How to grow and care for String of Watermelons Plant (Senecio herreanus) Indoors
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Botanical name: Senecio herreanus
Synonmy: Curio herreanus
Family: Asteraceae
Common names: String of Watermelons Plant, String of Raindrops Plant, Gooseberryplant
String of Watermelons Plant Description
Senecio herreanus (Curio herreanus) commonly called String of Watermelons Plant, String of Raindrops Plant or Gooseberryplant bears pendant thread-like stems on which succulent oval-shaped leaves grow.
The leaves in String of Watermelons Plant are dark-green with purple stripes and resemble the rind of the watermelon fruit and hence the common name, 'String of Watermelons'.
The odd shaped leaves in String of Raindrops Plant is an adaptation to arid conditions and allows for the storage of water while exposing minimum surface area to the dry desert air which greatly reduces water loss.
The fleshy leaves and stems store water, which allows the String of Watermelons Plant to go for a considerably long period without being watered.
Each leaf in String of Raindrops Plant bears a translucent window that runs the length of the leaf which allows light to reach into the interior of the leaf where photosynthesis takes place.
String of Watermelons Plant Origin
String of Watermelons Plant (Senecio herreanus) is a creeping, perennial, succulent vine native to the drier parts of Southwest Africa.
In its natural habitat, the plant grows as a trailer, with stems trailing on the ground, rooting where they touch and forming dense mats.
The String of Raindrops Plant is found growing in the shaded conditions growing under other plants and rocks.
Buy beautiful and healthy String of Watermelons Plant (Senecio herreanus) from Etsy.
String of Watermelons Plant (Senecio herreanus) Care Indoors
Light Requirements
String of Watermelons Plant (Senecio herreanus) grows best in bright light with some morning or late afternoon sunlight of at least 4-6 hours.
Bright light enhances the purple tones on the leaves. Check out this guide on understanding light for houseplants.
How to Water String of Watermelons Plant
Water String of Watermelons Plant (Senecio herreanus) moderately during the growing season and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Reduce watering during the cold period to maintain the soil barely moist. Read more on how to water houseplants.
Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole inorder to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead in root-rot disease and eventual death of your plant.
Temperature
Average warmth between 20-270C during the growing season is ideal for String of Watermelons Plant (Senecio herreanus).
A room temperature that is comfortable for you is ideal for String of Raindrops Plant. Read more on understanding temperature for houseplants.
Humidity
String of Watermelons Plant (Senecio herreanus) has no need for high humidity. Average room humidity is ideal for the plant.
Ensure good air circulation for your String of Raindrops Plant to prevent fungal diseases.
Feeding (Fertilizer)
Feed String of Watermelons Plant (Senecio herreanus) monthly during the growing season with a Cactus and Succulents Fertilizer. This plant is not a heavy feeder so be careful when feeding.
Withhold feeding during the cold season as growth is minimal at this time. Read more on how to feed houseplants.
Repotting
String of Watermelons Plant (Senecio herreanus) has a small root system so frequent repotting is not necessary.
Repot the plant at the beginning of the growing season only when it becomes crowded in its current pot.
Use a pot that is only 1 size larger and one that has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to rotting.
Use a shallow pot and be careful not to bury the stems of your String of Raindrops Plant to prevent rotting.
Soil for String of Watermelons Plant
The best soil for String of Watermelons Plant (Senecio herreanus) should be rich in organic matter, loose and free-draining to avoid getting soggy soil. The soil should be loose enough to allow water to drain out fast enough.
Cactus and Succulents soil is ideal for String of Raindrops Plant. Buy quality Cactus and Succulents Soil for your String of Watermelons Plant from Etsy.
Pruning
Pruning String of Watermelons Plant (Senecio herreanus) involves removal of any dead leaves or stems to keep your plant neat and tidy.
Trim the stems of your String of Raindrops Plant if they become too long or straggly.
Propagation
String of Watermelons Plant (Senecio herreanus) can be propagated at the beginning of the growing season from stem cuttings.
How to propagate String of Watermelons Plant from stem cuttings
Take 3-5 in. of a healthy String of Watermelons Plant stem cuttings and allow the cuttings to dry (callus) for about 7 days.
Lay the stems on moist free-draining soil and lightly press the stems into the soil at the nodes.
Place the set up in a warm, well-lit place and maintain the soil moist until the stems are rooted.
Allow substancial growth before transplanting the new String of Watermelons Plant.
String of Watermelons Plant (Senecio herreanus) Problems Indoors
Wilted and discolored leaves
Wilted and discolored leaves in String of Watermelons Plant (Senecio herreanus) are caused by overwatering during the cold period.
Reduce watering for your String of Raindrops Plant during the cold season and maintain the soil barely moist.
Rotting base, stem collapse
Rotting plant base and stems collapse in String of Watermelons Plant (Senecio herreanus) is an indication of basal stem rot disease which is brought about by overwet conditions.
Avoid overwatering during the cold season. Use the upper stem to propagate new plants and discard the infected parts.
Sudden leaf drop
There are two possible causes on sudden leaf drop in String of Watermelons Plant (Senecio herreanus).
One possible cause of sudden leaf drop in String of Raindrops Plant is watering with very cold water. Being a tropical plant where temperatures are warm, watering with too cold water will shock the plant.
Water your String of Watermelons Plant with water that is at room temperature to avoid shocking this tropical plant.
The second possible cause of sudden leaf drop in your String of Watermelons Plant is underwatering.
Water your String of Raindrops Plant moderately and allow the soil to dry out but never allow the soil ball to dry out completely.
Leggy growth (elongated stems)
Leggy growth (elongated stems) in String of Watermelons plant (Senecio herreanus) during the cold season is due to too much water (overwatering) or soggy soil.
Water your String of Raindrops Plant less during the cold season to maintain the soil barely moist and ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy.
If leggy growth (elongated stems) in your String of Watermelons Plant happens during the growing season, then the cause is too little light.
String of Watermelons Plant grows best in bright light with some direct sunlight of at least 4-6 hours. Too little light will cause the plant to grow weak, elongated stems in an attempt to reach the light source.
Move the plant to a brighter spot and ensure it receives bright light with some direct sunlight of at least 4-6 hours. Also, turn the pot regularly to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for uniform growth.
Brown dry spots
Brown dry spots in String of Watermelons Plant (Senecio herreanus) are due to underwatering resulting in too little moisture in the soil.
Water your String of Raindrops Plant moderately during the hot season while allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
Diseases
The common diseases in String of Watermelons Plant (Senecio herreanus) are Powdery Mildew and Leaf Spot. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other houseplants and treat it appropriately for the diseases.
Pests
The common pests in String of Watermelons Plant (Senecio herreanus) are Mealy Bugs, Scale Insects and Spider Mites. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other houseplants and treat it appropriately for the pests.
Is String of Beads Watermelons (Senecio herreanus) toxic?
The foliage of String of Beads Watermelons (Senecio herreanus) is toxic to humans and pets. If String of Watermelons Plant is ingested, it can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy.
Contact with the String of Raindrops Plant sap may cause skin irritation or skin rash in sensitive skin therefore, always wear gloves when handling the plant.
Keep your String of Watermelons Plant from the reach of children and pets to avoid mishaps.
