String of pearls care: light, water, and pet safety

Curio rowleyanus

Care table

Light	Bright indirect light to some direct sun. Bright light with some direct morning sun.
Water	Let it dry out fully. Water when the soil is dry all the way down.
Humidity	Average room air is fine
Repotting	Every 2 years in spring, in a shallow pot with gritty mix.

Winter care

Water sparingly, often every 3 to 6 weeks in a cool room. Stop fertilizer. Give it your brightest window.

Pet safety

Not on the ASPCA list, use caution. Not on the ASPCA list. It belongs to a group (formerly Senecio) with known toxic species, so keep it away from pets.

Pet safety comes from the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list. The list is not exhaustive, and a plant marked non-toxic can still upset a pet stomach. If a pet eats a plant and you are worried, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply). ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list.

Common problems

Shriveled pearls: Thirsty, or roots rotted and can no longer take up water.
Mushy pearls: Overwatering.

How to check the soil

Finger test: push a finger into the soil up to the first knuckle, about an inch. Dry and crumbly means that layer is dry. Cool or damp means wait. For deeper checks use a wooden skewer: it comes out clean when the soil is dry.

All houseplants and the Light and Water tool