With its graceful trail of spherical leaves, this sweet succulent will thrive with a few bursts of sunlight and partial shade

Why will I love it? Who can resist this sweet succulent? It grows into a delicate trailing plant with suspended green spherical leaves, earning it its common name of string of pearls.

Light or shade? Indirect bright light to partial shade.

Where should I put it? Beside a south- or west-facing windowsill so it gets a few hours of sunlight a day but is not in direct sun all the time. Place in a tall pot, or use a hanging basket if the stems are very long.

How do I keep it alive? In its natural habitat of the rocky terrain of South Africa’s Cape Province, the string of pearls will grow creeping shoots that form a mat along the ground, so it is accustomed to some shade and a warm climate. It prefers free-draining soil that gets a good soak but is allowed to dry out between watering. In the winter months, reduce the watering to every two to three weeks, and keep in a cool place (minimum temperature 12C).

Did you know … Its scientific name is Senecio rowleyanus, after the late English botanist Gordon D Rowley, who was cactus and succulent royalty. All parts of the plant are mildly toxic to pets and children if ingested.