This is why it is featured in houseplant collections and apartment jungles worldwide.

It issmall in size and has a slow growth rate, reaching full maturity in three to five years.

This makes string of turtles a good choice if you have limited space.

String of Turtles plant

Dysmorodrepanis, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

That same leaf shape is what gives the plant its common name.

Each one looks like the shell of a miniature turtle strung together.

Every tiny leaf on its trailing vine has intricate multi-colored patterns covering its surface.

string of pearls plants

But still, this littlesucculentnever really loses its charm.

Different, though, does not mean complicated.

An adequately cared forPeperomia prostratawill reward owners with a unique, well kept, vining succulent.

string of rubies

Light

String of turtles plantslove bright indirect sunlight and will thrive in these conditions.

Keeping these plants infull sunfor too long will damage the leaves.

These premixes should not be used forPeperomia prostrata.

String of hearts plant

Instead, a mix consisting mainly of organics should be used.

One that is rich in peat is ideal.

Testing the soil is every so often is a good idea.

string of dolphins

The plant tends tosuffer from overwateringmore than it does from dryconditions.

It is native to the Brazilian rain forest, so it prefers slightly moist conditions.

Then the plant is not watered when the top level of the soil is dried out.

String of bananas

Using this method ensures the plant stays properly watered during dormant months.

Feed it with a dilutedhouseplant fertilizerbiweekly during the growing season.

Fertilizing is not recommended during the fall or winter.

Variegated String of Hearts in a terracotta pot on top of books

Is String of Turtles Toxic?

Occasional pruning will allow you to abscise dead and damaged stems and leaves, and remove unwanted growth.

It also encourages new, more vigorous growth to flourish.

Do all pruning with sanitized scissors or very sharp snips.

Pruning Tip

Looking for the best pruners for your string of turtles plant?

We tested10 top-rated prunersin our Lab to confirm your plant stays happy and healthy.

This plant does not like to be kept in full sun or else their leaves can become damaged.