How To Care For Your String of Bananas

Written by Natalie Anstey

 In This Article:

Love String of Pearls but looking for something a little different? You’ll go bananas over this! The Seneco radicans is a trailing succulent from South Africa with tiny banana shaped leaves growing in excess of 3ft long! The String of Bananas looks very similar to the String of Fishhooks, but has lush green foliage and thicker leaves and is super easy to care for. 

String of Bananas Plant Care

String of Bananas Soil Requirements

String of Bananas like a free-draining, sand-based compost which is high in acidity and low in nutrients like their natural habitat. They will however be more than happy in a specialist succulent/cactus soil. 

String of Bananas Light Requirements

String of Bananas like bright indirect light. The ideal spot would be about 3-5ft from a south or west facing window that receives full sun in the morning and tails off towards the afternoon. 

String of Bananas Water Requirements

String of Bananas Temperature Requirements

Native to South Africa, the String of Bananas prefers a warm spot that reaches temperatures above 65-70℉ from spring to fall. In the winter this can be reduced down to 50℉. Keep this plant out of drafts as this may cause foliage to shrivel or drop. 

String of Bananas Humidity Requirements

String of Bananas prefer low humidity and can tolerate a dry surrounding of the average home with relative ease. Thriving in humidity levels of 40% , do not keep in a room such as a bathroom as this could cause the foliage to rot. 

String of Bananas Fertilizer Requirements

Fertilize once a month in spring and summer with a weak solution of fertilizer diluted down to half. During fall and winter reduce to once every two months.

String of Bananas Repotting

The String of Bananas is such a prolific grower that you can repot it yearly. The best time to repot is in spring and plant it in a pot only one size bigger. 

Your plant may need to be repotted earlier if it is showing signs of overcrowding, the roots are pushing out of the bottom of the pot, or if your plant’s health is declining as this could be down to root rot. 

String of Bananas Propagation

String of Bananas are super easy to propagate and the best way to propagate is by taking cuttings. The ideal time to take a cutting is during the summer as the plant will be in its growing season and so will take better. 

Planting your String of Bananas Cuttings

Take a long and healthy stem of 10cm - 15cm in length. Leave the cutting to dry for a few days so that the cut heals or callouses over. Now there are several paths you can take Dip the end in rooting hormone and plant in sandy soil/succulent compost and water and monitor.. Plant the cutting in a sand based soil/succulent soil as is, making sure to water and monitor.

Now there are several paths you can take:
1. Dip the end in rooting hormone and plant in sandy soil/succulent compost and water and monitor..
2. Plant the cutting in a sand based soil/succulent soil as is, making sure to water and monitor.
3. Place the cutting in a small glass of water (making sure none of the bananas are underwater as they may go mushy - you can remove these if you like) and after 2-3 weeks roots should begin to form which you can then plant.

String of Bananas Common Problems

Root Rot:

This is caused by overwatering. Signs of root rot include pale leaves and/or mushy stems. If the stems or foliage have gone mushy then it may be too late, but if just the leaves are affected then repot in free draining soil with gravel and water sparingly.

Underwatering:

Underwatering commonly shows up as shriveled up foliage. Imagine a deflated balloon and you’ll get the idea. If you are sure that there are no pests that could be gorging on the plant then maybe bring forward your watering regime by a few days and see if that helps.

Aphids, Mealybugs, & Spider Mites:

Unfortunately due to the plant's juice-filled foliage they can attract hungry insects who feast on newly formed buds that are full of juicy sap. You may be able to see the insects or at least their trail of destruction as foliage will wilt and look dehydrated. Remove by hand or spray with insecticide/neem oil.

String of Bananas Toxicity

Although they look like cute little bananas they are toxic for both humans and our furry friends. Hanging it up in a pot holder or placing it on a high shelf will make the most of its cascading nature and keep it out of harm's way! 

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