String of Arrows (Senecio radicans)

The String of Arrows (scientifically known as Senecio radicans) is a beautiful trailing succulent that has gained popularity for its unique, arrowhead-shaped leaves. It’s a part of the Senecio genus, which also includes the well-known String of Pearls and String of Bananas. The String of Arrows is known for its delicate, green foliage and its ability to trail and cascade elegantly over the sides of pots or hanging baskets, making it an attractive option for both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Here’s a comprehensive care guide for the String of Arrows succulent:

1. Overview and Characteristics

Scientific Name: Senecio radicans
Common Name: String of Arrows, Trailing Arrowhead
Family: Asteraceae
Native to: South Africa
Growth Habit: Trailing or cascading vines
Leaf Shape: Narrow, arrowhead-shaped leaves that are soft green or sometimes tinged with a bit of pink or red, especially under bright light.

This succulent is known for its trailing nature, making it a stunning choice for hanging baskets, shelves, wall planters, or windowsills. It thrives in bright light and well-draining soil, making it relatively easy to care for.

2. Light Requirements

String of Arrows thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, but prolonged exposure to harsh sun can scorch its delicate leaves.

Indoors: Place near a south- or west-facing window where it will get plenty of light.
Outdoors: If you live in a warm, dry climate, you can grow it outdoors, but avoid placing it in direct afternoon sun, as it can burn the leaves.

It’s important to provide the plant with plenty of light to encourage healthy, vibrant growth. If it doesn’t receive enough light, it may become leggy (with longer spaces between leaves) and fail to grow well.

3. Watering Needs

As with most succulents, String of Arrows does not require frequent watering and is prone to root rot if overwatered.

Watering frequency: Water when the soil is completely dry. Generally, you will need to water it every 10–14 days during the warmer months (spring and summer) and less frequently during the cooler months (fall and winter).
Watering method: Water thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes of the pot. Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water.
Soil moisture: Make sure the soil dries out completely before watering again. You can check the moisture level by sticking your finger about 2 inches into the soil—if it feels dry, it’s time to water.

Tip: Overwatering is the number one killer of succulents, so always err on the side of underwatering.

4. Soil Preferences

String of Arrows prefers well-draining soil, like most succulents. It’s best to use a cactus or succulent mix for optimal growth. If you make your own mix, consider using:

1 part potting soil
1 part perlite or sand for drainage
1 part coco coir or pine bark for structure

Good drainage ensures the roots don’t stay wet for too long, which can lead to rot.

5. Temperature and Humidity

Being native to South Africa, String of Arrows thrives in warm temperatures and can tolerate slightly higher humidity levels than many other succulents, but it’s still considered a low-humidity plant overall.

Ideal temperature range: 65–85°F (18–29°C).
Minimum temperature: It should not be exposed to temperatures below 50°F (10°C). Protect it from frost or freezing temperatures.

For indoor plants, String of Arrows will do well in regular room temperatures. If growing it outdoors, make sure the climate is warm enough for it to thrive year-round.

6. Fertilizing

Fertilizing String of Arrows can help promote healthy growth, but it doesn’t require a lot of feeding.

When to fertilize: Fertilize once every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring through summer).
Type of fertilizer: Use a diluted, balanced fertilizer (such as a 10-10-10) or a liquid cactus fertilizer.
Over-fertilizing: Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to poor growth and may cause the plant to become leggy.

During the fall and winter months, when the plant is not actively growing, stop fertilizing entirely.

7. Pruning and Maintenance

String of Arrows doesn’t require extensive pruning, but regular care will keep the plant tidy and encourage more growth:

Trim back leggy vines to encourage fuller growth and to control the plant’s size. Prune in spring or early summer to promote new growth.
If the plant starts to get too long or scraggly, you can cut the vines back and propagate the cuttings (which we’ll discuss below).
Remove any dead or damaged leaves as needed to maintain the plant’s appearance and health.

8. Propagation

One of the easiest ways to propagate String of Arrows is through stem cuttings.

Steps to propagate:

Cut a healthy stem that’s about 4–6 inches long. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Let the cut end dry for a day or two. This allows the cut end to callus over, reducing the chance of rot.
Plant the cutting in a small pot with well-draining soil. Ensure the cut end is about 2 inches deep in the soil.
Water sparingly after planting. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
In 2–3 weeks, the cutting should begin to root. You can check by gently tugging on the stem to feel resistance.
Transplant the rooted cutting into a larger pot or into the ground when it’s well-established.

9. Pests and Problems

While String of Arrows is relatively pest-resistant, it can still fall prey to a few common garden pests.

Pests:

Mealybugs: These pests leave a white, cotton-like substance on the leaves and stems. Treat them with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol or an insecticidal soap.
Aphids: These can cause distorted leaves and slow growth. Use a gentle spray of water or an insecticidal soap to get rid of aphids.
Spider mites: Often found in dry conditions, these tiny pests can cause yellowing of the leaves. Increase humidity slightly and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Common Issues:

Overwatering: This is the most common problem, leading to root rot. Ensure the soil dries out between waterings and provide proper drainage.
Leggy growth: This can happen if the plant doesn’t get enough light. Move the plant to a brighter spot to encourage more compact growth.
Leaf drop: This can occur if the plant is stressed from environmental changes or if it is overwatered. Keep a consistent care routine.

10. Container and Hanging Basket Care

If you grow your String of Arrows in a hanging basket or container, make sure it has adequate drainage. Consider a clay or ceramic pot for better moisture control, as plastic pots can sometimes retain too much water.

Hanging baskets also allow the plant’s trailing vines to cascade beautifully, which is part of the charm of this succulent. Just make sure that it’s placed somewhere that gets enough light.

Conclusion

The String of Arrows succulent is an excellent choice for anyone looking to add a low-maintenance, trailing plant to their collection. With its unique arrowhead-shaped leaves and cascading vines, it brings a distinctive look to any indoor or outdoor space. By following the care guidelines for light, watering, soil, and temperature, you’ll have a healthy, thriving plant that will reward you with beautiful foliage and, with a bit of luck, long vines of healthy growth.