Senecio herreanus - String of Tears [large]

String of Tears aka String of Beads or String of Raindrops (now Curio herreanus) (Jacobsen & Heath): A stunning trailing species from Namibia closely related to . Its narrow, green to purple stems are somewhat stiff and can grow over 1.0' long whether trailing from a pot or creeping along the ground as they do in the wild. The subglobose leaves are truly shaped like raindrops. They are lined with fine purple stripes and translucent "leaf windows" that help the plant absorb more sunlight. Purple tones on the leaves and stems will deepen when grown in bright sunlight. This plant is fully rooted in a 3.5" round, plastic pot.

Soft succulents will not survive a hard frost, but if there is a risk of freezing temperatures they can be brought indoors to grow on a sunny window sill or under a grow light. They need bright sunlight, great drainage, and infrequent water to prevent rot. Pick containers with drainage holes and use with 50% to 70% mineral grit such as coarse sand, pumice, or perlite. Water deeply enough for water to run out the drainage hole, then wait for the soil to fully dry before watering again.

C. herreianus produces white, pompom-like blooms that smell of cinnamon. To grow a full, trailing cascade, ensure all stems get sunlight and prune regularly, replanting the stem cuttings back in the pot.Look to our for tips on succulent propagation.