String succulents are exactly what their name implies- succulents that are growing in a form of creeping strings or chains. All of these plants have somewhat similar characteristics, with pendant stems and green and fleshy leaves. Strings are formed by multiplying rows of leaves or forming a vine. String succulents do not require much care, which makes them perfect for outdoor and indoor hanging displays, as well as vertical gardens.
What makes string succulents so popular among succulent collectors and home decorators is their appearance. Those succulents can vary in leaf shape, form, texture, size, color and blooming. Therefore, here are 10 string succulent to add to your collection and take a home decoration on the next level.
String of Pearls is a unique hanging succulent that has become quite popular for indoor gardening. Its small rounded leaves stack on trailing stems like tiny green beads earning it the nickname “String of Pearls”. With proper care, these trailing vines can grow to 3 feet long, spilling gracefully over the edges of planters.
While beautiful, String of Pearls can be tricky to cultivate. They require specific growing conditions to really flourish. If you’ve struggled to keep a String of Pearls alive, there are luckily many similar plants that make excellent alternatives. These plants have the same trailing habit and pearl-shaped leaves, but are often easier to care for.
Here are 9 perfect plants to grow if you love the look of String of Pearls but want something easier to grow.
1. String of Bananas (Senecio radicans)
The String of Bananas is aptly named, with its plump, banana-shaped leaves stacking along cascading stems. This trailing succulent is native to South Africa and is a great alternative if you’ve killed String of Pearls in the past.
String of Bananas isn’t as fussy and is more forgiving if you miss a weekly watering. While String of Pearls requires very bright, direct light, the String of Bananas is happier in bright indirect light. It also grows more rapidly, with vines reaching up to 3 feet long. Pinching back the stems encourages bushier growth.
2. String of Turtles (Peperomia prostrata)
With its eye-catching foliage, String of Turtles is one of the most ornamental alternatives to String of Pearls. Its leaves are oval with dark green striping, resembling tiny turtle shells. This plant is slower growing, so it’s great for smaller spaces. The vines reach about 12 inches in length.
Native to Ecuador and Brazil, String of Turtles appreciates indoor conditions year round. It flourishes in medium indirect light and well-draining soil. The succulent stems hold water, so you only need to water every 1-2 weeks when the soil dries out.
3. String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)
For a hanging plant that makes more of a statement, look no further than String of Hearts. As the name suggests, this unique succulent has heart-shaped leaves that cascade on thin, vining stems. The leaves have lovely silver variegation along the edges that shimmers in the light.
This plant is native to South Africa and enjoys bright, indirect light indoors. The long vines can reach 10 feet in length! For impeccable plant health, wait until the soil has thoroughly dried between waterings. Only water 1-2 times monthly.
4. String of Needles (Ceropegia linearis)
String of Needles is often confused with its close cousin, String of Hearts. But this plant’s foliage is long and narrow like knitting needles. The fleshy green leaves stack attractively along thin, winding stems. With its rapid growth rate, the vines can reach 6-8 feet long!
For ideal growing conditions, situate this plant near an east facing window. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Only provide water once the potting mix is bone dry. The long vines may need pruning to keep this exuberant grower in check!
5. String of Nickels (Dischidia nummularia)
The String of Nickels is an unusual hanging plant that originates from tropical Asia and Australia. It earns its name from the small, flat, coin-shaped leaves that densely stack along its stems. When happy, the vining stems can grow over 12 inches long.
As a tropical epiphyte, this plant does best with high humidity and evenly moist soil. Allow the top 1 inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Mist the leaves frequently to replicate the humidity of its native jungle habitat.
6. String of Dolphins (Senecio peregrinus)
The adorable String of Dolphins is a rare find, but worth searching for! Native to South America, its fleshy bluish-green leaves remarkably resemble leaping dolphins. The mature plant reaches about 6 inches tall, with vines trailing around 3 feet long.
This hanging succulent thrives in a sunny spot with free-draining soil. Allow the potting mix to dry out moderately between waterings. Too much moisture can lead to rot with this drought-adapted plant. In early spring, tiny white flowers add a final flourish of charm.
7. String of Buttons (Crassula perforata)
With its unique triangular foliage, String of Buttons is an uncommon alternative to String of Pearls. The leaves are plump and rounded, with a blunt point at the tip. Red edges add a pop of color to the blue-green leaves.
This South African succulent does best with at least a few hours of direct sun per day. Allow the soil to dry out thoroughly before watering again. The potting mix should be very porous and fast-draining. Average room humidity is fine for these plants.
8. String of Raindrops (Curio herreanus)
Formerly known as Senecio herreanus, the String of Raindrops is aptly named for its plump tear-shaped foliage. The leaves stack into round “droplets” along slender arched stems. This quirky looking succulent is a native of South Africa.
String of Raindrops isn’t too fussy, thriving in both moderate and bright indirect light. Allow the soil to dry out before watering thoroughly. Use a porous succulent potting mix and terracotta pots for the best drainage.
9. String of Rubies (Othonna capensis)
Finally, for a colorful cascading succulent, look for String of Rubies. This plant has round leaves like the String of Pearls, but in a stunning shade of deep purple. The fleshy foliage neatly stacks along hanging stems that can grow quite lengthy.
For the best color, provide as much sunlight as possible indoors. The leaves will fade to green if light levels are too low. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, and use a potting mix tailored for cacti and succulents.
Trailing Beauties For Every Home
The String of Pearls isn’t your only option when looking for a trailing succulent that makes a statement. If you’ve struggled to keep this finicky plant alive, it’s worth trying one of these easier care lookalikes. With their gorgeous cascading habits and pearl-shaped leaves, these 9 alternatives will thrive in your indoor garden!
Ceropegia woodii aka “String of Hearts”
“String of Hearts” is a great choice if you want an evergreen succulent. This tuberous plant has long trailing stems and adorable small, heart-shaped leaves. Leaves are gray-patterned and change color when exposed to light. With sufficient light, they’ll have deep green color and change to pale green under insufficient light conditions. “String of Hearts” usually blooms in late summer and early fall, with flowers lasting up to 6 weeks.
Dischidia nummularia aka “String of Nickels”
This succulent is a perfect choice for outdoor hanging baskets or artistic succulent frames. Dischidia nummularia is an epiphytic climbing plant with small, round, opposite leaves that looks like tiny coins dangling on a stem. When the plant is young, leaves are occasionally covered in powder. This succulent is native to Australia and Asia. “String of Nickels” usually blooms in the spring with white to yellowish flowers.
10 Best String Succulents for hanging baskets | Most Popular string plants
FAQ
What plant looks like a String of Pearls?
The Strings of Pearls plant, scientifically known as Senecio rowleyanus, belongs to the Asteraceae family.
What is the difference between String of Pearls and String of Hearts?
- Leaf Shape: String of Pearls leaves are round and small, resembling beads, while String of Hearts leaves are heart-shaped.
- Plant Type: String of Pearls is a succulent, while String of Hearts is a semi-succulent.
- Origin: Both plants are native to southern Africa.
What is the difference between String of Pearls and string of turtles?
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String of Pearls:Characterized by round, fleshy, bead-like leaves that are stringed together.
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String of Turtles:Features small, round, succulent leaves with a turtle-shell pattern, also trailing.
What is the hanging plant like String of Pearls?
Senecio rowleyanus (String of Pearls)
Its cascading stems with round leaves resemble pearls. Perfect for hanging baskets, it adds whimsy indoors in bright, indirect light and thrives outdoors in warm, shaded spots.