Why people love it
String of turtles is tiny and charming. Each round, thick leaf is marked with a pattern of veins that looks like a little turtle shell, and the leaves line thin stems that spill over the edge of the pot. It stays small, so it suits a shelf, a desk or a small hanging pot.
Not quite a succulent
Its leaves store some water, so it’s often sold with succulents. But it comes from humid forests, not deserts, so it’s semi-succulent: it wants more regular water and softer light than true succulents.
- Water when the top of the soil is dry, not when the whole pot is bone dry. Never leave it sitting in water.
- Keep it out of harsh sun. A bright spot near a window, without strong midday sun, is ideal.
- It likes some humidity, but normal home air is usually fine.
Growing more
Snip a piece of stem with a few leaves, lay it on top of moist, airy soil, and press it in gently so the stem touches the soil. Keep the soil lightly moist until new growth appears.
Watch out for
- Soft, dark or mushy leaves mean too much water or soil that stays wet. Let it dry out more between drinks.
- Shriveled, curling leaves usually mean it’s too dry. Water a little more often.
- Faded leaf patterns and long, bare stems mean it needs more light.
Tip: It grows slowly, so a full, trailing pot can take a year or two. Planting several cuttings together fills it out faster.
