Teardrops Succulent

Teardrops Succulent (Senecio rowleyanus 'Teardrops') is a trailing succulent whose stems carry plump, teardrop-shaped leaves like strings of beads. It stands about 30cm high with stems trailing to 1m. The plants we supply are variegated, so among the green leaves you will see cream, lemon or pale green ones, and each leaf has a darker strip, a 'window', that lets light in.

Why you'll love it

• Leaves like strings of tear drops. Fat, plump teardrops run along every stem, which gives the plant a sculptural, beaded look when it hangs.
• Variegated colour. Cream, lemon and pale green leaves are mixed in with the green, so no two stems look quite alike.
• Built-in light windows. The darker strip on each leaf lets light into the leaf, which helps the plant grow in shade.
• Easy indoor decoration. It is simple to look after and suits a hanging planter in a bright room.
• Sun or part shade. It is flexible about light, which gives you more places to hang it.

Where it works best

Hanging planters. Plant three tubes to a 300mm hanging basket and the stems will soon cascade over the rim. Trailing stems up to 1m long look best with room to hang.

Shelves and windowsills. A bright indoor shelf with morning sun suits it. Let the stems trail down the front of the shelf or over a pot.

Balconies and courtyards. In a warm, sheltered position outdoors it brings texture to a small space. Keep it out of heavy rain and frost.

Growing Teardrops Succulent in Australia

Position and climate. Sun or part shade both suit it, and a sunny position for at least part of the day keeps the leaf colour bright. It suits tropical, subtropical and warm temperate climates. Frost damages the stems, so in cold areas keep it indoors or in a basket that can come under cover.

Soil. Plant in free-draining soil. A cactus and succulent mix in a pot with drainage holes is the usual choice, and extra grit makes it safer in wet climates.

Water and feed. Water until the plant is established, usually around 12 weeks. Once established, water when the soil is dry. The leaves hold water, so overwatering does more harm than missing a drink.

Pruning. Trim tangled or bare stems to keep the plant full. Variegated forms hold their cream and lemon best in good light, and any stems that revert to plain green can be clipped off.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Teardrops Succulent as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives with short stems, and the cream and lemon leaves are part of the plant, not a fault. Pot it into free-draining mix, water regularly for the first 12 weeks or so, and keep it in good light.

Availability of the tube depends on our grower, and it is not always in stock. When the page shows it as sold out, use the notify button and we 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

• More succulents for baskets and pots
• House and indoor plants
• How to repot your plants like a pro
• Plants for balconies and courtyards

Common questions

Is it the same as string of pearls?

It belongs to the same species, Senecio rowleyanus, which is usually sold as string of pearls. This form is sold for its teardrop-shaped, variegated leaves.

Why do some of the leaves look cream or lemon?

The plant is variegated. The cream, lemon and pale green leaves are normal and are what make it different from a plain green one.

Is it safe around cats and dogs?

No. Senecios contain alkaloids that make them toxic if eaten, so hang it out of reach of pets and small children.