Scientific Name
Curio rowleyanus (H. Jacobsen) P.V. Heath
Common Name(s)
Rosary Vine, String of Beads, String of Pearls, String of Peas
Synonym(s)
Curio rowleyanus f. rowleyanus, Kleinia rowleyana, Senecio rowleyanus
Scientific Classification
Family: Asteraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Tribe: Senecioneae
Subtribe: Senecioninae
Genus: Curio
Etymology
The specific epithet "rowleyanus (ro-lee-AH-nus)" honors Gordon Douglas Rowley (1921–2019), a British botanist and writer specializing in cacti and succulents.
Origin
Curio rowleyanus is native to South Africa (Eastern Cape, Western Cape) and southern Namibia.
Description
Curio rowleyanus, formerly known as Senecio rowleyanus, is a popular succulent with trailing stems lined with small pea-shaped leaves. The stems can grow up to 3 feet (90 cm) long, rooting at the nodes. The leaves are almost spherical and have a small pointed tip and a longitudinal translucent stripe. They can reach about 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) in diameter.
Brush-like clusters of small white to nearly white flowers with long red stamens and bright yellow anthers appear on stalks that can grow up to 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) long in summer. They have an aroma of cinnamon.
How to Grow and Care for Curio rowleyanus
Light: Keep your C. rowleyanus in partial shade if outdoors and bright sunlight if indoors. Avoid intense afternoon sun in summer. It will grow in full shade but will become lank and leggy.
Soil: As with most succulents, this plant prefers a well-draining soil mix. For growing C. rowleyanus indoors, it is essential to use a container with at least one drainage hole at the bottom.
Hardiness: C. rowleyanus can withstand temperatures as low as 25 to 50 °F (-3.9 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b. The plant will not survive consistent temperatures below freezing.
Watering: Water regularly during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. This plant is drought tolerant, but the soil should never be left dry for too long. Reduce watering frequency during the winter months. Water only if the soil is completely dry.
Fertilizing: C. rowleyanus can take more fertilizer than other succulents if you want it to grow fast. Feed your plant once a year with a dilute solution of a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer in summer.
Repotting: You do not need to repot this plant often. You can do it when the container becomes too small or shallow.
Propagation: This plant can be grown from seeds or cuttings. Seeds need warm temperatures or a seed warmer and constant moisture to germinate. Take cuttings during the spring and summer.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Curio.
Toxicity of Curio rowleyanus
C. rowleyanus is a toxic plant. It should be grown with great care if you have children, pets, or livestock.
Forms and Hybrids of Curio rowleyanus
Links
- Back to genus Curio
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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