String of Turtles

How to care for String of Turtles

Light

String of Turtles thrives in bright, indirect light, such as that found near an east- or north-facing window, or set back from a south- or west-facing one. Direct midday sun will scorch the delicate leaves, causing bleaching or crisping of the patterning, while very low light will cause the characteristic variegation to fade and growth to become sparse and leggy. A few hours of gentle morning sun is generally well tolerated.

Watering

This plant stores some moisture in its fleshy leaves and stems, so it is important not to overwater it. Allow the top half of the compost to dry out between waterings, then water thoroughly until water drains from the base. Empty the saucer promptly, as the plant is very sensitive to waterlogged roots and will rot quickly if left sitting in water. Reduce watering significantly in autumn and winter when growth slows.

Soil and potting

A light, free-draining compost is essential. A mix of two parts peat-free multipurpose compost to one part perlite, or a ready-made cactus and succulent compost, works well. The mix must not compact or retain excessive moisture. Good aeration around the roots helps prevent the root rot to which this species is prone.

Feeding

Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser at half the recommended strength once a month during the active growing season from April to September. Do not feed in autumn or winter, as excess nutrients during dormancy can damage the roots and encourage weak, soft growth. Over-feeding is a more common problem than under-feeding with this species.

Humidity and temperature

Being of rainforest origin, Peperomia prostrata prefers moderate to high humidity, ideally above 50%. In centrally heated homes, humidity can fall too low, leading to crispy leaf edges and poor growth. Grouping plants together, placing the pot on a tray of damp pebbles, or using a humidifier nearby will all help. Keep the plant away from cold draughts, radiators, and open windows in winter. It prefers temperatures between 18 and 26 C and should not be exposed to anything below 10 C.

Repotting

String of Turtles has a small, fine root system and does not need repotting often, typically every two to three years or when clearly rootbound. Choose a pot only one size up, as excessively large pots retain too much moisture and increase the risk of root rot. Terracotta pots are beneficial as they allow the compost to dry out more evenly. Spring is the best time to repot.

Pruning

Pruning is not essential but can be used to keep the plant tidy and encourage bushier growth. Pinch back any excessively long, straggly stems just above a leaf node using clean, sharp scissors. Removing dead or yellowing leaves promptly improves air circulation and the overall appearance of the plant. Pruned stem sections can be used as cuttings.

Is String of Turtles toxic?

Common problems

How to propagate

Stem tip cuttings

Cut a stem section 5 to 8 cm long with at least two or three leaves attached, allow the cut end to callous for an hour or two, then insert it into moist, well-draining compost or place it in water. Roots typically develop within three to six weeks in a warm, humid environment.

Leaf cuttings

Remove a healthy leaf with a short piece of petiole attached and place it on or just into moist compost, ensuring the petiole makes contact with the substrate. Cover loosely with a clear plastic bag or propagator lid to retain humidity and wait for small plantlets to emerge at the base of the petiole, which can take several weeks.

Where String of Turtles comes from

Native to Brazil.

Story and origins

The genus name Peperomia derives from the Greek words 'peperi', meaning pepper, and 'homoios', meaning resembling, reflecting the genus's close relationship to true pepper plants in the family Piperaceae. The species epithet 'prostrata' comes from the Latin 'prostratus', meaning lying flat or prostrate, referring to the plant's naturally trailing and spreading growth habit. The common name 'String of Turtles' is a direct reference to the appearance of the leaf patterning, which resembles the scute pattern found on the shell of a tortoise or turtle.

Peperomia prostrata is native to the tropical rainforests of Brazil, where it grows as a low-creeping epiphyte or terrestrial plant on forest floors and rocky outcrops beneath a dense canopy. The genus Peperomia was formally described by the Spanish botanists Ruiz and Pavon in their 1794 work 'Florae Peruvianae et Chilensis Prodromus', though individual species within the genus were described over subsequent centuries. String of Turtles became popular in the houseplant trade relatively recently, rising to prominence as part of the broader wave of interest in unusual trailing and hanging plants during the 2010s. It does not carry significant cultural or symbolic history, but its distinctive leaf markings have made it a collector's favourite among enthusiasts of small and unusual foliage plants.

Varieties to know

Peperomia prostrata 'Variegata'

A less commonly seen form with additional creamy yellow variegation on the leaves alongside the typical silver and green patterning.

Fun facts

• The intricate tessellated pattern on each leaf is formed by translucent cells that allow light to penetrate to deeper chlorophyll-rich tissue layers, which is an adaptation to the dappled, low-light conditions of the rainforest understorey.
• Despite resembling a succulent in its growth habit and watering needs, Peperomia prostrata is not a true succulent; it is classified as a semi-succulent or succulent-like plant.
• The genus Peperomia contains over 1,000 described species, making it one of the largest genera of flowering plants in the world.
• String of Turtles produces tiny, inconspicuous flower spikes called spadix-like inflorescences that are rarely considered ornamental and are often removed to redirect the plant's energy into leaf production.
• Each leaf typically measures only 1 to 2 cm in diameter, making this one of the smallest-leaved members of its genus commonly grown as a houseplant.

String of Turtles FAQ