About String of Watermelons / Senecio Herreanus (4 inch)
String of Watermelons is a fascinating succulent that resembles String of Pearls, with round leaves trailing on slender stems from the pot or along the ground. What makes it interesting are the deep green or purple-striped leaves, resembling miniature watermelons. These stripes, known as "Leaf window," are adaptations to protect against intense sunlight in their native habitat; exposure to bright sunlight enhances their color.
How to care for String of Watermelons / Senecio Herreanus (4 inch)
Sunlight: A string of Watermelons thrives best in bright, indirect sunlight to maintain its perfect shape and color. It requires 3-4 hours of bright indirect sunlight daily. During summer, please protect it from direct sunlight to prevent leaf damage by providing shading or moving it to a more fantastic location.
Temperature: String of Watermelons prefers temperatures between 60-80°F. Take precautions if temperatures drop below 25°F in winter by moving it indoors or extending its exposure to sunlight. In temperatures exceeding 80°F during summer, relocate it to a cooler, well-ventilated area or where air conditioning is available.
Soil/Pot: Opt for well-draining succulent soil for String of Watermelons. Combine standard potting soil with perlite or sand for DIY soil mix in a 2:1:1 ratio. You can choose pots with drainage holes to ensure excess water drains promptly, preventing root rot.
A string of Watermelons is ideal for hanging displays due to its trailing growth habit, so plant it in hanging pots or elevated positions.
Watering: String of Watermelons is a drought-tolerant perennial. Before water, remember to to check if the soil is dry; water only when the soil is arid. Use the bath watering method and promptly remove excess water from the inside of the pot to prevent waterlogging.
Propagation: Propagating a String of Watermelons is straightforward using cuttings. In spring or autumn, select healthy stems and cut several 4-5inch cuttings using sterilized scissors. Remove the lower leaves from the cut end of each cutting and allow the wounds to be callous in a cool, ventilated area for 2-3 days. Plant the cuttings in well-draining soil and place them in bright, indirect light. Use a spray bottle to keep the soil lightly moist. Roots should develop within 7-14 days with increased light exposure and regular care.
More Information
Primary color: Green & Purple
Blooming color: White
Cold hardiness: USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11 (from 20°F to 50°F)
Product format: Rooted in 4" pot
Suitability: Ideal for garden, balcony, window
Propagation: Easy by cuttings
Unique characteristic: Easy to propagate & toxic to humans and animals
