String Of Bananas Curio radicans (syn. Senecio radicans)
Reviewed June 2026 · how we check this
A fast-growing trailing succulent with glossy, banana-shaped leaves strung along slender stems that can spill several feet from a hanging pot. Tougher and quicker than its cousin string of pearls, it's a forgiving choice for a bright window or shelf.
Light
String of bananas wants the brightest spot you can give it — a few hours of gentle direct sun at an east or south window keeps the banana-shaped leaves plump, glossy, and tightly spaced. In bright indirect light it still does well, but in genuine shade the stems stretch into long, bare runners with widely spaced beads and lose their fullness. Unlike string of pearls, it tolerates a little harsh sun once acclimated, though sudden midday sun through glass can scorch pale tan patches onto the leaves. If the trails are looking sparse and reaching toward the window, move it brighter and rotate the pot occasionally so growth stays even all around.Watering
Water thoroughly, then let the gritty mix dry out almost completely before watering again — roughly every 2–3 weeks in the growing season and monthly or less in winter, always going by the soil rather than the calendar. The banana-shaped leaves are little water reservoirs, so this plant handles drought far better than a soaking. Plump, firm leaves mean it's well hydrated; shriveled, softly wrinkled bananas signal it's thirsty and will perk up within a day or two of a good drink. Mushy, translucent, yellowing leaves and stems that detach at a touch mean overwatering — the single fastest way to kill it.Soil & potting
Use a gritty, sharp-draining cactus and succulent mix, or stretch a standard mix with plenty of perlite, pumice, or coarse sand so water races through. The shallow, fine roots rot quickly in anything that stays wet, so an airy blend matters more than its modest depth. Always plant in a pot with drainage holes; an unglazed terracotta hanging pot is ideal because it wicks moisture and dries the rootball faster. Repot only every couple of years — this succulent is happy a little snug — moving up just one pot size in spring and refreshing the mix.Humidity & temperature
Forget humidity trays and misting — string of bananas is a dry-climate succulent that prefers ordinary, on the dry side household air, and damp conditions only invite rot. Keep it comfortably warm between 60–80°F; growth slows below 60°F and it has no frost tolerance, so bring outdoor plants in well before temperatures dip near 40°F. It appreciates good airflow around its trailing stems, which helps the surface dry between waterings. Keep it clear of cold winter drafts and frosty windowpanes, but a sunny, airy spot suits it perfectly year-round.Fertilizing
This is a light feeder that does fine on lean soil. Offer a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half or quarter strength just once or twice through spring and summer — that's plenty to fuel the fast trailing growth. Skip feeding entirely in fall and winter while the plant rests. Over-fertilizing pushes weak, leggy stems and can burn the delicate roots, so when in doubt, feed less. A crusty white build-up on the soil surface is a sign you've overdone it; flush the pot with plain water to rinse the salts away.Pruning & maintenance
Trim anytime to keep the trails tidy and encourage a fuller plant. Pinch or snip leggy, bare runners back to a leafy section, and the cut stems will branch into bushier growth near the crown. Don't toss the trimmings — every cutting roots easily and can be tucked back into the same pot to thicken it up. Remove any shriveled, mushy, or sunburned leaves as you spot them. Long trails are part of the charm, so prune to shape rather than to shorten unless a strand has gone thin and threadbare.Propagation
One of the easiest succulents to multiply. Snip a few inches of healthy stem, strip the leaves from the bottom inch, and let the cut end callus over for a day or two. Lay or lightly press the stem onto barely moist gritty mix — roots form readily along any node that touches soil — or simply coil cuttings on top of the parent pot to fill it in. Keep the mix just slightly damp until rooted in 2–3 weeks, then water normally. Stem cuttings root far more reliably than individual leaves.Common problems
Through the year
Spring
Growth takes off — resume regular watering, give one light feed, and take cuttings to fill out the pot or start new plants.
Summer
Peak trailing season. Water when the mix dries fully, keep it in bright light, and watch the strands lengthen quickly.
Fall
Growth slows — stretch the gaps between waterings and stop fertilizing as light levels drop.
Winter
Near-dormant. Water sparingly, skip feeding, and keep it bright, warm, and away from cold glass and frost.
Recommended supplies for String Of Bananas
- A gritty cactus & succulent mix
- Pots with drainage holes
- A full-spectrum LED grow light
- A balanced liquid fertilizer
- Clean pruning snips
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