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A string-of-pearls plant in a pot with another decorative pot on top of a white storage unit

Overview

The string of pearls is a sweet succulent and a beautiful addition to any home – and they're really easy to grow. Here's how to care for yours.

Tools and materials

Steps

1Select a healthy plant

The string of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) is a creeping succulent whose stems can grow up to 90cm long, making them ideal to place in hanging baskets or pots, or on a high shelf. Head to Bunnings to check out their range and while you're there, take a look at their great selection of pots and hangers as well – some of their plants come potted in a hanging basket already.

2Select the right pot

When potting your string of pearls, make sure you choose a pot with adequate drainage, as these plants don't like to get too wet. The pot we found at Bunnings is perfect, as you can remove the bottom and pour any excess water away.

A person holding a string-of-pearls plant in a pot

3Choose the right position

String of pearls is generally a very easy plant to grow. It will tolerate some direct sun, but too much will cause it to burn, so be mindful when choosing its position. A few hours of morning sun should be fine, but keep an eye on it – relocate if it starts to look unhealthy.

A string-of-pearls plant in a pot with another decorative pot on top of a white storage unit

4Don't over-water your string of pearls

During warmer months, watering about once every two weeks is fine. When it gets a bit cooler you can get away with watering it about once a month.

A person watering a newly planted string-of-pearls plant in small pot using a watering can

5How to propagate your string of pearls?

The best part about this plant is that it's so easy to propagate – simply trim a piece of the trailing stem and remove some of the beads. Place the cuttings in a new pot filled with soil. Before long you'll have another baby version of your plant! Just remember to fill your new pot with special cacti and succulent potting mix – these guys love a bit of specially formulated soil. And make sure you wear gloves and a dust mask when doing this, as potting mix can contain microorganisms that are harmful if breathed in.

A person planting an offcut of a large string-of-pearls plant into a small pot filled with succulent mix

6Start planting today

Check out our huge range of plants now and get your garden growing!

Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.