Is it a trailing Jade or String of Turtles? Who is my lovely trailing houseplant, and how should I care for it? Although both plants are different species of Peperomia with similar appearance, their identification is straightforward.
If your plant leaves are small, round, and fleshy, resembling tiny turtle shells you are the parent of a String of Turtles (Peperomia prostrata), however, if it has small round solid green leaves, you have a Trailing Jade (Peperomia rotundifolia).
Hi, I’m a horticultural consultant and here is all you need to identify and care for your Trailing Jade or String of Turtles. Before starting, please attend to the Trailing Jade (Peperomia rotundifolia) also known as Jade Necklace, Creeping Buttons, and Round Leaf Peperomia. Let’s get going.
Trailing Jade vs String of Turtles: Their Appearance
Below I provided a table to compare the leaves, stem and growth habits of Trailing Jade and String of Turtles.
| Trailing Jade
(Peperomia rotundifolia) |
String of Turtles
(Peperomia prostrata) |
|
| Leaves: | The leaves are small, round, and fleshy, often with a jade-green colour. They are arranged in pairs on the stems. | The leaves are small, round, and fleshy, resembling tiny turtle shells. They are a vibrant green colour with a darker green or reddish-brown centre.
|
| Stems: | The stems are slender and flexible, allowing the plant to trail gracefully. | The plant has slender, trailing stems that allow it to cascade over the edge of a pot.
|
| Growth habit: | This plant is a succulent and grows as a trailing vine. It can be trained to climb a moss pole or cascade over a pot’s edge. | Peperomia prostrata is a succulent and grows as a trailing vine. It can be grown in hanging baskets or allowed to trail over the edge of a pot.
|
As you found out, the only feature which is different between Trailing Jade and String of Turtles is their leaf colour. The string of Turtles has marks on its leaves which resemble a tiny turtle shell while Trailing Jade leaves come in only jade-green hues.
Trailing Jade vs String of Turtles: Their Caring Tips
The good news is that Trailing Jade and String of Turtles are relatively low-maintenance houseplants with similar caring requirements, making them a great choice for beginners. Below I listed some tips for caring for them:
Light:
- Bright, indirect light: Trailing Jade and String of Turtles thrive in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
- Low light tolerance: While they prefer bright light, they can also tolerate low light conditions. However, growth may be slower and the leaves may lose their vibrant colour. Read my other post about low-light hanging plants.
Watering:
- Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings: Overwatering is a common cause of problems for Trailing Jade and String of Turtles. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Water thoroughly: When you do water, water thoroughly until the water drains from the pot’s bottom.
- Avoid soggy soil: Be careful not to let the pot sit in standing water, as this can lead to root rot.
Soil:
- Well-draining potting mix: Use a well-draining potting mix to prevent root rot. A cactus or succulent mix is a good option. Read my other post about the best houseplant potting soil mix.
Temperature and Humidity:
- Warm temperatures: Trailing Jade and String of Turtles prefer warm temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.
- Average humidity: they can tolerate average household humidity. However, if the air is particularly dry, you can mist the leaves occasionally or place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water.
Fertilizing:
- Fertilize during the growing season: Feed your Trailing Jade and String of Turtles a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer).
- Dilute the fertilizer to half-strength and apply it once a month.
- Fertilize after watering: Fertilize after watering can help prevent fertilizer burn.
- Avoid fertilizing during dormancy: Do not fertilize your plant during the dormant season (fall and winter).
Read my other post about the best houseplant food.
Propagation:
- Stem cuttings: Trailing Jade and String of Turtles can be propagated from stem cuttings. Take a 3–4-inch stem cutting and allow the cut end to callus over before planting it in a well-draining potting mix.
Trailing Jade vs String of Turtles: Their Benefits at Home
People often ask me which plant is better for our houses, every plant has its specific benefits and hazards, some can purify the air and some are toxic to pets and babies. Indoor plants come in various sizes and colors and you must choose the best after finding their feature.
Trailing Jade and String of Turtles have similar benefits and caring needs, so, the only thing which has an impact on choosing between them is their leaf appearance. Below, I listed some benefits of them
Air Quality Improvement:
NASA Clean Air Study: Trailing Jade and String of Turtles were included in NASA’s Clean Air Study, which found that they can help remove harmful pollutants like benzene and formaldehyde from indoor air.
Aesthetic Appeal:
Their cascading growth habit adds a touch of elegance and can help to soften the look of a room. However, the small, round leaves with their jade-green colour create a visually appealing display. Anyway, String of Turtles has a unique leaf shape. Its distinctive turtle-shaped leaves create a visually interesting and charming display.
Low Maintenance:
Trailing Jade and String of Turtles are relatively low-maintenance plants, making them suitable for beginners and busy individuals.
Adaptable to different light conditions: It can tolerate a range of light conditions, from bright indirect light to low light.
Stress Reduction:
House plants can improve mood. Studies have shown that indoor plants can help to reduce stress. The presence of greenery in a home can create a more calming and relaxing atmosphere.
Educational Value:
I think the Trailing Jade and String of Turtles are great plants to teach children about plant care and the importance of houseplants.
Not Toxic for Pets
I checked ASPCA and found out both Trailing Jade and String of Turtles are non-toxic to cats and dogs, In addition, they are considered safe for households with children. Thanks to them. However, I think It’s better to be more cautious and recommend keeping them out of reach of pets (especially nosey cats) that like to chew on plants, as eating any plant material could cause an upset stomach. To keep the string of turtles out of reach, I suggest hanging or placing it on a high shelf.
The End,
You found out that both Trailing Jade (Peperomia rotundifolia) and String of Turtles (Peperomia prostrata) are popular houseplants known for their trailing growth habit and attractive foliage with a delicate and elegant appearance that makes them a desirable addition to many homes.
However, distinguishing between them is easy by considering their leas colour. The String of Turtles (Peperomia prostrata) has a unique and charming leaf colour with resembles the turtles sell. Anyway, I think the easiest way to identify houseplants is to get help from a reliable Plant ID which is a free online tool that can identify indoor and outdoor plants.
Elahe Rabiei
Hi, I’m Elaheh. My Academic major is plant protection, and houseplants are my expertise. As a houseplant lover, my house is full of indoor plants and it is my passion to take care of them. Hence, I’m here to share my knowledge and experience about growing healthy houseplants. I am also a plant protection advisor, so feel free to ask me any questions you may have.