Senecio rowleyanus (string-of-pearls)

Japanese name: グリーンネックレス
Scientific name: Senecio rowleyanus

[Overview]
An evergreen perennial distributed in arid regions, often growing in places shaded by other plants or rocks, away from strong sunlight.
The stems are thin and string-like, creeping along the ground or hanging down, growing up to about 1 m, and rooting where they touch the ground.
The leaves are alternate, spherical and about 1 cm across, with a thin, transparent band-like window and a small pointed tip.
The flower heads are about 1 cm across and white, consist only of tubular florets, have purple-tinged stamens, and have stalks 3–5 cm long.
The fruit is an achene with a pappus.

[Cultivation]
Propagate by cuttings or division, though seed is also possible.
It is safest to keep it at 3 °C or higher over winter, so outside warm regions bring it indoors to a sunny place in winter.
It prefers airy, well-drained, sandy soil.
From autumn to spring place it in the sun; in summer, avoid strong sunlight and place it in bright shade.
Take care not to let it become too wet; for potted plants, water after the soil has dried from spring to autumn, and keep it even drier in winter.
Fertilize sparingly; a small amount of liquid fertilizer in spring and autumn is enough.
Pests and diseases include scale insects and aphids.

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