Is string of pearls toxic to humans?

Author: Shaina Jacobi  |  Last update: Monday, February 9, 2026

String of pearls are toxic to cats, dogs, humans, and small pets including rabbits, chinchillas, and guinea pigs. If ingested, you may experience diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, and lethargy. Coming into contact with the sap of the string of pearls, skin irritation and rash may occur.

Are strings of pearls toxic to children?

String of Pearls sap can be toxic to humans and pets. It can cause dermatitis or skin irritation in humans and lethargy or drooling in animals when they consume the plant. If your household have small children and pets, keep them away from this plant.

Is String of Pearls succulent edible?

rowleyanus is somewhat poisonous and should not be consumed. In humans the string of pearls plant is rated as toxicity classes 2 and 4 by the University of California, Davis. Class 2 is defined by minor toxicity; ingestion of string of pearls may cause minor illnesses such as vomiting or diarrhea.

How do you treat String of Pearls toxic to humans?

🚑 In Case of Exposure and First Aid

If the String of Pearls' sap makes contact with your skin, don't panic—just wash the area with soap and water. But if you've gone and tasted the plant, first question your life choices, then promptly call poison control or seek medical help.

Are strings of pearls toxic to dogs to humans?

Although it is beautiful, the string of pearls plant is toxic to dogs as well as humans. In humans, eating part of the plant can cause moderate gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting. However, if your dog consumes any of the string of pearls, the toxic compounds in the plant can be devastating.

My TOP TIPS for happy + full "string of" plants!

Is Kalanchoe poisonous to humans by touch?

Symptoms of Kalanchoe poisoning in humans may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In extreme cases, if consumed in large amounts, it could potentially affect heart rhythm. But fear not, casual contact with the plant or its flowers is unlikely to cause any harm.

What happens if a cat eats String of Pearls?

String of Pearls is toxic to cats and can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Symptoms of toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Immediate veterinary attention is required if your cat shows signs of poisoning.

Should you mist a String of Pearls?

Feed with a half-strength liquid feed once per month in spring, summer and autumn. Do not mist your plant. Prune any straggly ends to keep the plant looking neat. Strings of pearls have shallow root systems, so they need repotting only every few years, in spring.

What are the benefits of String of Pearls plant?

Indoor air quality gets a boost from the String of Pearls plant. Its knack for cleansing the air and removing toxins is more than just folklore; it's a natural purifier. Beyond its aesthetic charm, it holds traditional medicinal uses, including antimicrobial and anticancer properties.

What is the difference between String of Pearls and string of tears?

The leaves of these three species resemble peas in shape, size and color. The leaves of S. rowleyanus are more spherical in shape (pearls), whereas the leaves of S. citriformis taper towards the tip (tears).

Is it safe to eat String of Pearls?

String of pearls are toxic to cats, dogs, humans, and small pets including rabbits, chinchillas, and guinea pigs. If ingested, you may experience diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, and lethargy. Coming into contact with the sap of the string of pearls, skin irritation and rash may occur.

What is the String of Pearls theory?

The term "String of Pearls" denotes China's strategic initiative to create a network in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) encircling India. It refers to the network of Chinese military and commercial establishments developed by China in countries falling on the Indian Ocean amidst the Chinese mainland and Port Sudan.

Can you propagate a String of Pearls from one pearl?

It takes a little time, and you can grow a whole new string of pearls with the leaves. Remember, the leaves are susceptible to rot, and it becomes challenging if you have started with only the pearl. The best way is to take multiple leaves and grow in the same or different pots for successful propagation.

How long do string of pearls last?

How long does string of pearls plants live? String of pearl plants are short-lived plants. They only live about three to five years before they start losing vitality and begin to die back. They are easy to propagate by stem cuttings to create new plants, allowing the plant to live on indefinitely.

Are succulents toxic to humans?

Succulents Are Generally Not Toxic to Humans. Children more vulnerable to succulent toxicity; symptoms vary from mild to severe. Aloe Vera, Euphorbia, Kalanchoe can be toxic; keep out of children's reach. Immediate action required after ingestion; contact Poison Control or seek medical help.

Why is my string of pearls turning purple?

Leaves Turning Purple & Mushy Stems- Your String of Pearls can experience its leaves turning purple and stems becoming mushy. It is caused by overwatering the plant. This variety is prone to root rot and soil-borne diseases. To prevent this, reduce watering and let the soil dry out completely.

What does a string of pearls plant symbolize?

The string-of-pearls signifies prosperity as it is associated with the Water element, known to promote wealth and abundance in Feng Shui. String-of-pearls's cascading growth pattern, allied with the Kan Qi, invites positive energy and balance, fostering harmonious relationships in home or work space.

Why are string of pearls expensive?

Before the creation of cultured pearls in the early 1900s, natural pearls were so rare and expensive that they were reserved almost exclusively for the noble and very rich. A jewelry item that today's working women might take for granted, a 16-inch strand of perhaps 50 pearls, often costs between $500 and $5,000.

How do I make my string of pearls fuller?

So, the best way to do this I find is to propagate your current string of pearls in the same pot. SoP tend to grow long but not very full unless you help them out. Basically, you'll want to cut a strand of your current SoP, and remove the top few pearls (top being nearest the edge you cut off the original).

How often should strings of pearls be watered?

Watering String of Pearls the right amount

Just because SOP are a succulent, doesn't mean no water. Not at all! Where my gang-of-peas hang out now, they need watering about weekly in warmer months, and about every 3 weeks in winter.

Can I use Miracle Grow on String of Pearls?

A String of Pearls that looks healthy but puts on no new growth for months might be in need of nutrients. Senecio rowleyanus is not a heavy feeder, but a light application of fertilizer can encourage growth. We recommend Miracle Gro Quick Start, diluted with water to half strength.

How to make string of hearts fuller?

Pruning String of Hearts is an important part of its care routine and helps maintain its shape, encourage fuller growth, and promote overall plant health. Pruning may also be necessary to remove dead or damaged vines and leaves. Pruning can make your String of Hearts fuller and bushier.

What kills string of pearls?

Root rot is a serious and often fatal issue for String of Pearls, typically caused by prolonged overwatering or poor drainage. When the soil stays wet for too long, the roots become waterlogged and start to decay. Fungal and bacterial pathogens thrive in these conditions, further damaging the plant.

Is string of pearls bad for dogs?

String of pearls or senecio rowleyanus is not always the easiest to find but is popular due to its unique appearance. If ingested, it can cause stomach upset–predominately vomiting–and lethargy.

Why does my cat try to swallow string?

Cats are known for their playful nature and curiosity. Sometimes, this curiosity leads them to ingest things they shouldn't, like strings, ribbons, or yarn. This can cause various health issues for your feline if it's not addressed promptly.

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