The rosary plant, sometimes directly called the rosary plant, is so called because its leaves, round and small, they remember the rosary beads. It is, like all succulents, a very resistant plant thanks to the fact that it accumulates water in its leaves and that allows it to last a long time between waterings.

It is often used as a hanging plant and is a magnificent plant that thrives well both indoors and outdoorsas long as it receives some simple but necessary care. We tell you everything you need to know to have it healthy and beautiful and for it to last for many years.

Origin and description of the rosary plant

The rosary plants, known scientifically as Senecio rowleyanus either Curio rowleyanusbelong to the group of succulent plantswhose common characteristic is precisely that They accumulate water in their leaves. This gives them a fleshy appearance as well as allowing them to survive in hot climates or periods of drought.

What stands out most about this plant are its spherical leaves about 6 millimeters in diametersimilar to peas, pearls or rosary beads (hence its popular name), which They grow in hanging rows and are very decorative.

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Its leaves are, in fact, a evolutionary adaptation to climatic conditions from its area of ​​origin, which is located in the arid and semi-arid areas of southern Africa (the Eastern and Western Cape provinces of South Africa and southern Namibia).

The spherical shape maximizes its water storage capacity and reduces the surface area of ​​the leaf, thereby minimizing water loss through evaporation.

This creeping and evergreen succulentit looks very pretty when grown in hanging pots or is placed in high places (such as shelves or balconies), where its stems and leaves in showy cascades. Its stems can reach 60-90 cm (and sometimes even longer indoors).

It is worth mentioning that, although at first it was classified within the great genus Senecio under the botanical name of Senecio rowleyanuslater many of the creeping succulents were moved to the genus Curio. That is why the most used botanical name currently is Curio rowleyanus.

rosary plant care

The rosary plant requires little care and can thrive both indoors and outdoors, although some factors must be taken into account so that it is healthy and beautiful:

• Land: It usually grows naturally in dry and rocky environments, and prefers well-drained sandy soils, so that water does not accumulate and rot the roots. You can use a special mixture for cacti and succulents or make the mixture yourself with equal parts potting soil and sand or perlite.
• Temperature: prefers climates between 18°C ​​and 24°C and does not tolerate frost. In winter, it is advisable to move them indoors if temperatures are below 10 °C.
• Irrigation: Succulents, as we said before, accumulate water in their leaves, so they do not require much watering. It will be enough to water them moderately when you see that the earth is completely dry. For example, every 10-15 days in summer and once a month in winter (depending on the weather conditions in your area). Nails leaves that shrink or soften They are a sign that it needs water.
• Lightning: In its natural habitat, the rosary plant grows in partial shade from taller bushes or rocks. You can place it in areas where it has good lighting, but it is advisable avoid the intense midday sun so that it retains its moisture. Indoors, the ideal is to place it near east or west facing windows.
• Pass: You can use a balanced fertilizer for succulents or cacti once a month in the growing seasons (spring and summer).
• Pests and diseases: although they are not very common, it can have mealybugs or aphids (especially during the flowering season). Overwatering, as happens with most plants, can rot the roots.

What is the flower of the rosary plant like?

As with all succulents and cacti, the rosary plant flowering It is much more likely when they are outside and receive good lighting.

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Flowering occurs in summer and the inflorescences are a compact cluster of small white, tubular, trumpet-shaped flowers, with brightly colored stamens. Each inflorescence measures approximately 13 mm in diameter.

They give off a pleasant aromaspicy and reminiscent of cinnamon, and can last up to a month.

Rosary plant toxicity

It is important to mention that the rosary plant is slightly toxic when ingested. It may cause vomiting or diarrhea, as well as skin irritation in sensitive people.

For this reason we must keep it away from children and animals domestic animals such as dogs or cats.

How to reproduce the rosary plant

The rosary plant is very easy to reproduce. You just have to follow these steps:

1. Cut a stem about 5 to 10 centimeters long. Make sure it’s healthy to maximize the chances of it thriving (you’ll know by the color and texture).
2. Remove the leaves of the part you are going to plant so that the stem is exposed.
3. Insert the end of the stem lightly in a pot with moist cactus and succulent substrate. You can also leave it on the surface, making sure that at least one node (the place where one of the leaves you removed was) is in contact with the ground.
4. Place the pot in a place where it receives indirect light and keep the soil slightly moist.

If all goes well, in about two or three weeks it should have taken root.

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