String of pearls is a trailing succulent, Curio rowleyanus, still sold as Senecio rowleyanus. NCSU and Wisconsin Horticulture start it from stem cuttings. The generic leaf-and-stem tray stays on how to propagate succulents. This URL is the named plant.
NCSU: cactus potting mix, or potting soil mixed with sand or perlite. Wisconsin: cactus mix, or potting medium cut with gravel, sharp sand, poultry grit, or pumice, in a shallow pot. For mix in a drained pot, see soil propagation.
NCSU and Wisconsin: leaves and sap are slightly toxic. Ingestion can cause vomiting or diarrhea. Sap can irritate skin.
Stem cuttings
NCSU: take a 3 to 5 inch stem cutting. Cover a few of the nodes in the potting mix so new roots can form.
Wisconsin Horticulture: take a 3 to 4 inch stem tip. Strip 3 to 4 leaves from the bottom. Set the cutting in or on moist potting mix and lightly cover the last few bottom nodes. Roots form at each node. Mist the soil surface until the roots are established, rather than soaking the pot.
Cutting length is a range. NCSU: 3 to 5 inches. Wisconsin: 3 to 4 inches.
Iowa State lists Senecio among succulents started from stem cuttings: 3 to 6 inches, let the cut end callus several days, then cactus mix or perlite. Most succulents on that page do not root well in a glass of water. That callus step is Iowa’s Senecio line, not a week count from NCSU or Wisconsin.
Leaf cuttings
NCSU: dropping a leaf onto the mix is slower and less reliable than a stem cutting. Wisconsin does not give a leaf recipe. Stem cuttings stay the method on this page.
Common mistakes
- A soggy, deep pot. Wisconsin: a large volume of wet mix invites root rot. Use a shallow, draining container.
- A water-jar how-to. Iowa State: most succulents do not root well in a glass of water. NCSU and Wisconsin start pearls in mix.
- Direct hot sun on a new cutting. NCSU: indoor plants want bright, indirect light; scorch comes from direct sun.
- Treating a dropped leaf as the main method. NCSU calls that slower and less reliable.
People also ask
How long should the cutting be?
NCSU: 3 to 5 inches. Wisconsin: 3 to 4 inches.
Do I need to callus it?
NCSU and Wisconsin do not give a callus wait for pearls. Iowa State’s Senecio stem cuttings sit for several days before they go in mix.
Can I root string of pearls in water?
These pearls pages use mix. Iowa State says most succulents do not root well in a glass of water.
Can I start it from one pearl?
NCSU: a leaf on the mix is slower and less reliable. Use a stem with nodes.