String of Bananas / Senecio radicans
Curio radicans
description
String of Bananas is a fast trailing succulent with curved banana-shaped leaves.
benefits
- Low—water tolerant
- Сan handle lower humidity level
- Drought-tolerant — forgives missed waterings
- Low maintenance
- Suitable for containers
warnings
- Toxic to cats
- Toxic to dogs
How to care for String of Bananas
sunlight
In its dry South African habitat, String of Bananas trails over open, sunlit ground. Give it the brightest spot you have indoors to keep the stems compact and the leaves plump.
Bright indirect light
Place near an east, west, or bright south-facing window, just back from the glass if the sun is intense. It will survive in lower light, but growth becomes sparse and stretched.
A few hours of direct sun
Gentle morning sun is ideal, and established plants can handle several hours of direct sun. Acclimate gradually to stronger afternoon sun, especially after moving it outdoors.
watering
Let the potting mix dry out completely before watering. String of Bananas stores water in its leaves and is far more likely to suffer from wet roots than from a short dry spell.
Spring and summer
In bright, warm conditions, water thoroughly about every 2-3 weeks, only when the mix is dry all the way through and the pot feels noticeably light. Let excess drain away.
Autumn and winter
In lower light or cooler rooms, growth slows and watering may be needed only every 3-5 weeks. Check the root ball first, especially in a large pot or dense mix.
humidity
Typical home humidity
Native to dry parts of South Africa, String of Bananas is happiest in average to low household humidity. Aim for roughly 30-50% with good airflow. It can tolerate briefly drier air if its roots are watered properly.
Very dry air may contribute to shriveled leaves or crisp tips, but check the potting mix first: wrinkled leaves usually mean the plant needs a thorough drink. If your home stays above about 60% humidity, improve airflow and let the mix dry fully between waterings.
temperature
Preferred temperature
Winter minimum
Native to dry, warm parts of South Africa, String of Bananas is happiest in typical warm indoor conditions. It tolerates summer warmth with good airflow, but cold slows growth and can damage the succulent stems.
nutrition
March - September
Feed about once a month while it is actively making new trails, using a balanced cactus or succulent fertilizer diluted to half strength. Do not fertilize in winter, or when growth has slowed in low light.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen supports healthy green leaves and new trailing growth. A diluted, balanced succulent feed supplies enough without pushing soft, weak growth.
soil
Gritty, fast-draining soil
String of Bananas has fine succulent roots that rot in dense, wet compost. Use cactus soil loosened with pumice, perlite, or coarse grit so water drains quickly while a little organic matter still supports growth.
pH 6,0 - 7,0
This is slightly acidic to neutral, a range most cactus and succulent mixes naturally provide. Choose a peat- or coco-based succulent mix with mineral grit, rather than trying to adjust pH at home.