String of Bananas Care Guide
About String of Bananas Plant
Meet the unusual-looking String of Bananas (Curio or Senecio radicans) - a tough and easy-care succulent that stores water in its leaves. It’s a trailing beauty, featuring long, cascading stems with cute, fleshy leaves that resemble bananas, hence the name.
The String of Bananas succulent produces delicate, daisy-like white or yellow flowers with a spicy, cinnamon aroma. Flowering indoors occurs in late winter and early spring, provided the plant is grown under the right conditions.
The String of Bananas belongs to the family Asteraceae and is native to several countries in South Africa. It thrives in hardiness zones 10-12 and tolerates dry environments well.
Note that these beautiful houseplants are toxic to pets if the leaves or stems are ingested.
The String of Bananas plants are associated with abundance, growth, and prosperity, according to Feng Shui.
String of Bananas: Benefits
- Relatively drought-tolerant plant
- With unique, uncommon foliage
- Easy-going beauty with cascading stems
- Makes a great gift for any occasion
- A natural air purifier, releasing oxygen at night
String of Bananas Plant Care: Growing Tips
The String of Bananas is low-maintenance and unpretentious. This plant adapts well to indoor environments, and once established in its pot, it will reward you with its unique, cascading look.
String of Bananas: Light Requirements & Temperature
- Light: The String of Bananas plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. It can receive a few hours of full sun in the morning.
- Temperature: This succulent grows in warm temperatures between 65°F and 80°F. Protect it from cold drafts or extreme heat.
String of Bananas: Watering & Humidity
- Watering: Water your String of Bananas when the soil feels dry. These succulents are drought-resistant, especially when mature.
- Humidity: The String of Bananas plant doesn’t require extra humidity. In overly dry, hot weather, ensure it’s watered deeply and regularly.
String of Bananas: Soil, Fertilizer, and Repotting
- Soil: Well-draining succulent potting mix is best for this plant. Or use regular soil with added bark or perlite.
- Fertilizer: Feed your String of Bananas a couple of times in the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
- Repotting: Repot this fast-growing plant every 2 years. Use a slightly larger but shallow pot.
String of Bananas: Propagation
To propagate String of Bananas, use healthy stem cuttings with at least one node. Remove the bottom ‘bananas’ and dip the stems in a jar of water until roots form. Then transplant the cuttings into pots with succulent mix. Alternatively, you can root our Curio radicans plant directly in well-draining soil. Keep the young plants in a warm spot, protected from direct sunlight.
String of Bananas Plant: Problems and Pruning
The most common problem with the String of Bananas plant is overwatering it. Hence, always check the soil first. Underwatering can result in shriveled leaves, while direct sunlight can cause sunburn. Prune leggy growth and trim damaged stems to maintain your plant’s neat appearance and shape.
String of Bananas: Companion Plants & Placement Options
The String of Bananas succulent makes a great standout plant in a hanging planter or on an elevated shelf. But you can also group it with other plants with differently shaped foliage to create a stunning layered or textured green display.
Great to Place on
Greening up vertical spaces with your String of Bananas plant is easy. Place it on a high bookshelf or hang it from the ceiling in an empty corner. When still small, it can add a fresh green touch to your desk or side table.
String of Bananas Succulent Grows Well With
Consider growing the String of Bananas plant with the following low-water houseplants, which require the same level of care:
- String of Pearls: Belonging to the same family, the String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) makes a great companion plant, as it enjoys similar growing conditions.
- Hoya Silver Splash: Another trailing beauty, the Hoya Silver Splash (Hoya pubicalyx) is a relatively rare semi-succulent that grows well with your Curio radicans plant.
- Hedgehog Aloe: The spiky Hedgehog Aloe (Aloe humilis) is a low-maintenace succulent that contrasts beautifully with the cascading String of Bananas.
Shop for a String of Bananas Plant From Hey Rooted Today!
Care level: No sweat
Light: High
Not pet friendly
Water: Twice a month
