Are you looking for an easy-care houseplant that not only looks pretty in a hanging basket, but also surprises you with an unexpected fragrance? Then the pea plant is made for you. Its spherical leaves are reminiscent of a string of pearls – and if you do everything right, it will even reward you with delicate white flowers that have a surprising cinnamon scent.
The green hanging plant with a hint of cinnamon
The pea plant (Senecio rowleyanus) 🛒, also under the name String of Pearls originally comes from South Africa and is a leaf succulent. Its long, hanging shoots with spherical leaves not only look decorative, but also store water – ideal if you tend to forget to water.
But its visual highlight isn’t everything: in optimal conditions, the pea plant produces small, tubular flowers. And here comes the surprise: they smell sweet and spicy like cinnamon. Who would have thought that of a succulent plant?
How to make your pea plant smell good
In order for your pea plant to produce flowers, it needs a bright location, but not direct midday sun. A window spot with morning or evening sun or plenty of indirect light is ideal. Temperatures also play a role: in summer, the plant feels comfortable at around 20 °C, in winter it needs a cool dormant phase at around 12 to 15 °C. This change in temperature stimulates flower formation.
You should also water the plant sparingly. As soon as the leaves can be easily pressed in or show small wrinkles, it’s time to water – preferably from below. During the growth phase, you can help with a mild liquid fertilizer every six weeks. This will give the plant enough strength to produce its fragrant flowers in spring.
Proper propagation of pea plants – very easy with cuttings
Would you like to have more of these charming cinnamon plants in your home? No problem! In spring, cut a shoot between two “peas”, leave it to dry for two days and then stick it in slightly moist soil. In a warm, bright place, the cutting will develop roots in about two weeks.
Tip: Plant several cuttings in one pot at the same time – this will create a lush, dense “carpet of pearls” over time.
Caution: Even if it looks like this, it is not edible
As pretty as the leaves look: The pea plant is slightly poisonous. So keep it out of the reach of children and pets. Contact with the sap or accidental consumption can lead to gastrointestinal complaints.
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The pea plant not only smells wonderful – it’s also uncomplicated
Whether in the bedroom, living room or office: the pea plant not only adds style to your home with its hanging shoots, but also surprises you with a delicate scent of cinnamon when it’s feeling really well. Easy to care for, decorative in a self-tied hanging basket and a real talking point – just the thing for anyone who loves plants but doesn’t have green fingers.
Source: Plantura, Feey
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