String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) became the Instagram darling of trailing succulents, with its bead-like leaves cascading from hanging planters.
The Shelfie Star
String of pearls’ photogenic trailing habit made it essential for #PlantShelfie content. The spherical leaves catching light, draped over shelves or hanging baskets, became peak plant aesthetic 2017-2019.
Related trailing succulents rode the wave: String of Bananas (curved leaves), String of Dolphins (dolphin-shaped leaves, TikTok viral 2020), String of Hearts (heart-shaped leaves), String of Turtles (variegated).
Propagation Obsession
String of pearls propagation flooded YouTube/TikTok: lay strands on soil, keep moist, wait for roots. The visual simplicity made it shareable content, though success rates varied wildly based on climate.
Care Reality
Despite succulent classification, string of pearls proved finicky: rot from overwatering, shriveling from underwatering, leggy growth from low light. “My string of pearls is dying” became a common refrain.
Source
- The Spruce: “String of Pearls Care” (March 2017)
- Instagram peak: 2017-2019
- String of Dolphins viral moment: April 2020 TikTok