A String of... Obsession?

So, I may have a tiny obsession with strings. I mean, sure, macramé has its place in my sunroom haven, but that's a whole separate blog post. The string obsession I'm referring to is trailing succulents that often imitate other things in nature. It all began with a classic String of Pearls, and now it's blossomed into a full-blown succulent string quartet!

String of Dolphins (Senecio peregrinus)

This vining succulent features plump curled leaves that have look like little dolphins leaping into the water. I scored this from my bestie from another nestie, who shares a plant obsession with me. (Okay, I may have gotten her addicted...I can't be stopped!

String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)

This creeping succulent boasts juicy round leaves that could pass for tiny peas or a fancy green necklace. This one was a gifted to me by my sister, after she took pity on me for turning my first one into a plant ghost.

String of Rubies (Othonna capensis)

This trailing succulent (top of photo) has reddish colored stems and narrow bean-ling shaped leaves. When this plant gets all worked up by the hot sun or a cold spell, its leaves reflect it's mood and change to hues of burgundy and purple. I scored this beauty on discount at my local hardware store last fall, as they were bidding their summer plants adieu.

String of Turtles (Peperomia prostrata)

This sassy succulent totally steals the show. Shoutout to the Brazilian Rainforest for giving us this adorable gem! Its leaves are basically tiny flat turtle shells – how cute is that? I purchased this on Etsy, and am currently playing super hero to help save this after a...disastrous winter. “Wise man say: Forgiveness is divine, but never pay full price for late pizza” ~Michelangelo, 1990

Donkey Tail (Sedum morganianum)

Okay, so this little guy might not fit the traditional "string of" succulent category, but hey, it's a standout in its own right! With its adorable plump little bluish-green teardrop-shaped leaves, it's basically begging for a cheek pinch. But be warned, this plant can be a drama queen - one tiny bump and its leaves go flying faster than you can say "oops!"

Adopt Responsibly

If you start feeling adventurous after discovering this fun world of stringed succulents, and decide to invite some of these fun plants into your home, here are some helpful tips for getting started with succulents:

1. Read up on their individual care instructions (I love The Spruce)

2. Plant in well draining pots (drainage holes are a must)

3. Use a succulent friendly mix of soil (never regular potting mix)

4. Don't overwater (succulents require much less than other plants)

5. Bottom feeders (set pots in a tray of water and let them drink from below to prevent fungus and bacteria spreading on the leaves)

6. Fertilize sparingly (they don't need a lot, see my tea recipe below)

7. Learn how to propagate (if it starts dying, you can often re-start from leaves)

8. Alcohol (not to drink! if tiny pests start showing up, spray them with rubbing alcohol)

Special "Plant Tea" Recipe

Word on the street is, if you ain't sippin' on some sweet tea, you ain't a true Southerner! Me? I'm all about that Hot Tea life. Even my plants get in on the action every now and then, with a fancy cold brew tea. Guess you could say they've got a taste for the finer things in life! This no-waste brew is a great way to amend your succulent soil.

Ingredients:

• Banana Peels (qty 1-2)

• Coffee Grounds (1/2 cup)

• Dry Eggshells (qty 2-3)

• Water (1 mason jar full)

To Make:

Now that you are done digging in the trashcan, grind up your dried eggshells the best you can (using a molcajete or small food processor). Put all ingredients in a mason jar, fill with water and let it steep overnight. I highly recommend investing in a good steeper to strain out the gunk before serving this fancy elixir to your thirsty green pals. Whenever your leafy buddies are feeling down in the dumps, this concoction will have them dancing in no time.

Let's Chat

It's time to spill the tea - what is the coolest succulent you own or have ever seen?

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