If you are on the lookout for a fresh addition to your indoor plant collection, the string of watermelons plant could be a perfect choice. This unique succulent is not only aesthetically appealing but also relatively easy to cultivate. Join gardening expert Paige Foley as she delves into the world of string of watermelons plants and how to care for them!
Are you a fan of the String of Pearls but in search of something more distinctive? Curio Herreanus, colloquially known as the String of Watermelons, might pique your interest. This succulent is characterized by its low-maintenance nature, making it an ideal option for novices in succulent gardening.
String of Watermelons plants thrive elegantly as they trail down shelves, bookcases, or hanging plant holders in corners. While they are perfect for indoor settings, in warmer regions, you can opt to cultivate them outdoors, either in rock gardens, under trees and shrubs, or within planters. Their vibrant green foliage adds a touch of visual charm to any space.
This delightful trailing succulent is quite adaptable and, with adequate light, water, and nutrients, flourishes abundantly. While they excel as houseplants, they can also thrive outdoors year-round in specific hardiness zones. The increased popularity of this succulent is attributed to its easy-going care requirements and visually pleasing aesthetics.
Caring for a String of Watermelon plant doesn’t have to be overwhelming. While it may involve some trial and error initially, once you grasp their needs, maintenance becomes a breeze. Let’s delve deeper into the world of String of Watermelons plants and explore the best care practices.
Curio Herreanus Plant Overview
Plant Type Perennial
Family Asteraceae
Genus Curio
Species Herreanus
Plant Spacing 2 feet +
Native Area Africa
Sunlight Exposure Full Sun
Plant height 1-2’
Water requirements Medium
Plant Depth Soil Level
Hardiness Zone 9-12
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Sandy, well-draining
Pest Mealy bugs, aphids, spider mites
Diseases Fungal Disease
About String of Watermelon
String of Watermelons, also known as String of Tears, String of Raindrops, and String of Beads, resembles String of Pearls but with more teardrop-shaped leaves. Some leaves may have purple stripes, resembling tiny watermelons. They bloom small white flowers during the spring and summer.
A lovely trailing succulent from the Asteraceae family, formerly known as Senecio herreanus, String of Watermelons hails from the deserts of South Africa and Namibia. While they naturally create ground cover, they are popularly grown indoors in planters or hanging pots.
Whether indoors or outdoors, String of Watermelons thrives, often as a stunning houseplant. They make a charming addition to decorative pots, elegantly cascading down shelves, bookcases, or plant hangers. For outdoor growth, consider using them as ground cover in rock beds, wall crevices, or succulent gardens.
Size and Growth
String of Watermelon is a low-growing succulent that spreads widely with its long, slender stems reaching up to 2 feet in optimal conditions. The round leaves, usually up to an inch in size, exhibit purple, translucent stripes reminiscent of a watermelon’s markings that intensify under bright light.
During colder months, the plant may enter a dormancy phase, halting growth temporarily. Indoor specimens may not show noticeable changes, maintaining their vibrant green appearance until spring brings warmer temperatures.
How to Care for String of Watermelon
String of Watermelon, like other trailing succulents such as String of Pearls or String of Bananas, doesn’t demand extensive care. However, to ensure a prolonged lifespan, providing the right care is paramount. Let’s delve into the essential care guidelines required for this charming succulent.
Lighting Needs
When cultivating Curio herreanus indoors, aim for at least six hours of indirect sunlight daily.
Meeting the sunlight requirements for Curio herreanus can pose a challenge due to its high needs, which may vary depending on whether it’s cultivated indoors or outdoors. Optimal outdoor growth typically occurs in partial shade, emulating the plant’s natural habitat where it thrives beneath trees and other natural shading elements.
For indoor cultivation, bright sunlight exposure for 6 to 8 hours daily is recommended to prevent leggy growth.
Watering Instructions
Due to its drought tolerance, String of Watermelon should be watered every 1 to 2 weeks.
String of Watermelon, a drought-tolerant plant that stores water in its leaves, can endure prolonged periods without regular watering. The watering frequency varies based on indoor or outdoor settings. Typically, water every 7 to 14 days, adjusting for outdoor conditions with more frequent watering if necessary.
Ensure proper drainage to prevent overwatering, allowing the soil to partially dry between waterings.
Soil Requirements
Curio herreanus thrives in well-draining soil enriched with sandy components.
Similar to most succulents, String of Watermelon prefers well-draining soil with added gritty materials such as sand or perlite for optimal growth. Standard succulent potting mixes are suitable and readily available at garden centers.
For proper succulent growth, it is essential to ensure the soil has good drainage. Creating a suitable succulent soil mix involves blending standard potting soil with perlite or sand. To avoid issues like root rot, outdoor growers may need to modify natural soils to enhance drainage.
Amend ground soil before planting to prevent damage to your succulent. Incorporating sand, gravel, or perlite into the soil mix aids in preventing waterlogging, which can lead to fungal diseases. Regular monitoring and prompt adjustments are crucial to maintaining optimal soil drainage.
Temperature
Native to regions with varying temperatures, Curio herreanus can endure a wide temperature range, even surviving lows of 25 F. However, extended exposure to cold temperatures can lead to plant shutdown and eventual death. Optimal growth is achieved within the temperature range of 68 to 95 F.
While suitable for outdoor settings, keep an eye on extreme temperatures and consider moving the plant indoors during significant drops in temperature. To induce dormancy and encourage spring flowering, expose the plant to temperatures of about 50 to 60 F.
Fertilizer
Curio herreanus can tolerate higher fertilizer levels compared to other succulents. During the growing season, feed biweekly with a well-balanced liquid or slow-release fertilizer. Adjust fertilization to every six weeks during winter dormancy to support the plant’s reduced growth activity. Apply fertilizer at the base to avoid leaf damage, especially in low-quality soils that deplete nutrients rapidly.
Maintenance
String of Watermelons is lauded for its low maintenance requirements but responds well to regular care. Routine maintenance efforts contribute to a vibrant and flourishing plant. Let’s look at the essentials of pruning and overwintering.
Pruning
Regular pruning, ideally after flowering in spring or summer, helps maintain the desired shape of your plant and eliminate any unsightly growth. When your Curio herreanus starts looking leggy or woody, it’s time to trim back. Pruning not only enhances plant health but also gives you better control over its size and appearance.
Trim back dead stems near the base with sharp shears or scissors, cutting close to a node to encourage new growth. Leggy stems with sparse leaves should be trimmed to foster healthier growth patterns.
Overwintering
JAMES
James is an environmental gardener and passionate writer who holds a master's degree in agriculture. He graduated from Harvard University with a degree in environmental horticulture and has a particular interest in soil composition. Currently, James works as a researcher in plant research, where he continues to explore and advance knowledge in his field. His combined expertise in environmental gardening and soil science helps him contribute valuable insights to both academic and practical gardening communities.