleyanus (formerly Senecio rowleyanus)
Common Name
String of pearls, string of beads, string of peas, rosary vine
Plant Type
Succulent
Mature Size
Trailing stems grow to 2 feet long
Sun Exposure
Full sun to part sun
Soil Type
Sandy mix with good drainage
Soil pH
6.0
Bloom Time
Spring
Flower Color
White
Hardiness Zones
9 to 12
Native Area
East Africa