String of Tears, Variegated Plant, Trailing Succulent, Hanging Plant in 2", 4", 6" pot

String of Tears, Variegated Trailing Succulent, Hanging Plant in a 2-, 4-, or 6-Inch Pot (Curio citriformis, Variegated Form; syn. Senecio citriformis) is an unusual succulent with fleshy, teardrop- or lemon-shaped leaves growing along slender trailing stems. The variegated foliage displays attractive combinations of green, creamy white, pale yellow, and occasional pink tones. Each leaf may also show a translucent longitudinal “window” that helps distinguish this plant from other string succulents. Its cascading habit makes it ideal for hanging baskets, elevated shelves, windowsills, and mixed succulent arrangements. Kew recognizes Curio citriformis as the accepted botanical name and lists Senecio citriformis as a synonym.

Planting Season

Best planted or repotted in: Spring & Early Summer (Warm-Season Trailing Succulent)

Indoor plants may be repotted whenever necessary, but spring and early summer are preferred because active growth helps disturbed roots recover more quickly.

String of Tears is sensitive to frost and prolonged cold. Keep it indoors or in a protected environment when temperatures fall below approximately 50°F (10°C), particularly when growing a small plant in a 2-inch pot.

How to Grow a Variegated String of Tears Plant

Carefully remove the plant from its nursery container without pulling on the delicate stems or squeezing the succulent leaves.

A plant in a 2-inch pot may be transferred into a 3- or 4-inch container after it becomes established. Plants in 4- or 6-inch pots should only be moved into the next pot size when roots fill the container, emerge from the drainage holes, or the soil begins drying unusually quickly.

Avoid placing a small plant directly into a much larger container. Excess unused soil can remain wet for too long and increase the risk of root rot.

Choose a shallow container with unobstructed drainage holes.

Use a loose, fast-draining cactus or succulent potting mix. Add perlite, pumice, coarse sand, or another mineral amendment when additional drainage is needed.

Position the root ball at the same depth it was growing in its nursery pot. Do not bury the crown or fleshy stems deeply.

If roots were damaged during repotting, allow the plant to rest briefly before watering. This gives broken roots time to dry and reduces the chance of decay.

Place a newly repotted plant in bright, filtered light while it adjusts.

Provide bright, indirect light indoors, with several hours of gentle morning or late-afternoon sunlight when possible. Variegated plants need good light to maintain their cream and green coloring.

Gradually acclimate the plant before exposing it to stronger sunlight. Sudden, intense afternoon sun can scorch the pale variegated portions of the leaves.

Insufficient light may produce stretched stems, widely spaced leaves, weak growth, and reduced variegation.

Grow the plant in a hanging basket or on an elevated shelf where the stems can trail freely. Rotate the container occasionally to encourage balanced growth. String of Tears naturally develops short, scrambling or trailing stems with distinctive teardrop-shaped foliage.

How to Care for a Variegated String of Tears Plant

Check the potting mix before watering rather than following a fixed schedule.

Allow most or all of the soil to dry between waterings. Then water thoroughly until excess water flows from the drainage holes.

Never allow the pot to remain in standing water. Constantly wet soil can cause translucent leaves, yellowing, soft stems, root rot, and eventual plant collapse.

Plants in 2-inch pots usually dry faster than plants in 4- or 6-inch containers. Check smaller plants more frequently, but always confirm that the soil has dried sufficiently before watering.

Reduce watering during winter, periods of low light, or whenever growth slows.

Firm, full leaves generally indicate adequate hydration. Wrinkled or deflated leaves may indicate prolonged dryness, while soft, yellow, or translucent foliage often indicates excessive moisture.

Avoid frequent misting. String of Tears prefers good airflow and does not need constantly humid foliage.

Maintain normal warm household temperatures and protect the plant from cold drafts, heating vents, air-conditioning outlets, and sudden temperature changes.

Apply a diluted cactus or succulent fertilizer approximately once every four to six weeks during active spring and summer growth.

Do not fertilize immediately after delivery, repotting, or while the plant is stressed. Reduce or discontinue feeding during fall and winter.

Trim damaged, bare, or excessively long stems to maintain a compact and fuller appearance.

To propagate, take a healthy stem cutting, remove the lowest leaves, allow the cut end to dry briefly, and place it into lightly moist, fast-draining succulent soil. Stems may also be laid across the soil so several nodes can develop roots.

Inspect the stems and leaf joints regularly for mealybugs, scale insects, aphids, and spider mites.

Under favorable conditions, mature plants may produce small white, brush-like flowers with a light cinnamon-like fragrance.

Important Safety Notice: String of Tears is intended for ornamental use and should not be eaten. Because plants sold under “String of Tears” may be confused with other Curio or formerly classified Senecio species, keep the plant away from children and pets that may chew the foliage. Contact a veterinarian or poison-control service if ingestion occurs

Shipping cost will be calculated based on your product and location. You can view the details during checkout.