string of tears vs string of pearls

There’s something undeniably vivid and charming about the String of Plants family. From the delicate roundness of String of Pearls to the heart-shaped whimsy of String of Hearts, these trailing beauties seem to weave a little bit of magic into any space they inhabit. But among these beloved cascading succulents, String of Tears (Senecio herreianus) stands out with its own quiet elegance. Its delicate vines are strung with soft, teardrop-shaped leaves, each one resembling a tiny green raindrop frozen in time—simple, yet captivating.

Native to the dry, sun-drenched landscapes of South Africa, this succulent is built for survival, storing water in its plump little leaves to withstand long droughts. In its natural habitat, it tumbles gracefully across rocky outcrops, thriving in harsh conditions with little effort. In contrast to its tough nature, this plant brings an air of softness and fluid beauty to any home, making it a favorite among indoor plant lovers.

What makes this plant special is how easy it is to care for. Unlike fussier houseplants, String of Tears doesn’t ask for much. If you’re lucky—and if your plant is particularly happy—you might even catch it blooming tiny, white flowers with a light cinnamon scent. If you’re after a low-maintenance, graceful plant, this one might just be the perfect addition to your collection.

Can We Grow String Of Tears Outdoors?

String of Tears can be grown outdoors in regions with warm, dry climates, particularly in USDA hardiness zones 9-11, where temperatures stay above 40°F year-round. Native to the arid landscapes of South Africa, this succulent thrives in environments that mimic its natural habitat, making it perfect for outdoor spaces in areas with mild winters and plenty of sunshine.

When growing outdoors, it’s important to place String of Tears in an area with good air circulation to prevent moisture buildup and potential fungal issues. While it enjoys bright conditions, avoid exposing it to harsh elements like strong winds or intense, direct sunlight for extended periods, as these can damage its delicate, trailing vines. A spot with filtered sunlight or light shade during the hottest part of the day works best in particularly hot climates.

In cooler regions, it’s best to grow String of Tears in a portable container, allowing it to be moved indoors when temperatures drop, as it is not frost-tolerant. With the right outdoor environment, this beautiful trailing succulent can create a stunning display, whether cascading from a hanging basket or spilling elegantly over a garden wall.

In its natural habitat, this succulent grows under the sun-drenched skies of South Africa, where it receives plenty of sunlight while being shielded from the harshest rays by surrounding vegetation.

Indoors, this plant thrives near a bright window that offers plenty of indirect sunlight.&nbspA south- or east-facing window is usually perfect, as it provides strong but gentle light throughout the day. Avoid placing it in low-light areas, as insufficient light can cause the plant to become leggy and lose its dense, trailing appearance. If natural light is limited, consider using a grow light to ensure the plant receives enough light to stay healthy and maintain its vibrant color and plump, teardrop-shaped leaves.

Outdoors, String of Tears does best in a spot with filtered sunlight or partial shade. While it can tolerate some direct morning sun, especially in cooler climates, too much intense sunlight—particularly during the harsh afternoon hours—can cause sunburn, leading to discolored or shriveled leaves.

This drought-tolerant succulent prefers a “soak and dry” watering routine. Like most succulents, it stores water in its plump, teardrop-shaped leaves, allowing it to survive periods of drought. Overwatering is the biggest threat to this plant and can quickly lead to root rot, so it’s essential to let the soil dry out completely between waterings.

When grown indoors, water the plant thoroughly once the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. This usually means watering every two to three weeks, depending on the environment and season. During the cooler months (fall and winter), the plant enters a period of dormancy and requires even less water—sometimes only once a month. Always check the soil before watering, as indoor conditions can cause soil to dry out more slowly.

For outdoor growth, watering frequency will depend on the climate. In hot, dry regions, String of Tears might need watering once a week during the growing season, but in cooler or more humid areas, less frequent watering is required. Be mindful of rainfall, as too much natural moisture can lead to overwatering. If planted outdoors in the ground or in a large container, ensure it is in well-draining soil to prevent standing water from harming the roots.

String of Tears thrives in well-draining soil, which is essential for preventing root rot, one of the most common issues with succulents. Since this plant is naturally adapted to arid environments with sandy, rocky soils, it needs a growing medium that allows excess moisture to drain away quickly. For best results, use a commercial cactus or succulent soil mix—these are specifically designed to promote good drainage. You can also create your own mix by combining regular potting soil (50%), coarse sand (25%), and perlite or pumice (25%). If growing String of Tears outdoors, plant it in a raised bed or a sandy, well-aerated spot in your garden where water won’t pool after rain. If your outdoor soil retains too much moisture, amend it with additional sand or pumice to improve drainage.

When it comes to fertilizer, this succulent doesn’t require heavy feeding. During the growing season (spring and summer), you can encourage healthy growth by applying a diluted liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. During the dormant season (fall and winter), stop fertilizing altogether.

String of Tears vs. String of Pearls

String of Tears features elongated, teardrop-shaped leaves with a more delicate, flowing appearance. by Succulents Box

String of Pearls has round, bead-like leaves. by Succulents Box

At first glance, it’s easy to confuse String of Tears (Senecio herreianus) with its more famous cousin, String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus). Both belong to the same plant family and share that iconic trailing habit that makes them perfect for hanging baskets and high shelves. But while they might seem like siblings, these two plants each have their own personality and charm.

The most obvious difference lies in their leaf shape. String of Pearls lives up to its name with perfectly round, bead-like leaves that resemble tiny green pearls strung along delicate stems. It has a quirky, playful appearance that makes it a true conversation starter in any plant collection. In contrast, String of Tears has a more delicate and refined look. Instead of round beads, its leaves are shaped like tiny teardrops—elongated, slightly pointed at the end, and often slightly translucent. This gives the plant a softer, more graceful flow as it trails, like a gentle waterfall of greenery.

Another key difference is how they grow and fill out. String of Pearls tends to grow in tighter, more compact strands, creating a fuller and bushier appearance as it matures. String of Tears, on the other hand, has thinner, more delicate vines that create a looser, airier look. This makes it a bit more subtle in appearance but just as elegant, especially when allowed to cascade from a high shelf or basket.

When it comes to care requirements, both plants have similar needs—they love bright, indirect light, well-draining soil, and infrequent watering. However, String of Tears is often considered slightly hardier and less prone to the sudden drops of leaves that String of Pearls sometimes experiences when overwatered or under stress.

String of Tears vs String of Pearls

FAQ

Is String of Tears the same as string of pearls?

Another key difference is how they grow and fill out. String of Pearls tends to grow in tighter, more compact strands, creating a fuller and bushier appearance as it matures. String of Tears, on the other hand, has thinner, more delicate vines that create a looser, airier look.

Is string of raindrops the same as string of pearls?

Believed to be a hybrid of the familiar string of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus), Senecio ‘String of Raindrops’ has pendent stems to 3’+ with unusual tear-shaped leaves. It appears to be more robust than string of pearls. Water thoroughly when soil is dry, less water in winter. Protect from frost.

Are strings of tears easy to care for?

Care: String of Tears is relatively low-maintenance and requires infrequent watering once established. Water the plant when the soil is dry, but be sure not to let it sit in standing water. Regular pruning can help maintain its trailing shape and encourage new growth.

What is the string of pearls theory?