The term “String of Plants” describes a popular, informal grouping of trailing succulent houseplants that share a distinctive cascading growth habit and uniquely shaped foliage. These plants have become highly sought after for their ornamental appeal, with leaves that resemble anything from tiny beads and hearts to bananas and dolphins. The sheer number of species and varieties that fall under this umbrella is a testament to the diversity of the plant kingdom. This category is defined not by strict botanical classification but by the visual similarity of their “stringy” appearance, leading to a rich collection of species for houseplant enthusiasts to explore.
The Botanical Families and Shared Trait
The plants commonly referred to as “String of Plants” do not belong to a single scientific family but are primarily drawn from two major botanical groups. Many of the most common varieties, such as the String of Pearls and String of Bananas, are members of the Asteraceae family, which is also known as the daisy or sunflower family. These specific trailing succulents are now often classified under the genus Curio, although they were previously categorized as Senecio.
Another large portion of this group, most notably the String of Hearts, belongs to the Apocynaceae family, specifically within the genus Ceropegia. This family is more broadly known as the dogbane family. Despite originating from different family trees, these plants share the fundamental characteristic of succulence, which refers to the ability to store water in specialized tissue, particularly their thickened leaves and stems.
This shared trait is an adaptation to arid or semi-arid native environments in South Africa and other parts of the world. Their trailing, vining growth pattern is natural to their habitat, where they often creep along the ground or cascade over rocks. Consequently, they thrive in similar conditions indoors, preferring infrequent watering and bright light. The unique shapes of their leaves are a result of this evolutionary need to maximize water storage while minimizing surface area for water loss.
Identifying the Most Popular String Varieties
The diversity within this group is significant, making it challenging to assign a precise number to how many “String of Plants” exist. However, a few varieties stand out as the most popular among collectors, showcasing a wide array of fascinating leaf shapes and colors adapted across different genera.
- The String of Pearls (Curio rowleyanus) is perhaps the most recognized, featuring bright green, pea-sized, spherical leaves strung along thin stems. Each tiny orb has a small, translucent stripe, known as an epidermal window, which allows light to penetrate the leaf’s interior for photosynthesis.
- The String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii) is distinguished by its delicate, heart-shaped leaves arranged oppositely along thin, wiry stems. The leaves are typically dark green, often marbled with silvery-white patterns on the upper surface and a purplish hue on the underside.
- The String of Bananas (Curio radicans) presents long, fleshy, crescent-shaped leaves that distinctly resemble tiny green bananas. Like the String of Pearls, these leaves also feature a translucent line to aid in light absorption.
- The String of Dolphins (Senecio peregrinus or Curio peregrinus) is a hybrid variety with plump, blue-green leaves that perfectly mimic the shape of miniature leaping dolphins attached to trailing stems.
- The String of Turtles (Peperomia prostrata) is a slower-growing plant, featuring small, round leaves intricately patterned with dark green and white veins that resemble the mosaic of a turtle shell.
- The String of Rubies (Othonna capensis) is notable for its slender, bean-shaped leaves and stems that shift color dramatically based on light exposure. While the leaves are greenish-blue in lower light, the foliage develops a vibrant ruby-red or purplish color when exposed to brighter conditions.
Essential Care Guidelines
Caring for these trailing succulents revolves around respecting their drought-tolerant nature, which is the most important factor for their survival as houseplants. Overwatering is the primary cause of decline, leading to root rot in the moisture-sensitive root systems. A thorough watering should only be provided when the soil is completely dry, often once every two to three weeks, depending on the season and environment.
The type of soil used is also important for plant health, requiring a porous, fast-draining medium to prevent water retention around the roots. A specialized cactus or succulent potting mix, often amended with perlite or pumice, will provide the necessary aeration and drainage. This ensures that any excess moisture can quickly escape the pot, which must always have drainage holes.
These plants thrive in bright, indirect light, mimicking the dappled sun they would receive in their native habitats. Placing them near an east-facing window or a few feet away from a south- or west-facing window is ideal. While they can tolerate a small amount of direct morning sun, intense afternoon sun can scorch the delicate leaves, causing them to turn yellow or brown. Insufficient light, however, will result in sparse growth and a lack of the vibrant coloration some varieties display.
Expanding Your Collection Through Propagation
One rewarding aspect of owning string plants is the ease with which new plants can be created, allowing for expansion of a collection or sharing with others. The most common and reliable method of reproduction for nearly all varieties is through stem cuttings. This process involves cleanly snipping a section of the vine that contains several leaves and then allowing the cut end to dry out and form a protective callus over the course of a few days.
Once the cut is calloused, the stem can be laid directly onto the surface of moist, well-draining soil, or the cut end can be lightly inserted into the medium. Roots will typically develop from the nodes, which are the points where the leaves attach to the stem. For varieties like the String of Hearts, a more specific method involves planting the small, potato-like aerial tubers that form along the vines. These tubers are essentially pre-packaged root systems that can be gently pressed into the soil to begin a new plant, bypassing the need for a stem cutting to root.