How to Grow String of Bananas
Curio radicans
String of bananas is a fast-trailing South African succulent that thrives on neglect. Plant in gritty, free-draining succulent compost in a hanging basket or on a high shelf in bright indirect to direct light. Water thoroughly then leave to dry out completely before watering again — once every 2–3 weeks in summer, once a month or less in winter. Feed monthly with a diluted balanced fertiliser in spring and summer only. It grows more vigorously than string of pearls and can trail over a metre. Toxic to cats and dogs — keep out of reach.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Feed monthly with a diluted balanced liquid fertiliser from spring through summer. Withhold feed entirely in autumn and winter when growth slows.
Watch For
- Root rot from overwatering
- Mealybug
- Aphids on new growth
- Shrivelled leaves from underwatering or too much sun
Pet Safety
Care Requirements
Light
Bright indirect to some direct sun
Grows best in bright indirect light with 1–3 hours of direct morning sun. Too much harsh midday sun bleaches the leaves. A south or east-facing windowsill is ideal.
Watering
Very drought-tolerant; water thoroughly then let dry completely
Water deeply every 2–3 weeks in the growing season, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. In winter, water once a month or less. Never let it sit in water.
Fertilizing
Monthly in spring and summer at half strength
Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser at half strength once a month during the growing season. Stop feeding entirely in autumn and winter to avoid leggy growth.
Pruning
Trim straggly stems in spring
Cut back any overly long or bare stems in early spring to encourage bushier trailing growth. Cuttings root easily and can be used to fill out the same pot.
Spacing
One plant per 20–30 cm hanging basket
A single plant can trail up to 90 cm. Hanging baskets allow the stems to drape freely. Avoid crowding with other plants as good air circulation prevents rot.
Support
No support needed — trailing habit
Naturally trailing; best displayed in a hanging basket, on a high shelf, or in a wall-mounted planter. No staking or support required.
Growing Tips
Water less than you think
The most common cause of death is overwatering. The leaves should feel plump and firm. If they start to shrivel, give a thorough watering; if they are soft and mushy, reduce watering immediately.
Bright light for best growth
Tolerates medium indirect light but grows fastest and most densely in a spot with a few hours of direct morning sun. South or east-facing windowsills work well.
Toxic — keep away from pets
All parts of the plant are toxic to cats and dogs. Place in a hanging position well out of reach in pet households.
Propagate from cuttings
Trim a 10 cm stem section, let the cut end callous for 24 hours, then lay on barely moist succulent compost. Roots appear in 2–3 weeks.
