Buying guide
Buy a String of Pearls Online: Sizes, What to Check, and Where to Buy
By the Plantshop.com Editorial Team · Updated · How we research · Report an error
Bead-like leaves on trailing strands make this succulent a favorite for hanging pots and high shelves.
Plant profile
- Light
- Bright light with some direct sun
- Water
- When soil is dry; water lightly
- Humidity
- Low
- Pets
- Toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA) [ASPCA]
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Size
- Trailing 2-3 ft
- Growth
- Moderate
Is a string of pearls right for you?
It suits you if you can give it bright light with some direct sun and you are happy to water when soil is dry; water lightly. Difficulty: Moderate. It is toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it out of reach or choose a pet-safe plant instead. Not sure? Try the Plant Finder.
Similar plants to consider: Pothos, Peace Lily, Heartleaf Philodendron, Philodendron Birkin.
Sizes and what you will receive
Online shops sell plants by nursery pot diameter: about 4 in (small, shelf), 6 in (desk or table), 8-10 in (small floor plant) and 12 in and up (floor statement). Height varies a lot within one pot size, so read the listed height too. A mature string of pearls can reach Trailing 2-3 ft and growth is moderate, so a smaller plant will take time to fill out; buy closer to the size you want.
What to check when buying: a healthy string of pearls
- Firm, evenly colored leaves with no mushy stems at the soil line.
- Soil that is not sour-smelling or waterlogged when it arrives.
- No webbing, sticky residue or tiny moving insects under the leaves.
- Roots, if you peek, that are pale and firm rather than brown and soft.
Problems to know about before buying:
- Shriveled pearls: Underwatering or root rot; check the roots.
- Mushy pearls: Overwatering.
- Bare top: Too little light at the crown.
Prices
We do not quote prices until we have checked them. They change with pot size, season and sales. To compare fairly, compare the same pot size and check whether a decorative pot and shipping are included.
Shipping and seasonal risks
Succulents handle transit well, but still dislike freezing temperatures. In winter, order from a shop that adds heat packs or holds shipments in freezing weather, and bring the box inside as soon as it arrives. Summer heat in a delivery truck can also damage plants, so avoid long weekends in transit.
Your first week after delivery
- Unbox right away and photograph any damage; most guarantees need photos within a set window.
- Water only if the soil is dry; many plants arrive already moist.
- Give it bright light with some direct sun, but avoid harsh direct sun for a few days.
- Keep it away from other plants for one to two weeks in case of pests.
- Wait two to four weeks before repotting. Full care guide: String of Pearls care.
Where to buy a string of pearls online, and why
We list a shop only after confirming it currently lists this plant (checked 21 Oct 2026). Stock changes daily. We may earn a commission from some links; it never decides what we list. Disclosure.
The Sill
Listing we found: String of Pearls (checked 21 Oct 2026)
New York-founded houseplant brand known for design-led plants. Its menus also list outdoor plants, orchids, bundles, gifts and subscriptions. Policy notes: a 30-day arrival guarantee.
What customers say: Owners on Reddit praise plant quality but often mention price and winter shipping damage. Read the summary
Compare shipping and guarantee terms side by side in Online plant shop policies compared.