Growing and Caring for String Succulents in Atlanta Metro's Zone 7: A Guide for Hanging Basket Success

The Atlanta Metro area, located in USDA Hardiness Zone 7, presents a unique mix of warm, humid summers and relatively mild winters, creating both opportunities and challenges for growing succulents in hanging baskets both indoors and outside. Among the most captivating trailing succulents are String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus), String of Bananas (Senecio radicans), and String of Dolphins (Senecio peregrinus). These whimsical plants are prized for their playful shapes and cascading forms, making them favorites for container gardens, patios, and indoor-outdoor transitions. At Chestatee Farms, we’re excited to offer these charming succulents in 5" hanging baskets for just $12.00 each, available in Spring 2026. String of Pearls are available now!

In this article, we’ll walk you through the ideal growing conditions for each variety and share tips on light, water, temperature, pests, and organic care methods to ensure healthy, thriving plants all season long.

☀️ Light Requirements

Succulents in the "string" family need plenty of bright light to thrive, but they are not fans of intense, unfiltered midday sun—especially in the hot Georgia summers.

Outdoors: Place your hanging baskets where they will receive bright morning light and dappled afternoon shade. East-facing exposures are ideal. South or west-facing areas should be shielded by trees, pergolas, or shade cloth.

Indoors: A bright window (preferably south- or west-facing) is essential. Use grow lights if natural light is insufficient.

Light stress from too much direct sun can cause leaves to burn and discolor, while too little light will lead to leggy, stretched-out growth.

💧 Watering Practices

Proper watering is critical to the health of these normally drought-tolerant plants, especially when grown in baskets where soil dries out faster.

Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings.

Water thoroughly, allowing excess to drain through the bottom of the pot. Never let the plant sit in standing water.

In the Atlanta Metro's humid climate, water approximately once every 7–10 days during the growing season. Frequency can be reduced in cooler months.

Reduce watering drastically during winter when plants go dormant.

Overwatering is the most common cause of death in string succulents, often leading to root rot.

🌡️ Temperature and Humidity

String succulents are native to arid regions and prefer warm, dry conditions.

Optimal temperature range: 70°F–90°F (21°C–33°C)

Minimum temperature: Keep above 50°F (10°C) to avoid cold damage. In Zone 7, bring baskets indoors from late October through April.

Humidity: Moderate to low humidity is ideal. Avoid placing in overly damp, enclosed areas, as this can encourage fungal problems.

🌿 Fertilizing Needs

These succulents are light feeders, but a bit of nutrition during the active growing season helps maintain lush, vibrant growth.

Use a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer (such as 10-10-10, or 20-20-20) once a month from April through September.

For an organic approach, use compost tea, worm castings, or an organic cactus fertilizer at half strength.

Avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause weak growth and diminish the shape of leaves (especially in String of Dolphins).

🐛 Insects and Pests

String succulents are susceptible to common pests, especially when stressed.

Common culprits include:

• Mealybugs: White, cottony masses on stems and leaf joints.

• Aphids: Tiny green or black insects clustering on new growth.

• Spider mites: Fine webbing and stippling of leaves.

• Fungus gnats: Small black flies near the soil line (usually a sign of overwatering).

Organic control options:

• Insecticidal soap: Effective for soft-bodied pests like aphids and mealybugs.

• Diatomaceous earth: Lightly dust the soil to deter fungus gnats.

• Introduce beneficial insects: Ladybugs and lacewings can help manage pests naturally if growing outdoors.

🦠 Disease Prevention

Most issues arise from overwatering and poor air circulation.

Prevention tips:

Use well-draining soil (a cactus or succulent mix). Ensure baskets have drainage holes. Space plants to allow airflow.Clean pruning tools to avoid spreading bacteria or fungus. Avoid watering the foliage directly.

If rot or mildew appears, trim affected areas with sterilized scissors and repot if necessary.

🍂 Seasonal Care in Zone 7

In the Atlanta Metro region, spring through early fall offers the best conditions for displaying your string succulents outdoors.

• Spring: Begin moving plants outside after the danger of frost has passed, gradually acclimating them to outdoor light conditions over a week.

• Summer: Watch for heat stress. Provide afternoon shade and maintain a steady watering schedule.

• Fall: Begin transitioning plants indoors by late October. Inspect for pests and prune leggy stems.

• Winter: Place indoors near bright windows. Reduce watering and withhold fertilizer until growth resumes in spring.

Whether you're drawn to the bead-like strands of String of Pearls, the playful arcs of String of Bananas, or the dolphin-shaped leaves of String of Dolphins, each of these succulents can thrive in Zone 7 with the right care. Hanging baskets offer excellent airflow and visual appeal, making them ideal vessels for these charming plants.

Mark your calendars! Chestatee Farms will have String of Pearls, String of Bananas, and String of Dolphins available in 5" hanging baskets for just $12.00 each in Spring 2026. Stop by early in the season to get the pick of the crop!

Bring a touch of whimsy and wonder to your garden or patio! 🌸