Senecio Herreianus (String of Tears)

The Senecio herreianus is a distinctive trailing succulent, admired for its delicate stems covered in small, teardrop-shaped green leaves with subtle translucent stripes. Its cascading growth habit makes it a beautiful choice for hanging planters, elevated shelves or plant displays. With its unusual foliage and easy-care nature, this charming succulent adds a playful touch to any indoor plant collection.

Native to southern Africa, Senecio herreianus is commonly known as String of Tears or String of Beads. It is adapted to relatively dry conditions and stores water in its fleshy leaves, making it tolerant of short periods of drought. With plenty of bright light, careful watering and well-draining soil, its trailing stems can gradually develop into a lush, cascading display.

Height: 8 cm
Pot diameter: 9 cm

Care

Light

Place your Senecio herreianus in a bright location with plenty of indirect sunlight. Some gentle morning or late-afternoon sun can encourage compact growth and healthy foliage. Avoid intense midday sunlight, which may scorch the leaves, particularly behind glass. Insufficient light can result in sparse growth and elongated stems. A bright windowsill or hanging planter near a well-lit window is ideal.

Water

Allow the soil to dry out almost completely between waterings. As a succulent, Senecio herreianus stores water in its fleshy leaves and is sensitive to overwatering. Water thoroughly once the growing medium is dry, and allow excess water to drain away freely. Reduce watering during the cooler months when growth slows. A well-draining succulent mix and a pot with drainage holes are essential to help prevent root rot.

Temperature

Senecio herreianus thrives in warm indoor conditions, ideally between 18 and 26°C. Protect it from frost, cold draughts and prolonged exposure to temperatures below approximately 10°C. Average indoor humidity is generally sufficient, so additional humidity is unnecessary. During the growing season, occasional feeding with a diluted succulent fertiliser can support healthy growth. Handle the delicate trailing stems gently, and trim them when needed to maintain an attractive, full appearance.