Senecio rowleyanus “String of Pearls”
Horticultural Data | Shipping & Availability | Top
Senecio rowleyanus is often displayed in hanging pots to show off the long strands of bead shaped leaves. Also striking trailing over rocks or draped along the top of a long wall. This is a fun succulent plant with rounded fleshy leaves attached alternatively along a narrow stem so that each stem resembles a strand of pearls or peas. The leaves have a translucent stripe on them that allows light inside the spherical leaf where more chloroplasts are located to carry out photosynthesis.
The odd shape of the leaves of the senecio rowleyanus is an adaption to arid environments and allows for the storage of water while exposing a minimum amount of surface area per volume to the dry desert air. This greatly reduces water loss due to evaporation relative to typical flattened leaves of most plants.
Its small, pearl shaped leaves detach easily so the plants should be kept in somewhat sheltered locations away from traffic. The vegetation of Senecio rowleyanus is somewhat poisonous. Eating it can cause minor illnesses such as vomiting or diarrhea. The plant’s sap may cause skin irritation or rash. It is best located away from small children and pets.
Horticultural Data
Description | Horticultural Data | Shipping & Availability | Top
Names and Synonyms: Curio rowleyanus, Kleinia rowleyana
Common Names: String of Pearls, String of Beads, Rosary pearls, Bead Plant, String of Peas, String of Marbles, Necklace Plant, Green Peas, Irish Beads, String o’ Pearls, Rosary Vine
Family: Asteraceae
Origin: Indigenous to the Eastern and Western Capes of South Africa and to Southern Namibia.
Size Label: 4″ square pot
Height: 3-6″
Width: training stems can reach 2′-3′
Cold Tolerance: 10 to 15°F, -12.2 to -9.4°C
Heat Tolerance: High heat tolerance
Light Requirement: Light shade to full sun
Water needs: Very drought tolerant
Maintenance: None
Uses: This plant is often displayed in hanging pots to show off the long strands of bead shaped leaves. It would also be striking trailing over rocks or draped along the top of a long wall. Leaves detach easily so the plants should be kept in somewhat sheltered locations.
Propagation: This plant can be easily propagated by cutting or pinching off 4 inches of healthy stem tip and lightly covering them with moist potting mix. The roots will quickly develop from where the leaves were attached to the stem. It can also be propagated from seed.
Problems: Mealybugs when grown as a houseplant. Requires good drainage to avoid root rot. It is best located away from small children and pets.
Research Links:
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/2391/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senecio_rowleyanus
http://www.llifle.com/Encyclopedia/SUCCULENTS/Family/Asteraceae/11713/Senecio_rowleyanus
Shipping & Availability
Description | Horticultural Data | Shipping & Availability | Top
There is a minimum purchase of any 4 plants for online orders. All plants shipped bare root. Other sizes may be available for pick up from our growing grounds in Fallbrook, CA. For more information, give us a call at 760-990-4762.
Click here for complete Price List.
