String of Tear Drops

senecio herreianus

Also known as: ["String of Pearls","String of Beads"]

Family: Asteraceae Genus: Senecio Category: Succulents & Cacti

Overview

A trailing succulent with cylindrical, bead-like leaves and daisy-like flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["drought tolerant","low maintenance","aesthetic foliage","rare/collector’s item"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Senecio
Botanical Name: Senecio herreianus

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Succulents & Cacti
  • Suitable Location: indoor pot with bright light or outdoor in sheltered, sunny spot
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Indoor Plant Lovers Collectors & Enthusiasts
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or sand.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 6–12 months or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at a time.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerates some direct sun but prefers filtered light.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to avoid scorching; place near east or west-facing windows indoors; provide shade during intense midday sun outdoors.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor drainage or incorrect watering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

bright indirect light to partial sun

Rotate plant weekly for even growth; avoid direct afternoon sun; adjust light based on season.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering; water less in winter.

Soil

well-draining succulent or cactus mix

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy garden soil; top-dress with fresh mix annually.

Temperature

Prefers 65–80°F (18–27°C); tolerates mild fluctuations but avoids extremes.

Protect from frost; avoid placing near drafty windows; maintain stable temperatures.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season, none in winter

Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize only when actively growing; stop in fall/winter.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings in water or soil.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a healthy cutting.
  2. Let it callus for a day.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid, and bright indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix like cactus soil or perlite and peat moss.

Hormone

Optional but can speed up rooting.

Timeline

Roots in 2–4 weeks; new growth in 6–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Sharp scissors, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining soil.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain consistent moisture.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Snip stems just above a leaf node or junction; remove dead or yellowing leaves.

Pruning Plan

Remove leggy growth to encourage bushier form; prune to maintain shape and remove dead/damaged stems.

Tools

Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; prune dead/damaged growth; shape as desired; dispose of clippings.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 5-inch pot); ensure good drainage.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; use fresh well-draining soil.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot with drainage; use fresh soil mix; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water thoroughly; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water deeply until it drains from the bottom, ensuring root zone saturation; avoid wetting leaves; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to target the soil directly at the base of the plant.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water thoroughly when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite, coarse sand, or pumice to improve drainage; incorporate organic matter for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in cold; scorching or leaf curl in excessive heat.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and increases susceptibility to root rot.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots; avoid cold drafts; reduce watering.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow due to water loss.

Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid overwatering.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growing season; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with leaves.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Senecio herreianus may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting the plant's photosynthetic efficiency and overall health.

Wilting in Senecio herreianus can result from underwatering, overwatering, or root damage, leading to reduced water uptake and potential plant stress or death.

Leaf spots on Senecio herreianus may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to reduced photosynthesis and potential leaf drop.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Senecio herreianus due to overwatering or poor drainage, causing decay and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Senecio herreianus is toxic to cats due to its pyrrolizidine alkaloid content, which can cause severe liver toxicity and failure. Cats are particularly sensitive to these compounds.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting lethargy anorexia jaundice hepatic encephalopathy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Ensure cats cannot access the plant. If ingestion is suspected, seek veterinary care without delay.
Dogs
Toxic

The pyrrolizidine alkaloids in Senecio herreianus are toxic to dogs, causing liver damage and potential failure. Prolonged ingestion can lead to chronic liver conditions.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy loss of appetite jaundice
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep plants away from dogs. If ingestion is suspected, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Humans
Toxic

Senecio herreianus contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are hepatotoxic and can cause severe liver damage upon ingestion. Chronic exposure may lead to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting abdominal pain jaundice liver failure
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep out of reach of children and avoid ingestion. If accidental ingestion occurs, seek medical attention immediately.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Senecio herreianus toxic to pets?

A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.

Q: How often should I water Senecio herreianus?

A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings.

Q: Does Senecio herreianus flower?

A: Yes, it produces small, daisy-like white or pale lavender flowers with a cinnamon-like fragrance.

Quick Reference
Family: Asteraceae
Care: easy
Light: bright indirect light to parti
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","indoor plant lovers","collectors/enthusiasts"]
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