Jade Necklace String of Turtles

Jade Necklace String of Turtles (Peperomia prostrata 'Jade Necklace') is a trailing peperomia that grows only about 2cm high and spreads 20 to 30cm, its short stems strung with small rounded leaves marked like tiny turtle shells. It is made for hanging baskets, small pots and terrariums, where the stems drape over the edge. Small and finely patterned, it rewards a close look.

Why you'll love it

• A pattern on every leaf. Each rounded leaf carries a shell-like pattern, so even a small pot has plenty of detail up close.
• Trails without support. The short stems spill over the rim of a basket or shelf with no staking or training.
• Forgiving of forgetful watering. It wants the soil to dry out between drinks, so it suits people who travel or simply forget.
• A light feeding routine. A general fertiliser twice a year is enough to keep the growth fresh.
• Pet friendly. Peperomias are generally regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs, so a low basket or shelf is less of a worry in a pet household.

Where it works best

Hanging baskets and shelves. One plant suits a small basket. For a fuller look, set three plants about 15cm apart in a larger one.

Terrariums and shallow bowls. Its low habit suits an open terrarium or a shallow dish. Allow about 20cm between plants so the stems have room to trail.

Shaded, sheltered patios. In tropical and subtropical gardens, hang it under cover in bright shade, out of direct sun and heavy rain.

Growing Jade Necklace String of Turtles in Australia

Position and climate. Bright, indirect light is what it wants, with no harsh afternoon sun. It needs a frost free home, so it is an indoor plant for most of the country and an outdoor hanging plant only in tropical and subtropical areas.

Soil. Free draining mix is essential. A cactus and succulent blend with a little extra perlite works well, in a shallow pot or basket with drainage holes.

Water and feed. Let the soil dry out between waterings and take care not to overwater, because wet roots are the usual cause of losses. Apply a general fertiliser twice a year, for example in spring and again in early summer, following the label.

Pruning. Little is needed. The tiny flowers can be snipped off to keep a clean look or left on for added interest, and any straggly stem can be trimmed back to keep the plant compact.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Jade Necklace String of Turtles as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. The tube plant is a small starter with short stems, so move it into a shallow pot or basket of free draining mix once it arrives and give it a few weeks to settle and begin trailing.

Our grower supplies the tubes, and supply comes and goes. If the tube shows as sold out, the grower has none at the moment, and the notify button on this page will email you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse the peperomia range
• Explore more indoor plants
• How to repot your plants like a pro
• Indoor plant tips for beginners

Common questions

Should I cut off the flowers?

That is your call. The tiny flowers can be snipped off to keep a clean look, or left on for added interest, and neither choice harms the plant.

Why are the leaves going soft or dropping?

Overwatering is the usual cause. Let the soil dry out between drinks and check that the pot drains freely.

How big does it get?

It is a low plant, about 2cm high, that spreads 20 to 30cm with short trailing stems. It is built to fill a small basket or pot, not to climb or take over a room.