Explained: How Do You Take Care of String of Tears Plant?
The String of Tears (Senecio herreianus) is a beautiful creeping succulent with trailing tendrils and tear-shaped leaves. This plant has a unique way of transforming any space into an oasis of joy. It adapts extremely well indoors, particularly in hanging baskets or wall-mounted planters.
Originating from South Africa, the string of tears is closely related to the string of pearls and the string of the bananas plant. It is relatively easy to grow and take care of. Before I take you through the process of growing this fabulous succulent, let’s know a few facts about it.
Common names | String of tears or string of raindrops |
Botanical name | Senecio herreianus |
Plant type | Succulent |
Mature size | 1-3 feet long |
Sun exposure | Partial to full sun |
Hardiness zones | 9-12 (USDA) |
Toxicity if ingested | Toxic to humans and pets |

How to grow and care for the string of tears plant
It is now 7 years since I started growing the string of tears plants. While they look delicate, I have not seen any difficulty in care compared to other succulents in my garden. Here are a few tips for beginners:
How to water it
Less is more when watering the string of raindrops. Aim to keep the soil slightly moist during the growing season in spring and summer. I recommend watering once every seven to 14 days. Cut down on watering during the months of winter.
If you notice that the top inch of the soil feels dry to touch then it’s a good indicator that the plant needs water. In addition, the succulent’s spherical leaves may flatten when the plant is thirsty. Plants in hotter climates or in porous terra-cotta pots might need closer watering intervals.
Like any other succulent, water thoroughly until water drains out of the bottom of the pot. However, be careful not to overwater your string of tears plants as it can cause root rot and other fungal infections. Succulents cannot survive with wet, soggy roots.
Where to place it
The string of tears thrives in partial to full sunlight. They are best kept in areas with six to eight hours of direct sunlight. The hot afternoon sunlight can be harsh to the plant. I recommend moving it to partial shade or a place that gets diffused, indirect light.
In places without sufficient light, you may use artificial grow lights. Lack of enough amount of light can cause the plant to grow spindly or leaves to drop. When using grow lights, keep the recommended distance to avoid too much heat around the plant.
Type of soil to use
Cactus potting mix or any soil recommended for planting succulents is your best bet for a string of tears. Alternatively, mix any potting soil with sharp sand in a ratio of 3:1. The aim is to encourage proper drainage. Water standing at the roots will easily result in root rot.
In addition, plant them in a pot that has drainage holes at its base. I recommend using Terra-cotta or clay pots as they quickly wick away excess moisture from the root area.
Temperature and humidity
The string of tears thrives in room temperatures or warm temperatures above 70°F. During winter, temperatures in the range of 50 to 60°F are sufficient. Thus succulents aren’t a fan of high humidity. Avoid misting or keeping it in humid areas like the kitchen and bathrooms.
How to fertilize
String of tears aren’t heavy feeders but fertilizing them biweekly during the growing seasons with a well-balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer that is diluted to half strength will help in boosting their growth. Do not feed the plant during the dormant stage in winter.
Prune or not
Pruning isn’t essential for the string of raindrops but you may use sterilized scissors or pruners to trim off stems that are getting too long or leggy. The trick can also help in promoting bushier plants. You can use the healthy cuttings to propagate new plants.
Overwintering
The string of tears can survive freezing temperatures during winter. If you live in zone 8 or below, it’s best to bring the plant indoors to avoid frost damage. However, keep the plant away from heating sources. A cool room that gets at least six hours of light is a perfect spot.
Repotting
You can repot your string of tears succulent after 1-2 years to provide space for root expansion. Remember to use a well-draining cactus or succulent mix and a pot with ample drainage holes. The size of the pot should be 2 to 3 inches larger than the one you currently have.
The best time to repot your string of tears is at the start of the growing season in spring. After about 3 to 5 years, this plant tends to die back and lose its vigor. At this point, it will be better to propagate it from new cuttings rather than repotting the old plant.
How to propagate string of tears plant
The easiest way to propagate the string of tears is through stem cutting.
Here are the steps:
- Choose a healthy stem from the plant and use a sterilized knife or pruner to take a cutting. You may remove the bottom leaves and remain with just a few at the top.
- Place the cuttings in a dry, shaded location for a day or two to allow the cut-end to callus over. This will help prevent it from rotting.
- Fill small pots with well-draining cactus or succulent soil mix and plant the cutting. Insert it about an inch deep and gently press the soil around to secure it.
- Water the cuttings immediately after planting and place the pot in a place with bright indirect sunlight.
- The cuttings should root within a few weeks. So, be patient and water only when the soil gets dry.
- Once the cuttings have rooted, you can transplant them into a larger pot.
Diseases and common problems
The string of tears hardly has issues with pests and diseases. Watering is the biggest problem with this plant. Excess moisture around the roots can easily cause root rot. This may kill the plant. Less watering on the other hand can cause the leaves to wither and drop.
I can’t completely rule out the possibility of pests. Mealybugs, aphids, and scale insects can cause yellowing of the leaves stunted growth, and poor health. It’s best to regularly inspect the plant and treat any pest with neem or insecticidal soap.
Final thought
String of tears is easy to grow and care for. Essentially this plant needs partial shade or bright indirect light, and minimal watering. Simply allow the soil to become dry between waterings. This cascading succulent is perfect for hanging baskets or wall-mounted planters. It should be kept away from children and pets because it’s toxic when ingested.

My name is Diane M Lewik, and I am the founder of this website. I am a degree holder in plant biology from the University of California – Berkeley. Over the years, I have cultivated a vast collection of succulents and I have learned a great deal about how to grow and care for these unique plants. Feel free to ask any questions in the comment section below.