String of Pearls Plant: A Complete Australian Growing & Fertilising Guide

The string of pearls plant (Senecio rowleyanus), with its cascading beads and elegant drape, is one of the most eye-catching succulents for Australian homes. Perfect for hanging baskets and shelf displays, it adds sculptural interest and thrives with the right care. If you’ve struggled with leggy stems, shrivelling pearls, or slow growth, this guide will walk you through how to grow, fertilise, and propagate your plant properly. We’ll also answer whether it can survive in low light and explain why CompleteGrow fertilisers make all the difference.

How to Grow String of Pearls Indoors or Outdoors

String of pearls prefers bright, indirect sunlight and minimal watering. Place it near an east- or north-facing window indoors, or under shade cloth if outside. It needs well-draining soil—ideally a cactus and succulent mix, or a blend of potting soil, perlite, and coarse sand.

Water only when the soil is completely dry. During summer, this may be every 10–14 days. In winter, reduce to once per month. Never allow the plant to sit in soggy soil—root rot is the #1 killer. If your pearls look shrivelled, it could indicate underwatering or rot below the soil.

Keep humidity low, airflow steady, and avoid misting. If growing in hanging baskets, rotate the plant regularly for even growth, and prune long stems to promote a fuller look.

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How to Propagate String of Pearls Successfully

Propagating string of pearls is rewarding and simple. The best time to propagate is in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Step 1: Cut a healthy strand (10–15 cm long) using clean scissors.
Step 2: Strip off the bottom 3–5 pearls to expose a bare stem.
Step 3: Either lay the stem flat on moist succulent mix and gently press in, or place the cut end into water.
Step 4: For soil propagation, keep slightly moist until roots form in 2–3 weeks. For water propagation, wait for 2–3 cm roots before planting in soil.

For best results, use a shallow pot and plant several cuttings close together to create a dense display. Pruning mother plants regularly and replanting the trimmings is a great way to thicken sparse growth and keep the plant compact.

Cuttings from a single string of pearls can be used to start multiple plants, making it perfect for gifts or building your indoor jungle. With proper care, they’ll root fast and grow quickly.

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Do String of Pearls Need Fertiliser and Sunlight? (Plus FAQs)

Yes, string of pearls absolutely need both sunlight and nutrients to maintain their vibrant colour and healthy round shape. While they can survive in lower light for short periods, poor lighting causes them to stretch, fade, and weaken. Bright, indirect sunlight is ideal. Too much direct sun can burn the pearls, while too little causes thin, leggy vines.

During active growth (spring to early autumn), feed monthly with a low-nitrogen liquid fertiliser. Avoid overfeeding—succulents don’t need much to thrive. A good fertiliser helps the plant stay lush, encourages new strands, and supports root health, especially during propagation or recovery from stress.

We recommend CompleteGrow’s Indoor Plant Food Concentrate — specifically designed for succulents like string of pearls. With essential trace elements and a balanced nutrient ratio, it supports strong, compact growth and reduces risk of rot from overfeeding.

Common Questions:
• Can string of pearls grow in low light? Not well. They stretch and lose their round shape. Keep them near a window with filtered light.
• Do they need fertiliser? Yes. Monthly feeding helps maintain healthy colour and compact growth.
• Why are my pearls shrivelling? Either from underwatering or overwatering. Check soil moisture and root condition.
• How do I make it fuller? Prune long strands and replant cuttings into the same pot.
• Can I use regular potting mix? No. Always use fast-draining succulent mix to prevent root rot.