Senecio rowleyanus

Senecio rowleyanus, also known as pearl chain or pearl necklace, is a succulent native to South Africa. It is extremely decorative when grown as a hanging plant, in a large pot or on a shelf. Its long, slender stems dotted with small spherical leaves resemble a necklace or curtain of beads that cascade gracefully. It is an easy to grow, original and unusual plant to adopt at home!

The pearl necklace plant grows in well-drained, moderately fertile soil, such as cactus potting soil or a mixture of potting soil, pumice and coarse sand. A plant that is cramped in its pot will be repotted in the spring into a slightly larger diameter suspension.

Like most succulents, Senecio rowleyanus prefers bright light and a few hours of direct sunlight each day. A lack of light causes the stems to stretch.

Each little green pearl is a water reserve for the plant, which can withstand drought and forgotten watering. From spring to fall, watering is regular but allows the soil to dry well between waterings. In winter, the soil is barely moistened once a month. Be careful not to let water stagnate in the saucer. You can make a monthly application of cactus fertilizer during the growing season. Bright light and moderate watering are the secrets to successful Senecio rowleyanus cultivation.

Senecio rowleyanus hates the cold and likes the heat. In winter, it likes to be inside, in a veranda or a greenhouse, at a temperature higher than 10°C. A stay outside, in half-shade, between May and September is very beneficial for the plant.

It is a period of winter rest at cool temperature (between 10°C / 15°C) and with strong luminosity which conditions the bloom, which takes place at the end of winter. The pretty flowers are pink-white and have a pleasant scent of cinnamon.