String of Bananas (Senecio Radicans)

Description

String of Bananas – Senecio Radicans The String of Bananas (Senecio Radicans) is a delightful trailing succulent with tiny, curved, banana-shaped leaves arranged one behind another along elongated trailing stems. A shiny finish to each leaf includes a narrow clear strip along the edge so some of the light will get into the leaf itself. This trailing quality and unique leaves makes it a great choice for those who love a trailing succulent but find the much more delicate String of Pearls a challenge.

This Senecio Radicans can grow into long strands of bananas, ideal for hanging baskets or tall pedestal pots, and will eventually reach its full, hanging potential on shelves and in time will drape over the edges. String of Bananas make excellent trailing plants for any succulent collection to balance the look of more spiky plants and it can also root where it creeps over the soil surface if climate appropriate, becoming a wonderful groundcover!

The String of Bananas is a truly low-maintenance trailing plant for growers who aren’t fussy, handling lots of heat and tolerating neglect after establishment surprisingly well. It loves light, and a couple of hours of direct sun is great if it’s coming from the morning or late afternoon. Water until you cannot feel moistness under your finger tip and allow it to dry again before watering. After getting settled into its pot this fast growing succulent should grow long trails of leaves.

Key Features

• Small, curved, banana-shaped leaves with a translucent leaf-window along one edge
• Long, trailing stems perfect for hanging baskets and tall pots
• A fast-growing and simple-to-grow shrub propagated by stem cuttings
• An easier and more resilient version of the popular string of pearls plant
• Highly drought-tolerant once established
• Works well as a 'spiller' plant in mixed succulent arrangements
• Can produce small, cinnamon-scented white flower clusters
• A charming, low-maintenance choice for shelves and hanging displays

Care at a Glance

Product Specifications

What's in the Box

• 1 × Live String of Bananas plant
• 1 × Pot (Bare-rooted/Pot: Optional)
• Well-draining potting mix
• Basic care guide

Important Notes

• Natural variation in trail length, leaf size, and overall fullness is normal from plant to plant
• Some leaf drop or trail thinning during transit is common and the plant usually recovers within a week or two
• Do not give the plant harsh afternoon sunlight right out of the package. Give it time to adjust gradually.
• Keep away from overwatering and waterlogging, as this succulent is prone to root rot in soggy soil
• It can be toxic if it is ingested by animals. Keep away from pets and children.
• Don’t repot it in a larger pot because extra soil holds more moisture than it requires

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is my ‘String of Bananas’ plant looking wrinkled or shriveled?

A: Your plant likely wants some water; water deeply and thoroughly and your leaves should recover within a day or two. This is usually indicative of a plant that may want a little more attention and watering in relation to this, especially in the hotter parts of the year.

Q: When to water this plant?

A: Give a good soaking, and then allow the soil to dry thoroughly before watering again - roughly every 12-16 days depending on the climate. Reduce water during winter, as root rot, the most common affliction, stems from over-watering.

Q: Does string of bananas grow well inside? 

A: String of banana plants can be grown indoors at a sunny window that gets some direct morning or evening sun. In lower light levels the trails might appear a little stretched out and so good sunlight would be ideal.

Q: How fast does this plant grow? 

A: This plant is quick to establish, and with plenty of light and attentive care its trailing stems are constantly growing, and can soon become as long as a meter or two.

Q: What about fertilizer? 

A: Water your plant with a dilute balanced liquid feed once every 4 or 6 weeks in the spring and summer but do not feed during winter when the plant is dormant.

Q: Is String of Bananas safe for pets? 

A: String of Bananas is toxic to both humans and animals if eaten and can cause a slight irritation. This is a plant best grown in an area where your pets cannot reach it.