String of Turtles
Tiny round leaves patterned like turtle shells on thread-thin trailing stems. A miniature peperomia that is pet-safe, desk-sized and slow, and wants bright light and a light hand with water.
String of turtles is the plant people buy for the name and keep for the detail: each leaf is a tiny green disc marked with a lighter turtle-shell pattern, on stems as fine as thread. It stays small for years and trails a foot or so from a small pot.
It is a peperomia, so the care is easy: bright light, let it dry a bit, and do not fuss.
Light
Bright indirect light for the strongest pattern. An east window is ideal. Medium light is tolerated with plainer leaves. Direct sun scorches the small leaves fast.
Water
Water when the top inch is dry, about every eight days in summer and every two weeks in winter. The leaves go flat and thin when thirsty and plump up after a drink. It rots if kept wet.
Soil and potting
A light, airy mix with plenty of perlite. A shallow pot; the roots are tiny. Repot every couple of years, an inch up.
Feeding
A quarter-strength feed every eight weeks in spring and summer.
Propagation
Lay stem cuttings on damp soil and pin them; they root at the nodes. Or push a few stems into a fresh pot.
In a hot, dry home
Manageable. It likes forty percent humidity and shows dry air as smaller, flatter leaves, but it copes better than most small tropicals. Keep it out of hot sun and away from vents.
Problems and fixes
Leaves flat and shrivelling
Likely cause: Thirst
Fix: Water thoroughly.
Stems rotting at the soil
Likely cause: Overwatering
Fix: Let it dry out; re-root healthy stems.
Faded pattern
Likely cause: Not enough light
Fix: Move to brighter indirect light.
String of Turtles questions
Is string of turtles safe for cats and dogs?
Yes. It is a peperomia and non-toxic to pets.
How often should I water string of turtles?
Every eight days or so in summer and every two weeks in winter, when the top inch is dry.
Why is my string of turtles growing so slowly?
It is slow by nature. Bright indirect light and warmth speed it up a little.
Plants with a similar rhythm
String of Hearts
- Light
- Bright indirect to direct sun
- Water
- Every 10 days
- Pets
- Safe
Hoya Kerrii
- Light
- Bright indirect to direct sun
- Water
- Every 2 weeks
- Pets
- Safe
