Plant Family
Asteraceae
Daisy family — String of Pearls, String of Bananas, String of Dolphins & relatives · 1 genus covered · 3 varieties
Asteraceae is the daisy and sunflower family, one of the largest plant families on Earth, but only a handful of its succulent members are grown as houseplants. The trailing Curio species (formerly classified under Senecio) covered here store water in fleshy, oddly-shaped leaves — beads, bananas, or tiny leaping dolphins depending on the species — and share a genus-wide caution: all contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids and are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. They are otherwise some of the easiest trailing succulents to keep, provided the single rule of succulent care is followed strictly: let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
Curio was split from the older, much larger genus Senecio in 2012, though nurseries and most growers still use Senecio names interchangeably — both are correct and refer to the same plants. All three trailing "string of" succulents here share the same underlying care profile: drought-tolerant, water-storing leaves, bright indirect light, and a strong tendency to rot if watered on a schedule rather than by feel. All contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids and are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested; keep out of reach in pet households.
Curio rowleyanus
String of Pearls · String of Beads
Bright Indirect
Intermediate
Trailing
Toxic to Pets
▸
Also known as
String of Pearls · String of Beads · Rosary Vine (syn. Senecio rowleyanus)
Care
Ideal — Bright Indirect
Light
Ideal — Drought Tolerant
Water
Drought
Regular
High
Frequent
Description
Trailing stems threaded with small, spherical, pea-like leaves, each carrying a translucent stripe that lets light reach the interior for photosynthesis. Native to the drier scrublands of southwest Africa, where it creeps along the ground rooting at nodes. The single greatest cause of failure is overwatering — the round leaves already store considerable water, and soil that stays wet leads to rot before any visible sign of trouble appears. Produces small white, cinnamon-scented flowers occasionally.
Detailed Care
WateringSoak-and-dry method: water thoroughly, then let the soil dry out completely before watering again. Roughly every 10-14 days in summer, every 3-4 weeks in winter.
PropagationLay stem cuttings on top of moist, well-draining soil and press the pearls gently into the mix. Roots within 2-3 weeks.
Cause of DeathOverwatering, by a wide margin. Shriveled pearls can mean either under- or over-watering — check the soil before assuming it needs more water.
Toxicity
CatsToxic
DogsToxic
BirdsNo data
RodentsNo data
ReptilesNo data
Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids. ASPCA-confirmed toxic to cats and dogs (vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy); also reported toxic to humans and horses. No published data found for birds, rodents, or reptiles.
Curio radicans
String of Bananas · Fishhook Senecio
Bright Indirect
Forgiving
Trailing
Toxic to Pets
▸
Also known as
String of Bananas · Banana Vine · Fishhook Senecio · String of Fishhooks (syn. Senecio radicans)
Care
Ideal — Bright Indirect
Light
Ideal — Drought Tolerant
Water
Drought
Regular
High
Frequent
Description
Cascading stems lined with plump, curved, banana-shaped leaves, native to arid rocky ground in South Africa. Generally regarded as easier and more heat-tolerant than its close relative String of Pearls, and a good alternative for growers who have struggled with that species. Small white, cinnamon-scented flowers may appear in late winter or early spring.
Detailed Care
WateringWater every 7-10 days in the growing season, allowing the soil to dry out fully between waterings. Highly susceptible to root rot if kept wet.
PropagationStem cuttings root readily; let the cut end callus for a day or two before placing in well-draining mix.
Cause of DeathOverwatering and cold — not frost-tolerant, bring indoors below roughly 20°F (-7°C).
Toxicity
CatsToxic
DogsToxic
BirdsNo data
RodentsNo data
ReptilesNo data
Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, same as other Curio/Senecio species. Toxic to cats and dogs if ingested; sap may also irritate skin on contact.
Curio × peregrinus
String of Dolphins
Bright Indirect
Intermediate
Rare
Toxic to Pets
▸
Also known as
String of Dolphins · Dolphin Necklace · Flying Dolphins (syn. Senecio peregrinus, Senecio hippogriff)
Care
Ideal — Bright Indirect
Light
Ideal — Drought Tolerant
Water
Drought
Regular
High
Frequent
Description
A cultivated hybrid between String of Pearls (C. rowleyanus) and Candle Plant (C. articulatus), producing small leaves shaped remarkably like leaping dolphins, complete with a curved "tail" and "fin". Does not occur in the wild — it exists only in cultivation. Trailing stems can grow several feet with age, and the plant is still relatively uncommon and sought after among succulent collectors.
Detailed Care
WateringAllow soil to dry out completely between waterings, same drought-tolerant profile as its String of Pearls parent.
PropagationStem cuttings, allowed to callus for a few days before planting in well-draining succulent mix.
Cause of DeathOverwatering; also loses its distinctive dolphin shape if over-fertilized.
Toxicity
CatsToxic
DogsToxic
BirdsNo data
RodentsNo data
ReptilesNo data
Same Curio/Senecio toxicity profile as its parent species. Mildly to moderately toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.