String of Needles Ceropegia Linearis, 6" HB

Quick Description

This easy-care-for, drought-tolerant plant, will make a great addition to any succulent collection or for beginners. The string of Needles is a semi-succulent trailing plant with a cluster of slender stems with linear-shaped leaves that closely resemble needles.

Key Information and Plant Overview

• Other Common Names: String of Needles
• Binomial Name: Ceropegia Linearis
• Care Level: Easy
• Light: Bright, Indirect Light
• Water: Allow soil to completely dry.
• Pet Friendly: No

This easy-care-for, drought-tolerant plant, will make a great addition to any succulent collection or for beginners. The string of Needles is a semi-succulent trailing plant with a cluster of slender stems with linear-shaped leaves that closely resemble needles. This great succulent can grow up to 6 ft long and has small pale magenta flowers that pop out in late summer to early fall.

'String of Needles' is an epiphytic and lithophytic species (grows on trees or rocks) and found in Southern Africa. This succulent can be grown outdoors during the summer in a sheltered location with temperatures above 12℃ (54℉), or can remain indoors as a houseplant. During the winter months, the combination of drying soil, shorter days, and cold nights will give the plant a dormancy period. This dormancy period

 is vital for the flower growth in the following season.

PlantX Top Tip: Take cuttings during the spring or summer and put them back into the soil to promote a bushier head.

How to Care for String of Needles 

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light.
• Water: Allow to dry out in between watering.
• Humidity: Tolerates low humidity below 24%
• Temperature: Prefers warm temperatures from 10° - 30°C (50° - 86°F)
• Fertilizer: Follow a monthly fertilizing schedule when the plant is actively growing. In most cases, this is in the spring and summer. Use a balanced fertilizer - this means a ratio of NPK that is all the same. Ex: 10-10-10
• Soil: Use a Cactus & Succulent labelled potting mix.
• Propagation: Cuttings 
• Repotting: Can be done every 12-18 months. Choose a pot that is 2” larger in diameter than the original pot
• Cleaning Tip: Gently spray with water.
• Toxicity: Mildly Toxic

String of Needles - Common Problems

A lack of leaves on soil top: Could be from excess moisture settling on the foliage. Try using a bottom-up watering method and increasing the light levels and air circulation.

Browning or crispy leaves: Reduce the amount of the sun and remove any damaged leaves.

Powdery Mildew: Remove the affected areas and treat with a fungicide.

Signs of Overwatering: yellowing leaves, moldy soil, stunted growth, and a rotten brown base.

Common Pests: Spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, whitefly, root mealybugs, scale and thrips.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the flowers last?

Given the right conditions the flowers can last up to 6 weeks.

Can I put this plant outside?

String of Needles can survive outside in warmer environments or warmer months and bring indoors if temperatures drop below 10°C (50°F).

How do I Prune my String of needles?

Start by removing yellow or dying leaves, using shears cut off the damaged leaves at the stem of the plant.