Curio rowleyanus

Curio rowleyanus

Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: string of pearls, string of peas, bead plant, rosary vine
Origin: Curio rowelynaus orignates from South America
Description: The Curio rowleyanus is an evergreen, vine-like succulent that grows with a creeping habit (1,2). The stems grow up to 3ft long, and it anchors itself along the ground with shallow roots at each node (1,2,3,4). The leaves are alternately positioned along the stem (1). Each pea shaped leaf is bulbous, fleshy, rich jade green in color, and roughly ¼" in diameter, terminating into a tapered point at the apex (1,2,3). The leaves of the string of pearl plant have an epidermal window that appears as a dark green stripe down its sides (1,2). This plant develops ½ inch cylindrical discoid flowers that lack ray-florets, on the end of 1-2 inch long stalks (1,3,4). The flowers are white/cream colored, with elongated red stamens that protrude past the corolla, with bright yellow anthers (1,2,3,4). The flowers are fragrant, with a spicy, cinnamon-like scent (1,2,3). The seeds each have a white feathery pappus to facilitate wind dispersal (1).

Interesting Features:
- Although The fleshy spherical leaves are adapted for water storage and reducing water loss, although this reduced surface area also limits photosynthetic capacity (1,2). To offset this limitation, the leaves of the string of pearl plant have an epidermal window that appears as a dark green stripe down its sides (1,2). This thin strip of translucent tissue allows more light to penetrate into the leaves for photosynthesis (1, 2).
Uses: Curio rowleyanus is slightly toxic, causing vomiting and diarrhea when ingested, as well as skin irritation when exposed to its sap (1,3,9). Due to its toxicity, this plant’s sole ethnobotanical use is as an ornamental. It is an exceedingly popular houseplant due to its peculiar appearance, fragrant blooms, and attractive growing habit (1,2,3). It is also excellent for xeriscaping in arid climates, and functions as a unique groundcover suitable for partially shady areas (9). It is commonly used in hanging baskets due to its cascading habit (1,3).

Cultivation and Care:

Watering: Low
- This plant requires more frequent waterings in the summer, and very infrequent watering during the winter (1). Shriveling of the leaves is a good indication of prolonged drought (1,2).
- Avoid overwatering and allow the soil medium to dry out between waterings.
Soil: This plant prefers sandy soil with good drainage, a potting medium formulated for succulents would be suitable (1,2).
- This plant will quickly suffer from root-rot when overwatered or if there is improper drainage (1,2).
Lighting: This plant requires persistent bright, but indirect-light when indoors and will benefit from part-shade when outdoors (1,2,3).
- In the wild, it grows more often in partial shade under nurse trees, and in the crevices of rocks (9).
Propagation: This plant can easily be propagated vegetatively (1,2,3). Begin by collecting a 3–4inch stem cutting, removing a few leaves from the proximal end, and then cover over the stripped portion of stem with moist potting medium (1,2). Lightly mist the potting medium when it appears dry, and roots will quickly form at the nodes (1).
- This plant can be propagated by seed, although this method is not commonly practiced (1).
Cold Tolerance: 30°F, USDA hardiness zones 9b and greater. Intolerant of frost, protection from exposure is needed.
Special Accommodations: This plant thrives when planted in shallow clay pots, as the reduced soil volume and porosity of a clay pot aids in drying out the soil medium quickly (1).
- This plant is recommended to be repotted every year or two, as well as applying a light fertilizer in the spring (1).
- Dry conditions may induce flowering (1).

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