Plant guide
グリーンネックレス
Watering rhythm
Every 10–14 days
String of Pearls is a succulent native to South Africa, instantly recognizable by its distinctive trailing stems lined with round, bead-like leaves. The resemblance to an actual necklace is where it gets its name. It's wonderfully drought-tolerant and easy to grow, making it a fantastic choice for beginners. Since the vines naturally cascade, it thrives in hanging baskets and looks stunning displayed that way.
This plant loves bright light, but shield it from intense direct sun during the hottest months. It prefers temperatures between 10–30°C (50–86°F), and anything below 5°C (41°F) will stress it. It's perfectly happy in low humidity. A breezy windowsill or a spot with bright, filtered light through a curtain is ideal.
Light and temperature change a plant's metabolism, so the ideal cadence shifts with the seasons.
Spring
Every 8–12 days
Summer
Every 8–12 days
Autumn
Every 10–14 days
Winter
Every 14–21 days
Water thoroughly once the soil surface feels dry to the touch. Since it's a succulent, overwatering is the real enemy here. If the leaves aren't looking shriveled, your plant probably doesn't need water. Pull back significantly in winter. Make sure no water pools in the saucer beneath the pot, and when in doubt, it's better to skip a watering than to water too much.
Quick lookup from symptom to likely cause and action.
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves become translucent and soft | You're watering too often, and the roots are beginning to rot. Succulents crave dry conditions, so excess moisture is their biggest threat. | Cut back on watering and let the soil dry out. If the problem doesn't improve, carefully remove the plant from its pot, trim away any blackened or mushy roots, and repot it in fresh soil. |
| Stems grow thin and spindly | The plant isn't getting enough light. String of Pearls does need reasonably bright conditions to thrive. | Move it to a brighter spot as soon as you can. You won't see an instant change, but with consistent bright light, new leaves that emerge will look much healthier. |
| Leaves drop off continuously | Cold stress, sudden temperature swings, or sometimes the plant becoming root-bound can all trigger this. | Move it to a warmer location and reduce watering for now. New growth typically appears in spring. If you suspect the roots are cramped, consider repotting it into a slightly larger container. |
| White powdery bugs (mealybugs) appear on the leaves | Poor air circulation and densely packed foliage create an ideal home for pests to multiply. | Wipe off any bugs you spot with a damp cloth, or spray the affected areas with diluted soapy water. Repeat every few days for best results. |
| Leaves become crispy and curl up | Winter heating or extremely dry air is pulling moisture from the plant faster than it can replace it. | Move it away from any direct heat sources like radiators or heating vents. A light watering is fine if needed. Focus on avoiding excessive drying rather than increasing humidity. |
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