Senecio ‘Teardrops’

Senecio 'Teardrops' (Senecio, also sold under the name Curio) is a trailing bead succulent for a hanging pot or the front edge of a shelf. It sits around 20cm high and spreads to about 40cm before the stems hang, with plump teardrop shaped leaves on fine strands. It wants a bright spot and very little water, which makes it one of the easier succulents to keep alive indoors.

Why you'll love it

• It trails without taking over. Fine stems spill over the rim of a pot and keep growing slowly, so one plant suits a small shelf or hanging planter for years.
• Watering is occasional, not weekly. The beads store their own water, so a soak every two to three weeks in summer is plenty.
• Bright light indoors is enough. A position near a window without direct midday sun keeps the beads plump and the stems compact.
• No spines. Thornless stems make it safe to handle and easy to repot, unlike many other succulents of this size.

Where it works best

Indoors. Hanging pots, high shelves and the edge of a bookcase all suit it, and indoors your climate stops mattering, which counts for a plant this frost tender.

Balconies and courtyards. A sheltered spot with bright light and protection from heavy rain works well in subtropical, warm temperate, arid and Mediterranean gardens.

Rockeries. In frost free gardens it can spill between rocks or over a low wall, provided drainage is sharp.

Growing Senecio Teardrops in Australia

Position and climate. Bright indirect light indoors, or dappled light and morning sun outside. It is frost tender, so anywhere that gets a winter frost it needs to come inside or under cover. Hot afternoon sun through glass will scorch the beads.

Soil. A free draining cactus and succulent mix, in a pot with a drainage hole. Standard potting mix holds too much water and is the most common reason these plants collapse.

Water and feed. Soak the mix, let the excess drain away, then wait until it is dry right through before watering again: roughly every two to three weeks in the warm months and monthly over winter. Shrivelled beads mean it is thirsty; soft, translucent ones mean too much water. A half strength liquid feed twice over spring and summer is all it needs.

Pruning. Trim any bare or straggly strands back to the crown. The cuttings root easily if you lay them on dry mix and leave them for a fortnight.

What to expect when it arrives

This succulent is sold as tube stock. Your plant arrives young, as a small rooted crown with short trailing strands rather than a full curtain of beads, so allow a season or two of growth before it hangs properly. Succulents travel better than almost anything else we send, because the leaves carry their own moisture.

Leave it dry and somewhere bright for a week after it arrives before the first water. 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

• Growing blue chalksticks, a close relative with the same needs
• Browse the full succulent range
• How to keep your indoor plants alive
• Other indoor plants on the same watering schedule

Common questions

Is it safe around cats and dogs?

No. Senecio species are toxic to cats and dogs if chewed, and can cause vomiting and drooling. Hang it well out of reach or choose a different trailing plant if your pet chews foliage.

How often should I water it?

Every two to three weeks in the warmer months, monthly in winter, and only once the mix is dry through. When in doubt, wait a week.

Why are the beads shrivelling?

Usually underwatering, or root damage from sitting wet earlier. Check the mix drains freely, give it a full soak, and look for improvement over a fortnight.

Can I grow it outside?

Only in a frost free garden, sheltered, with sharp drainage and shade from hot afternoon sun. In most southern gardens keep it in a pot that can move under cover.