Senecio rowleyanus

A trailing succulent with round, pea-sized leaves on thin stems. Each bead has a narrow, see-through stripe that lets light into the leaf. Also sold as Curio rowleyanus.

The beads store water, so let the soil dry out completely before watering, then water well. Too much water is the main risk: the stems rot at the base. Give it bright light with a few hours of direct sun. In a dim spot the stems get thin and the beads sit further apart. Keep it above 10 °C.

Grows at a steady pace, faster in spring and summer. The strands hang over the edge of the pot and can reach 60 to 90 cm, so put it high, on a shelf or in a hanging pot. Small white flowers that smell of cinnamon can appear in late winter or spring.

Native to dry parts of south-west Africa, where it creeps along the ground in the shade of rocks and shrubs. Toxic to cats and dogs if eaten. Ships in a 6 cm pot.