String of Bananas
Senecio radicans
Senecio radicans, commonly known as String of Bananas, is a fast-growing, cascading succulent vine native to South Africa. Characterized by its thin, trailing stems adorned with miniature, fleshy, banana-shaped leaves, it is a close relative of the String of Pearls but grows significantly faster and is far less finicky. It produces small, white, cinnamon-scented flowers during late winter and early spring.
Native Origin & Climate
Dry rocky crevices and karoo scrublands of South Africa.
Expert Pruning Tip
Trim leggy stems to encourage branching and a fuller look at the top. The cut stems can be directly placed back into the soil to propagate.
In-Situ Environment
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Botanical Blueprint
Localized Australian Care Taxonomy
Beginner Friendly. Easy to grow, faster and more forgiving than the String of Pearls.
Bright light with some direct sun. Prefers several hours of morning sun with bright indirect afternoon light. Stems will stretch and grow thin in too much shade.
Low. Water thoroughly and let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Highly sensitive to overwatering, which causes the banana-shaped leaves to turn translucent and mushy.
Extremely well-draining cactus and succulent mix. Combine 60% potting mix with 40% perlite or grit to prevent water retention around the shallow root system.
Prefers warm, dry air. Does well outdoors in temperate climates but must be protected from frost and heavy winter rainfall.
Stem cuttings propagate very easily. Lay stems on moist soil or push nodes into soil, and roots will form in a couple of weeks.
Draping, whimsical, and trailing. Fleshy banana-like leaves dangle gracefully, creating a cascading waterfall effect.
Ideal for hanging baskets, high shelves, or wall planters where the cascading vines can trail down freely.
Versatile Sheltered
Toxic:Toxic to pets and humans. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and skin irritation from sap.
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