String of Bananas Care: Planting & Growing Guide

Are you looking for a cool-as-can-be hanging succulent that is also simple to maintain? Tips for growing and caring for the String of Bananas houseplant are provided below.

That bizarre and wonderful succulent called String of Pearls has everyone head over heels, and for good reason. Did you know there's another adorable "string" succulent on the block?

An Overview of the String of Bananas (Senecio Radicans)

The Senecio radicans, also known as the "string of bananas," is not a fruit, which is an important distinction. The name of this houseplant actually refers to a succulent vine with leaves in the shape of bananas. It is a succulent that is native to southern Africa.

The Asteraceae family includes these plants as well. These plants have tiny, white flowers, as you can see, and you can anticipate blooming when early spring arrives.

• Common name: String of bananas
• Botanical name: Senecio radicans / Curio radicans
• Type of plant: Succulent
• Sunlight exposure: Full sun
• Size: 36-inch long upon maturity
• Primary color: Green/lime
• Bloom/flower color: Light pink, white
• Soil type and pH: Well-draining succulent soil, 6.6 to 7.5 pH level
• Bloom time: Spring
• Cold hardiness: Zone 10
• Growth shape/habit: Trailing/hanging
• Toxicity: Pets and humans

Senecio radicans, the string of bananas, has leaves that resemble bananas that typically develop on long, dangling tendrils. In general, this plant makes a fantastic hanging houseplant.

Depending on your preferred look, you can train it so that it grows upwards on a moss pole or trellis. Furthermore, if you have a garden specifically for succulents, you can grow these succulents successfully outside.

It would be best to plant these succulents outdoors only if you live in an area with warm weather the majority of the year because they are not frost-tolerant.

How to Care for String of Bananas

Watering

These plants only have modest water requirements. Because this succulent can withstand drought, you can wait until the soil is completely dry before watering it once more. It would be sufficient to water once a week in the spring or summer.

Watering it every two weeks or so would be sufficient during the winter or fall, when this succulent is in its dormant stage. Choose a pot with drainage holes if you plan to grow these succulents in one. Avoid overwatering these succulents because doing so could cause the roots to rot.

Temperature

As I always say, your plants will be content if your home is cozy for you. It's fine if the house is at normal temperatures.

Even though this plant can withstand a wide range of outdoor temperature changes, avoid placing it next to or on an air conditioner or heater. Warm or chilly drafts bother them.

Fertilizer

Because most succulents don't require fertilizer, I don't do it to my String of Bananas houseplant. In the early spring, I top them with 1/4 Prime of worm compost and 1/4 Prime of compost on top of that. If you take this path, it will be simple. A houseplant's roots can be burned if either is applied too heavily. My favorite amendment is worm compost, which I only use occasionally because of how rich it is. I really enjoy it, which is why. I'm using Worm Gold Plus right now.

I utilize Tank's nearby compost. If no one can be found where you live, try Dr. Earth's. Compost and worm compost both naturally enrich the soil, promoting strong, healthy plant roots.

A balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer (5-5-5 or lower) would also be suitable, as would liquid kelp or fish emulsion. Apply any of these in the spring after diluting them by half. Apply again in the summer if you decide for some reason that your String of Bananas needs more work.

Every spring, I lightly apply worm compost to the majority of my indoor plants before covering it with a thin layer of compost. 1/4 to 1/2 sounds simple, right? layer of each for a larger sized houseplant. Click here to read about how I feed my compost worms.

Soil

The best mix for this plant is a good, organic succulent and cactus mix. You want it to be airy and well-drained. I use a local blend that is very chunky as well so the water drains right through. The mixture is the same one I use for my succulent plants that I grow outside.

Here is a mix you can purchase online if you are having trouble finding it locally. For their roots to stay healthy, succulents require a loose mix. Consider adding some pumice or perlite to improve the drainage, which reduces the likelihood of rot.

Repotting

Unlike other hanging succulents like the String of Pearls & the Burro's Tail Sedum, this plant's leaves don't fall off as easily, making it simple to repot. Don't think you need to repot this plant every year or two because succulents can stay tightly in their pots for a while.

Make sure the plant's crown—the top portion from which all the stems emerge—is no lower than 1" in the pot. A String of Bananas will be susceptible to stem rot if it is positioned too deeply in the pot.

The best seasons for repotting succulents are spring and summer.

A few of the mature stems are beginning to form tiny roots. They essentially self-procreate!

Pests

My string of bananas have never experienced an infestation, but they are prone to mealybugs & aphids. Please click the link to learn how to recognize them and how to control them.

Pets

Because SOBs isn't on the ASPCA list, I can't say for sure. Since they are connected to String of Pearls, which is thought to be toxic, I would assume that this one is as well. Keep it away from your pets if they have a tendency to chew on plants. With this plant, it's simple to do since you can hang it or put it high up on a shelf or bookcase.

Flowers

It does, and the tall, slightly upward-curving stems from which the white, puffy flowers are carried are present. They are still attractive despite not having the same fragrance as String of Pearls flowers. As with many succulents, the bloom season is in the winter here. This is impacted by shorter days and chilly evenings.

My String of Bananas has flowers outside but never indoors. If your plant blooms inside, kindly let me know.

When you prune a stem, this results. It splits into several stems.

Steps in Propagating String of Bananas

A string of bananas is simple to reproduce. You just have to use their cuttings for propagation and follow these simple steps:

• Remove a vine; the cut should extend two inches past the stem.
• Take the lower portion of the leaves, especially those near the cut end, when you prune.
• Allow the cutting to dry; you will know they are sufficiently dry when a callus forms. It ought to take 3 to 7 days.
• Replant them using cactus soil or a succulent mix in a pot with good drainage.
• Water the soil and keep it moist until the plant has roots or there is new growth.

Once you notice the development of roots, you can proceed with the standard watering instructions, which include letting the soil dry out before watering it.

How to Pot and Repot String of Bananas?

It is not also necessary to frequently repot it because the string of bananas is fine with being bound by the roots. It doesn't need to be replanted because the soil can already be refreshed every two years or so.

In order to give its roots enough time to recover, repotting is best done in the summer or spring, when they are actively growing. Repotting the banana string is a simple procedure, which is great. Unlike the string of pearls, its leaves are less likely to fall off, making it simpler to make.

Even so, you still need to be careful and cautious when repotting to avoid breaking any delicate stems. If a few strands fall out, don't worry. Put the broken stem's tip back into the pot by simply doing so. You can count on its roots to eventually spread out once more.

Common Diseases, Issues, and Pests to Watch Out For

The string of bananas has the advantage of not being vulnerable to major issues. However, common illnesses and pests that affect houseplants still pose a threat to its health and ability to grow. Root rot brought on by excessive watering is one issue you might run into.

Pests that ingest sap, such as mealybugs, aphids, spider mites, and scale insects, are among those you should regularly look out for. Simply look for pest infestation signs on your plant so you can treat and take care of the problem as soon as possible.

String of Bananas Outdoors

Your String of Bananas would benefit greatly from a summer vacation spent outdoors if you reside in a cold climate. Everything I've written above applies except for 3 things I want to point out:

Make sure it doesn't receive any intense, direct sunlight; otherwise, it will burn quickly.

Perhaps you should consider covering yours if you experience a lot of rain during the summer. It would be acceptable to have a covered patio or screened porch. A String of Bananas may rot and the stems and bananas (the leaves) will turn to mush if it becomes overly wet and is not allowed to dry out.

Here's another thing I've discovered to be true: when you bring your String of Bananas inside for the winter, be sure to give it a good hosing down (gently; not like a firehose blast) to get rid of any hitchhiking pests and/or their eggs. In all of my trips to buy succulents (and there have been many of them!) is that Sedums like Burro's Tail and String of Pearls are more frequently available for purchase. If a String Of Bananas is available for purchase, get it. I always smile when I see this plant.

What Makes String of Bananas Different from String of Pearls?

The Curio rowleyanus plant, also known as the string of pearls, is classified similarly to the string of bananas in that they are both trailing succulents. Along with other drought-tolerant plants like crassula, echeveria, and sedum, you can also grow both together.

You can create your own succulent garden by growing these plants in combination. But keep in mind that the two plants also have different forms and structures. For instance, the leaves on the string of bananas are typically oblong in shape, while those on the string of pearls are more often pea-shaped.

Banana string is less delicate because the stems are thicker. These succulents also reproduce more readily because of their quicker growth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Much Sun Does String of Bananas Need?

Lots of direct sunlight is necessary for the banana string. However, keep in mind that the banana string also needs to be protected from direct sunlight or extreme heat. This indicates that these plants do well when placed in an area that is partially shaded but also bright.

Additionally, the banana string typically thrives in planters that receive shade from other, taller plants. In essence, it can tolerate the strong morning sunlight well and prefers it to the scorching afternoon sun.

How Do You Take Care of a Banana String Plant?

The string of bananas has the benefit of being quick-growing and low-maintenance. Even novices won't have any trouble taking care of and growing this plant. It is drought-tolerant and doesn't require regular fertilization, repotting, or pruning.

Making sure that these plants receive enough light is probably the most important part of taking care of them. The reason is that, in low-light conditions, you can never expect this succulent to grow perfectly. All that is necessary for this plant to grow healthily and contentedly is a window that receives plenty of sunlight.

Is String of Bananas Poisonous?

Yes, when eaten, string of bananas and other members of the Senecio genus are toxic or poisonous. For pets, the toxicity is especially higher.

Should I Bottom Water String of Bananas?

The string of bananas is a hardy succulent that only needs a small amount of water, which is an important fact to keep in mind. Basically, you must wait until the soil where it is planted is completely dry before watering it.

Also, remember that underwatering rather than overwatering this hardy succulent is much better for it. Because of excessive watering, its roots become more susceptible to rotting.

Why Did My String of Bananas Turn Brown?

Sometimes the string of bananas turns brown and appears dried out and shriveled. If that occurs, be aware that it might be due to sun damage from excessive exposure. Simply moving these plants to a shaded area with indirect light will solve this problem.

Conclusion

One of the most endearing succulents you can care for and grow as a houseplant is the string of bananas (Senecio radicans). It continues to pique the interest of many gardeners, both novice and seasoned, due to its easygoing nature and vibrant and lovely colors.