Move over a string of pearls – there’s a replacement trailing succulent on the scene. The string of bananas (Senecio radicans) is really an in-depth relative of the favored string of pearls succulent but is understood for being faster growing and easier to worry for. For anyone who has unsuccessfully tried to stay a string of pearls alive, the string of bananas could also be succulent for you.
Native to South Africa, the string of bananas may be a part of the Asteraceae family and is characterized by glossy, banana-shaped leaves that grow on long, hanging tendrils. It makes a superb hanging houseplant or is often trained to grow upwards on a trellis or moss pole counting on the design you’re going for. A string of bananas also can be grown successfully outdoors in succulent gardens, but they’re not frost-tolerant so require regions that have warm weather year-round.
As with many other sorts of succulents, the string of bananas is grown for its interesting foliage instead of its blooms which are relatively inconspicuous. find out how to grow these attractive and low-maintenance succulents.
Botanical Name | Senecio radicans syn. Curio radicans |
Common Name | String of bananas |
Plant Type | Succulent |
Mature Size | 36 inches long |
Sun Exposure | Full sun |
Soil Type | Well-draining, succulent soil |
Soil pH | 6.6-7.5 |
Bloom Time | Spring |
Flower Color | White, light pink |
Native Area | South Africa |
Toxicity | Toxic to humans and pets |
String of Bananas Care
A string of bananas is fast-growing, low-maintenance succulents that will be easily enjoyed by beginners and experts alike. they’re drought-tolerant and don’t require regular fertilizing, repotting, or pruning. the foremost important part of growing a healthy string of bananas is ensuring that the succulent receives enough light as they are doing not grow well in low-light conditions. Place your string of bananas during a bright, sunny window and ignore it and it’ll be happy.
Light
These trailing succulents require bright, direct light when grown indoors. Choose a location that receives a minimum of six hours of sunlight throughout the day. A string of bananas had best under grow lights also if needed.
If this plant isn’t receiving enough light, it’ll become leggy and therefore the banana-shaped leaves will become significantly more spaced out along the stem – a glance that’s often considered less visually appealing.
Soil
A string of bananas requires a well-draining soil mix so as to assist prevent plant disease. you’ll purchase premixed cactus or succulent soil or mix your own reception. an easy mixture of two parts potting soil, 1 part perlite, and 1 part pumice or sand will provide your string of bananas with adequate drainage.
Water
This hardy succulent is taken into account to be drought-tolerant with low tide needs. there’s no universal schedule for a way often a string of bananas will get to be watered as this will depend upon a spread of things, but, as a general rule, the soil should be allowed to dry out completely between waterings.
It is better to under-water a string of bananas than to overwater as they’re highly vulnerable to plant disease. Keeping the succulents planted in well-draining soil and ensuring that the pot has adequate drainage also will help to stop plant disease.
Temperature and Humidity
While strings of bananas are native to the dry and hot climates of South Africa, they are doing well in normal household temperatures and humidity levels. make sure that your plant is kept far away from heat/air conditioning vents also as drafty or cold windows so it’s not exposed to any extreme temperatures.
Fertilizer
As with most succulents, a string of bananas doesn’t require regular fertilizing, although they will enjoy light feedings within the spring and summer months to assist boost growth. Using organic fertilizers like worm compost, liquid kelp, or fish emulsion is suggested.
Are String of Bananas Toxic?
As a neighborhood of the Senecio genus, a string of bananas are considered toxic to cats and dogs, and mildly toxic to humans if ingested. Keep these trailing succulents out of reach if you’ve got pets or young children reception. If your pet or child is exhibiting any of the symptoms below and you think that they need to ingest a part of the succulent, seek medical or veterinary care.
- Symptoms of Poisoning
- Nausea & vomiting
- Skin irritation
- Drooling
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
Potting and Repotting String of Bananas
A string of bananas don’t mind being root-bound and don’t get to be repotted regularly as a result. Once every few years to refresh the soil is probably going enough for a string of bananas. The spring and summer months are the simplest time for repotting because they will give the fragile roots time to recover during the active season.
These plants are typically much easier to repot than other hanging succulent varieties like the string of pearls because their leaves don’t fall off as easily. However, care should be taken during repotting to make sure that you simply don’t break any of the fragile stems. haven’t any fear if you are doing lose a few strands though – simply pop the top of the broken stem back within the pot and it’ll eventually grow its own roots.
Common Pests/Diseases
A string of bananas succulents aren’t susceptible to any particularly serious problems, but they will be vulnerable to many of the foremost common sorts of houseplant pests and diseases. Most notably, be careful with signs of plant disease which may result from overwatering.
In terms of pests, keep an eye fixed out for sap-sucking pests like aphids, mealybugs, and other scale insects, and spider mites. Early detection and proper treatment can help to stay these pesky insects in check and stop a full-blown infestation.