String of Turtles Care: The Tiny Trailing Plant with Patterned Leaves

String of Turtles (Peperomia prostrata) is one of the most charming and miniature trailing plants you can grow. The leaves are tiny (less than 1 inch across), round, and patterned like intricate turtle shells—with dark green “veining” that mimics the hexagonal patterns on real turtle shells and lighter green or cream background. Each leaf looks like a tiny turtle swimming along the vine. The vines are delicate, slow-growing, and compact (typically 12 to 18 inches long when mature), giving the plant a dainty, precious, almost jewelry-like appearance.

Despite its delicate appearance, String of Turtles is surprisingly easy to care for. It’s a peperomia (not a true succulent), which means it stores some water in its semi-succulent leaves and tolerates slight underwatering better than most foliage plants. This makes it more forgiving than it looks. It’s easier than String of Pearls (which is notoriously finicky), more compact than most trailing plants, and perfect for small spaces, terrariums, or anyone who loves miniature plants.

What makes String of Turtles so special:

Miniature turtle-shell patterned leaves: Each leaf is less than 1 inch across (0.5 to 0.75 inches) and patterned like a turtle shell. The dark green “veining” creates hexagonal patterns against a lighter green or cream background. The intricate detail is stunning up close. It’s one of the most unique and recognizable leaf patterns in the houseplant world.
Compact, slow-growing trailing habit: String of Turtles produces delicate trailing vines that cascade down 12 to 18 inches when mature (1 to 3 years). Some very old plants (5+ years) can produce vines up to 24 inches, but 12 to 18 inches is typical. The slow growth means it doesn’t outgrow its space quickly or require constant pruning.
Perfect for small spaces: Because the leaves are tiny and the vines stay compact, String of Turtles is ideal for small shelves, desktops, terrariums, or hanging in small macrame planters. It doesn’t overwhelm small spaces the way larger trailing plants (like pothos or philodendrons) can.
Easier than it looks: String of Turtles has a delicate, precious appearance that makes people think it’s high-maintenance. In reality, it’s a forgiving peperomia that tolerates slight underwatering, normal household humidity (no humidifier needed), and occasional neglect. It’s easier than String of Pearls, String of Hearts, or most ferns.
Semi-succulent leaves: Peperomias have semi-succulent leaves that store water, so they tolerate drought better than most foliage plants. This makes String of Turtles more forgiving of inconsistent watering.
Unique hybrid origin: String of Turtles is native to the rainforests of Brazil, where it grows as a creeping ground cover in shaded, humid conditions. It’s adapted to low to medium light and consistent moisture (but not soggy soil).

Care difficulty: Beginner to Easy. String of Turtles is easier than most trailing plants and more forgiving than succulents like String of Pearls. The biggest challenge is avoiding overwatering—peperomias are sensitive to soggy soil and root rot.

Growth rate: Very slow. String of Turtles is one of the slowest-growing trailing plants. Expect vines to grow 4 to 6 inches per year in ideal conditions. This slow growth is part of the appeal—it doesn’t outgrow its pot quickly or require frequent maintenance. But if you’re used to fast-growing plants (like pothos or philodendrons), String of Turtles will feel glacial.

Mature size: Vines trail 12 to 18 inches long when mature (1 to 3 years). Very old plants (5+ years) can produce vines up to 24 inches, but this is rare. The plant stays compact and manageable.

Toxicity: String of Turtles is non-toxic to pets and humans. Unlike many houseplants, it’s safe for homes with cats, dogs, and children. This makes it a great gift plant.

Let’s talk about how to keep your String of Turtles healthy and producing those adorable turtle-shell leaves.

Quick Care Summary

Light: Bright, indirect light
Water: When soil is mostly dry (every 1 to 2 weeks)
Humidity: 40 to 60 percent (normal household humidity)
Growth habit: Trailing vine (slow-growing)
Biggest mistake: Overwatering

Light

String of Turtles needs bright, indirect light to maintain its compact growth and vibrant turtle-shell leaf patterns. Light is critical—too little light and the plant becomes leggy with smaller, less-patterned leaves; too much direct sun and the patterns fade and leaves scorch.

Best light:

East-facing window: Gentle morning sun (2 to 4 hours) followed by bright indirect light the rest of the day. This is ideal for String of Turtles.
A few feet back from a south or west-facing window: Bright ambient light without harsh direct afternoon sun. Place 3 to 6 feet back from the window so the plant gets bright, filtered light.
North-facing window (if very bright): If your north window gets strong indirect light (not dim or shadowy), this can work, though growth will be slower.
4 to 6 hours of bright indirect light daily is ideal.

Why bright indirect light matters:

In adequate bright light:

The turtle-shell patterns are vivid and high-contrast: The dark green “veining” is crisp and distinct against the lighter green/cream background. The intricate detail is stunning.
Growth is compact with short internodes (gaps between leaves). The vines are dense and bushy, not sparse and stretched.
Leaves are larger (0.5 to 0.75 inches) and more abundant. The plant looks full and healthy.

In low light, the plant suffers:

Leggy, stretched growth: Long gaps (internodes) between leaves. The vines look sparse, stringy, and sparse instead of full and trailing.
Smaller leaves (0.25 to 0.5 inches): The leaves don’t develop to full size.
Faded or less-defined turtle-shell patterns: The dark green veining becomes less distinct. The patterns are subtle or disappear entirely. The leaves look more uniform green instead of patterned.
Slower growth: Already very slow, String of Turtles in low light may produce only 1 to 2 inches of new growth per year (barely noticeable).
Increased risk of rot: Weak, low-light plants use water more slowly, so soil stays wet longer, increasing rot risk.

If your String of Turtles is leggy or the patterns are faded, move to brighter light and prune back the leggy vines. New growth in bright light will be compact with vivid patterns.

Can you use grow lights? Yes. If you don’t have a bright window, full-spectrum LED grow lights work well. Place the light 12 to 18 inches above the plant and run it for 10 to 12 hours per day.

Signs of too much light (direct hot sun):

Faded, washed-out leaf patterns: The dark green veining becomes pale or brownish. The patterns lose their crisp contrast.
Brown, crispy edges or patches on leaves: Sunburn.
Leaves look bleached or yellowish instead of vibrant green.

String of Turtles does not tolerate direct hot sun (except gentle morning sun from east windows). Avoid placing in south or west-facing windows unless 3+ feet back.

Bottom line: String of Turtles needs bright, indirect light (4 to 6 hours daily) to stay compact and maintain vivid turtle-shell patterns. East windows are ideal. If your plant is leggy or patterns are faded, it needs more light.

Watering

Water when the soil is mostly dry (top 1 to 2 inches dry). String of Turtles is a peperomia with semi-succulent leaves that store water, so it tolerates slight underwatering better than most foliage plants. Overwatering is the #1 cause of death for peperomias—they’re very sensitive to soggy soil and root rot.

How to water:

Check the soil. Stick your finger into the soil 1 to 2 inches deep. If it feels mostly dry (not bone dry, but not damp either), it’s time to water. If it’s still moist, wait a few more days.
Water thoroughly until water runs out the drainage holes. This ensures the entire root ball gets moisture.
Let excess water drain completely, then empty the saucer. Never let the pot sit in standing water—this causes root rot within days.

Typical watering schedule:

Spring and summer (active growing season): Every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on light, temperature, humidity, and soil mix. In bright light and warm temperatures, you’ll water closer to every week. In lower light or cooler temperatures, every 2 weeks.
Fall and winter (slower growth): Every 2 to 3 weeks. String of Turtles grows much slower in fall/winter when temperatures drop and light decreases. The plant uses very little water during this time.

Why peperomias hate overwatering:

Peperomias have shallow, delicate roots that are prone to rot if soil stays wet for more than a few days. Their semi-succulent leaves store water, so they don’t need constant moisture. If soil stays soggy, the roots suffocate and rot quickly. The rot spreads to the stems, causing them to turn black and mushy. Once rot sets in, it’s very difficult to save the plant.

Signs of overwatering (root rot—the most common cause of death):

Yellow, mushy, or translucent leaves that feel soft or jelly-like. Healthy turtle leaves are firm and slightly thick.
Leaves falling off easily when touched.
Black, mushy stems near the soil line. If you gently tug a stem and it comes away easily, that’s rot.
Soil stays wet or soggy for a week+ after watering. Healthy soil should dry out (at least the top 2 inches) within 7 to 10 days.
Soil smells sour, musty, or rotten.

If you catch rot early, you may be able to save the plant by:

Cutting away all rotten sections (black, mushy stems and roots) with clean scissors.
Letting healthy cuttings dry for a few hours.
Propagating the healthy cuttings in fresh, barely moist soil.
If the rot has spread to most of the plant, it’s likely beyond saving.

Signs of underwatering (less common, easy to fix):

Shriveled, wrinkled, or deflated leaves that feel soft and thin (like raisins). Healthy turtle leaves are plump and slightly thick.
Leaves curling inward or folding.
Vines look limp or droopy instead of perky.
Soil is bone dry several inches down.

The fix is simple: Water thoroughly. The leaves should plump back up within 24 to 48 hours.

How to tell if your String of Turtles needs water:

Method 1 (soil test): Stick your finger 1 to 2 inches into the soil. If mostly dry, water. If still damp, wait.

Method 2 (leaf test): Gently squeeze a leaf. If it feels firm and plump, the plant is hydrated. If it feels soft, thin, or wrinkled, it’s thirsty.

Bottom line: String of Turtles is more forgiving of underwatering than overwatering. When in doubt, wait another day or two before watering. Water only when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry.

Soil and Pot

String of Turtles needs well-draining soil that holds some moisture but doesn’t stay soggy. Peperomias have shallow, delicate roots that rot easily in heavy, waterlogged soil.

Best soil mix:

Cactus and succulent mix: Pre-made cactus/succulent soil works well because it drains quickly. This is the easiest option.
DIY mix: 2 parts regular potting soil + 1 part perlite (or pumice). This provides good drainage while holding some moisture.
Optional boost: Add a handful of orchid bark to improve aeration and drainage.

Avoid dense, heavy potting soil (like pure peat-based mixes) that stays wet for weeks. Peperomias need soil that dries out within 7 to 10 days.

Pot requirements:

Must have drainage holes. Non-negotiable. Without drainage, even careful watering will eventually cause rot.
Shallow pot is ideal. String of Turtles has shallow roots (typical of peperomias and most trailing plants). A shallow pot (2 to 4 inches deep) works better than a deep pot because it prevents soil from staying wet at the bottom (where roots can’t reach).
Hanging basket or high shelf: String of Turtles is a trailing plant, so it looks best in a hanging basket, on a high shelf, or in a small macrame hanger where the vines can cascade down.
Pot size: Choose a pot that’s only slightly larger than the current root ball (1 inch wider). String of Turtles prefers snug pots. Large pots hold too much soil and moisture, increasing rot risk.

Repotting: String of Turtles is very slow-growing and doesn’t need frequent repotting. Repot every 2 to 3 years (or when roots are visibly crowded or coming out of drainage holes). Spring or early summer is the best time. Use fresh soil and a pot only 1 inch larger.

Temperature and Humidity

Temperature: 60 to 80°F is ideal. String of Turtles tolerates normal home temperatures year-round.

Tolerates: Brief dips to 55°F (but growth slows significantly).
Avoid: Cold drafts, temperatures below 50°F (cold damage: leaves turn black and mushy), or sudden temperature swings.
Summer heat: String of Turtles tolerates heat well (up to 85 to 90°F) if humidity is adequate and it’s not in direct sun.

Humidity: 40 to 60 percent is ideal, but String of Turtles tolerates normal household humidity (30 to 50 percent) better than most tropical plants.

Optimal: 50 to 60 percent humidity encourages faster growth (though “faster” for String of Turtles is still very slow) and reduces the risk of crispy leaf edges. But it’s not required.
Tolerates: 30 to 40 percent humidity (common in most homes, especially during winter heating season). You might see occasional brown tips on older leaves, but the plant stays healthy overall.
No humidifier needed for most people. If you’re comfortable in your home, your String of Turtles is comfortable too.

Optional humidity boost (only if you see persistent brown tips):

Place on a pebble tray (tray filled with water and pebbles; pot sits on pebbles above water). This raises humidity slightly around the plant.
Group plants together to create a more humid microclimate.
Place in a naturally humid room (bathroom with showers, kitchen).

But again—most people don’t need to do anything. String of Turtles thrives in normal home humidity.

Fertilizer

String of Turtles is a very slow-growing plant and does not need much fertilizer. Over-fertilizing can cause salt buildup, burnt leaf tips, and leggy growth.

How to fertilize:

Type: Balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10 or 20-20-20) diluted to half strength.
Frequency: Once a month during the growing season (spring and summer, roughly March through September). That’s it—6 to 7 times per year.
Skip: Fall and winter (October through February). The plant grows very slowly or goes semi-dormant during this time and doesn’t need nutrients.

What happens if you forget to fertilize?

Nothing dramatic. String of Turtles grows very slowly even with regular fertilizing. If you skip fertilizer for 6 months or a year, the plant will be fine—growth may be slightly slower (barely noticeable), but it won’t die.

What happens if you over-fertilize?

Over-fertilizing causes:

Salt buildup (white crusty residue on the soil surface)
Brown, burnt leaf tips and edges
Leggy, weak growth (long gaps between leaves)
Root damage (in severe cases)

If you see these signs, stop fertilizing and flush the soil by watering thoroughly several times to wash out excess salts.

Bottom line: Fertilize lightly once a month in spring/summer at half strength. Skip in fall/winter. If you’re forgetful, String of Turtles will forgive you.

Pruning

String of Turtles is very slow-growing and stays compact, so it rarely needs pruning. Prune only to remove damaged leaves, control length (if vines get too long), or encourage bushier growth.

When to prune:

Spring or early summer (active growing season) is the best time. The plant recovers and produces new growth more quickly.
Anytime if you need to remove damaged, yellowing, or dead leaves.

How to prune:

Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. Wipe blades with rubbing alcohol to prevent spreading disease.
Cut vines back to your desired length. Cut just above a leaf node (where a leaf attaches to the stem). This encourages new growth from that node.
Remove any yellowing, damaged, or dead leaves by gently pulling them off or snipping them away.
Propagate the pruned cuttings! Don’t throw them away—you can propagate them to create a fuller plant or share with friends (see Propagation section).

Pruning encourages bushier growth: If your String of Turtles has only a few long vines, pruning encourages the plant to produce more stems from the base, creating a fuller, bushier appearance. However, because growth is so slow, it may take 3 to 6 months to see noticeable new growth.

Propagating String of Turtles

String of Turtles propagates easily from stem cuttings, but it roots very slowly—patience is essential. Propagation is a great way to create a fuller, bushier plant (by replanting cuttings in the same pot as the parent plant) or to share with friends.

When to propagate: Spring or early summer (active growing season) for fastest rooting. You can propagate anytime, but roots develop more slowly in fall/winter.

How to propagate String of Turtles (step-by-step):

Method 1: Water propagation (easier to monitor root development)

Take stem cuttings. Use clean, sharp scissors to cut sections of healthy vine. Each cutting should be 3 to 5 inches long with at least 4 to 6 turtle leaves attached. Cut just below a leaf node (where a leaf attaches to the stem).
Remove the bottom 1 to 2 leaves. Gently pull off or snip away the bottom leaves. This exposes the bare stem, which is where roots will develop. Leave the top leaves intact.
Place the cuttings in a small jar or glass of water. The bare stem section (nodes) should be submerged, but keep the leaves above water. Place in bright, indirect light (not direct sun).
Change the water every 5 to 7 days to keep it fresh and prevent bacterial growth.
Wait 4 to 8 weeks for roots to develop. String of Turtles roots very slowly. Be patient. You’ll see tiny white roots emerging from the nodes. Wait until roots are at least 1 to 2 inches long before planting.
Plant in soil. Once roots are 1 to 2 inches long, plant the cuttings in a small pot with well-draining soil (cactus/succulent mix or 2:1 potting soil/perlite). Water lightly and place in bright, indirect light.
Care for the new plant normally after 2 to 4 weeks of adjustment.

Method 2: Soil propagation (more natural, but harder to monitor)

Take stem cuttings (same as Method 1: 3 to 5 inches long, 4 to 6 leaves, cut below a node).
Remove the bottom 1 to 2 leaves to expose bare stem.
Plant the cuttings in a small pot with barely moist soil. Use well-draining soil (cactus/succulent mix). Insert the bare stem section 0.5 to 1 inch into the soil. Press soil gently around the stem.
Place in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun.
Mist the soil lightly every 5 to 7 days (or when soil is completely dry). Don’t soak the soil—just keep it barely moist. Overwatering during propagation causes rot.
Wait 4 to 8 weeks for roots to develop. You’ll know roots have formed when:
- The cutting resists gentle tugging (roots are anchoring it in place).
- You see new growth (tiny new turtle leaves emerging from the top of the cutting).
Once rooted, care for the new plant normally.

Success rate: 70 to 90 percent if you’re patient and avoid overwatering. If cuttings rot (turn black and mushy), it’s almost always because the soil was too wet during rooting.

Pro tip: To create a fuller, bushier String of Turtles, replant rooted cuttings in the same pot as the parent plant. This adds more stems and makes the plant look denser and more lush.

Common Problems

Leggy growth (long gaps between leaves, sparse vines)

This is the most common complaint with String of Turtles.

Cause: Not enough light

The plant is reaching desperately toward light, causing long internodes (gaps between leaves). The vines look sparse and stringy instead of full and trailing.

The fix:

Move to brighter light (4 to 6 hours of bright indirect light daily). East window ideal, or 3 to 6 feet back from south/west window.
Prune back the leggy vines. Cut the stretched sections back to encourage new, compact growth. New growth in bright light will be dense with shorter gaps between leaves.
Propagate the pruned cuttings to create a fuller plant (replant in the same pot as parent).

Yellow, mushy, or translucent leaves (root rot—the #1 killer)

If the turtle leaves feel soft, mushy, or jelly-like (instead of firm and slightly thick), the plant has root rot from overwatering.

Cause: Overwatering

Watering too frequently (before soil is mostly dry).
Soil doesn’t drain well (too dense, or pot has no drainage holes).
Pot is too large (holds too much moisture).
Plant is in low light (uses water very slowly, so soil stays wet longer).

The fix:

Stop watering immediately. Let the soil dry out completely.
Unpot the plant and inspect the roots. Healthy roots are white or tan and firm. Rotten roots are black, mushy, and smell sour.
Cut away all rotten sections (roots and stems) with clean scissors. Save only healthy, firm sections.
Propagate the healthy cuttings in fresh, barely moist soil (see Propagation section).
Discard the rotten sections (they cannot be saved).
Going forward: Water only when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry. Use well-draining soil. Ensure pot has drainage holes.

Prevention: Water less frequently. Check soil dryness before watering. Use well-draining soil and shallow pots.

Shriveled, wrinkled, or deflated leaves (underwatering)

If the turtle leaves look wrinkled, thin, or deflated (like raisins), the plant is thirsty.

Cause: Underwatering

It’s been too long since the last watering.
The roots are damaged or dead (so they can’t absorb water even when you water).

The fix:

Water thoroughly. Soak the soil completely until water drains out the bottom.
The leaves should plump back up within 24 to 48 hours. If they don’t, check for root damage (unpot and inspect roots).

Prevention: Water when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry and the leaves feel slightly soft. Don’t wait until the leaves are severely shriveled.

Faded or less-defined turtle-shell patterns

If the turtle-shell patterns are faded, washed out, or barely visible, it’s a light issue.

Cause: Not enough light

In low light, the dark green “veining” becomes less distinct. The patterns fade and the leaves look more uniform green.

The fix:

Move to brighter light (4 to 6 hours of bright indirect light daily).
New leaves will develop more vivid, high-contrast patterns in bright light. Existing leaves won’t change, but new growth will be more patterned.

Pests (rare, but possible)

String of Turtles is generally pest-resistant, but it can occasionally attract mealybugs or aphids (especially if the plant is stressed).

Mealybugs:

Signs: White, cottony clusters on stems, leaf undersides, or in leaf axils (where leaf meets stem). Sticky residue (honeydew) on leaves.
Fix: Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and dab each mealybug to kill it. Wipe down all leaves and stems with a damp cloth. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil spray. Repeat weekly for 3 to 4 weeks. Isolate the plant.

Aphids:

Signs: Tiny green, black, or white bugs clustered on new growth or undersides of leaves. Sticky residue on leaves.
Fix: Spray with water to knock off aphids. Treat with insecticidal soap. Repeat weekly.

Prevention: Inspect your String of Turtles weekly when watering. Wipe leaves occasionally with a damp cloth. Healthy plants are less attractive to pests.

Leaves turning brown, crispy, or falling off

Cause 1: Underwatering

Brown, crispy leaves that feel dry and shriveled = underwatering. Water thoroughly.

Cause 2: Low humidity (less common)

Brown, crispy edges on otherwise healthy leaves = low humidity (below 30%). Place on a pebble tray or group with other plants to raise humidity slightly.

Cause 3: Over-fertilizing

Brown, burnt tips = fertilizer burn. Stop fertilizing and flush the soil by watering thoroughly several times.

Cause 4: Natural aging

The oldest (bottom) leaves occasionally turn brown and die as the plant grows. This is normal. Gently remove dead leaves.

Plant stopped growing or growing extremely slowly

Cause 1: This is normal

String of Turtles is one of the slowest-growing trailing plants. Growth of 4 to 6 inches per year is typical. If you’re used to fast-growing plants (like pothos), String of Turtles will feel glacial. This is not a problem—it’s part of the plant’s nature.

Cause 2: It’s fall or winter

String of Turtles grows very slowly or goes semi-dormant in fall/winter when temperatures drop and light decreases. Growth will resume in spring.

Cause 3: Not enough light

In low light, growth slows even more. Move to brighter light.

Cause 4: Rootbound (rare for slow-growing plants)

If roots are packed tightly and coming out of drainage holes, repot in a pot 1 inch larger with fresh soil.

Why String of Turtles Is Perfect for Small Spaces

String of Turtles is the ultimate miniature trailing plant for small spaces, and here’s why:

Tiny leaves (less than 1 inch across): The miniature scale is adorable and fits perfectly on small shelves, desktops, or in terrariums. It doesn’t overwhelm small spaces.
Compact, slow-growing vines (12 to 18 inches when mature): Unlike fast-spreading trailing plants (like pothos or philodendrons, which can trail 6+ feet), String of Turtles stays compact and manageable. Perfect for small apartments, dorm rooms, or offices.
Shallow roots: String of Turtles has shallow roots and grows well in shallow pots (2 to 4 inches deep). This makes it ideal for small hanging planters, terrariums, or macrame hangers.
Unique, intricate turtle-shell patterns: Each leaf is a tiny work of art. The intricate patterns are stunning up close, making String of Turtles a perfect “desk plant” or “shelf plant” where you can admire the details.
Easy to care for despite delicate appearance: String of Turtles looks precious and high-maintenance, but it’s surprisingly forgiving. Perfect for beginners who want a unique plant without complicated care.
Non-toxic to pets: Safe for homes with cats, dogs, and children. No need to worry about keeping it out of reach.

Perfect placements:

Small hanging baskets or macrame hangers (near east-facing windows)
High shelves (where vines can trail down)
Terrariums or glass containers (humidity stays higher, which String of Turtles loves)
Desktops or side tables (near bright windows)
Bathrooms with windows (naturally humid)

What To Do Next

If you love String of Turtles and want more miniature trailing plants:

Try Dischidia ovata (Watermelon Dischidia) for tiny, round, succulent-like leaves. Trailing habit, easy care, unique. $15 to $40.
Try small Hoya varieties (Hoya curtisii, Hoya linearis, Hoya bella) for miniature trailing vines with waxy leaves. Slow-growing, forgiving, produce fragrant flowers. $15 to $50.
Try String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii) for heart-shaped leaves on delicate trailing vines. Faster-growing than String of Turtles, drought-tolerant, easy. $10 to $30.
Try Pilea glauca (Aquamarine Pilea) for tiny, silvery-blue leaves on trailing stems. Fast-growing, easy, compact. $10 to $25.

If you want to make your String of Turtles fuller and bushier:

Propagate cuttings and replant them in the same pot as the parent plant. This adds more stems and creates a denser, lusher appearance. Repeat every 6 to 12 months.
Prune long vines to encourage the plant to produce more stems from the base.

If your String of Turtles is leggy (long gaps between leaves):

Move to brighter light (4 to 6 hours bright indirect daily). East window ideal.
Prune back the leggy vines to encourage new, compact growth.
Propagate the pruned cuttings and replant in the same pot for a fuller look.

If your String of Turtles has mushy leaves (rot):

Cut away all rotten sections (they cannot be saved).
Propagate healthy cuttings in fresh, barely moist soil.
Water less frequently going forward (only when top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry).

If you want another trailing plant (but easier/faster-growing):

Try Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) for fast-growing, nearly indestructible trailing vines. Tolerates low light and neglect. $10 to $25.
Try Philodendron (heartleaf or brasil) for trailing vines with heart-shaped leaves. Fast-growing, forgiving, tolerates low light. $10 to $30.
Try String of Bananas (Senecio radicans) for banana-shaped succulent leaves. Faster-growing than String of Turtles, easy succulent care. $10 to $25.

If you’re considering buying String of Turtles:

Look for: Compact growth with lots of properly patterned turtle-shell leaves (distinct dark veining). No mushy or yellowing leaves. Healthy green color. Multiple vines (fuller plants look better).
Avoid: Leggy plants with long gaps between leaves (means it was grown in low light). Mushy or yellowing leaves (rot). Very small plants with only 1 to 2 short vines (harder to keep alive and take years to look full).
Price: $15 to $50 depending on size and maturity. Small starter plants (2 to 3-inch pot with short vines) are usually $15 to $25. Mature, full plants (4 to 6-inch pot with multiple trailing vines) are $30 to $50.

Bottom line: String of Turtles is a unique, miniature trailing plant with stunning turtle-shell patterned leaves. Perfect for small spaces, non-toxic to pets, and easier than it looks. Avoid overwatering, provide bright indirect light (4 to 6 hours daily), and you’ll have a charming, slow-growing companion for years.