Senecio - String of Bananas
Senecio radicans, commonly known as String of Bananas, is a charming and fast-growing succulent vine prized for its unique foliage resembling small, curved bananas. This trailing plant is a popular choice for hanging baskets and elevated pots, adding a touch of whimsical greenery to indoor and outdoor spaces.
Key Features of String of Bananas
- Banana-Shaped Leaves: The most distinctive feature is its fleshy, glossy leaves that are elongated and curved, resembling small bananas or fish hooks.
- Trailing Stems: Features long, slender, trailing stems that can reach several feet in length.
- Evergreen Foliage: Typically retains its green leaves year-round under proper growing conditions.
- Fast Growth Rate: Can grow relatively quickly, especially during the active growing season.
- Small, White Flowers: Mature plants may produce small, inconspicuous, white or off-white, fuzzy flowers that have a cinnamon-like scent.
- Adaptable Growth Habit: Can be grown indoors as a houseplant or outdoors in frost-free climates.
Care for Your String of Bananas
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight. While it can tolerate some direct morning sun, intense afternoon sun can scorch the leaves. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and fewer "bananas."
- Soil: Requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot. A commercial cactus and succulent mix is ideal.
- Watering: Water thoroughly only when the soil is completely dry to the touch. Overwatering is a common cause of failure. Reduce watering significantly during the dormant winter months.
- Temperature: Prefers mild temperatures and is not frost-tolerant. Protect from freezing conditions.
- Humidity: Adapts well to average household humidity levels. Good air circulation is beneficial.
Maintenance for a Thriving Plant
- Pruning: Can be pruned to maintain shape, control length, or encourage bushier growth. Pruning is best done during the active growing season.
- Repotting: Repot every 1-2 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot only slightly larger with good drainage. Spring is a good time for repotting.
- Pest Control: Monitor for common succulent pests such as mealybugs and aphids. Treat any infestations promptly with appropriate methods.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize sparingly during the active growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer formulated for succulents. Avoid over-fertilizing.
Propagation Methods for Expanding Your Collection
- Stem Cuttings: A very easy and reliable method. Take healthy stem cuttings a few inches long, allow the cut ends to callus over for a day or two, and then plant them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil lightly moist until roots establish.
- Leaf Cuttings: While possible, leaf propagation can be slower and less reliable than stem cuttings. Allow the cut end of a leaf to callus and then place it on top of well-draining soil.
- Division: Mature, trailing plants can sometimes be carefully divided at the root ball.
Senecio radicans, or String of Bananas, is a delightful and low-maintenance succulent vine that adds a unique and playful touch to any plant collection. Its fast growth and easy propagation make it a rewarding plant to grow and share.
Important Note: Kindly be aware that this plant is delicate in naturee and despite our best efforts in packaging, may experience some damage during shipping.
* Picture and information intended only as a guide. Size and colours of plants will vary, not any 1 plant is exactly the same and minor variations will occur.
** All plants will be posted bare rooted.