String of Bananas

How to care for String of Bananas

Light

Curio radicans thrives in bright indirect light but can tolerate a few hours of direct sun, particularly morning sun, which encourages compact, healthy growth. A south- or west-facing windowsill is ideal in the UK. Insufficient light causes the stems to become etiolated and the spaces between leaves to lengthen noticeably. Avoid harsh afternoon sun through glass in summer, which can scorch the leaves.

Watering

Water thoroughly when the top half of the compost has dried out, then allow excess water to drain freely and never let the pot sit in standing water. During the active growing season of spring and summer, this typically means watering every ten to fourteen days depending on conditions. In autumn and winter, reduce watering significantly, perhaps once every three to four weeks, as the plant is semi-dormant and susceptible to root rot if kept too moist. Always check the soil rather than watering on a fixed schedule.

Soil and potting

A free-draining, gritty compost is essential. A commercial cactus and succulent mix is suitable, or a standard peat-free multipurpose compost can be blended with at least 30 to 50 percent horticultural grit or perlite. Good aeration around the roots prevents the most common cause of failure, which is waterlogging and subsequent root rot. Terracotta pots are beneficial as they allow moisture to evaporate through their walls.

Feeding

Feed with a diluted balanced liquid fertiliser at half the recommended strength once a month during spring and summer. A fertiliser formulated for cacti and succulents, which tends to be lower in nitrogen, is preferable as it supports healthy, compact growth rather than excessive lush foliage. Avoid feeding entirely during autumn and winter when the plant is not actively growing.

Humidity and temperature

Curio radicans prefers low to moderate humidity and is well suited to the relatively dry conditions found in most UK homes. Average household humidity is generally adequate; misting is unnecessary and can promote fungal issues. It prefers temperatures between 15 and 27 C and should not be exposed to temperatures below 10 C for prolonged periods. Keep it away from cold draughts, unheated conservatories in winter, and radiators that cause excessive heat and dry air.

Repotting

Repot every two to three years or when roots begin to emerge from the drainage holes. Choose a new container only one size larger, as overly large pots retain moisture for longer and increase the risk of root rot. Spring is the best time to repot. Handle the trailing stems carefully as they are brittle and break easily. After repotting, wait approximately a week before watering to allow any disturbed roots to settle.

Pruning

Pruning is not strictly necessary but is useful for maintaining shape and encouraging bushier growth. Trim back any leggy or bare stems to a node in spring or early summer. Pruned sections can be propagated as cuttings. Remove any dead or shrivelled stems at the base to improve air circulation and the overall appearance of the plant.

Is String of Bananas toxic?

Common problems

How to propagate

Stem cuttings

Cut a healthy stem section of approximately 10 to 15 cm, remove the lower few leaves to expose a node, and allow the cut end to callous for one to two days. Place in dry, well-draining compost or simply rest on the soil surface, keeping the node in contact with the mix, and water sparingly once roots develop after a few weeks.

Layering

Pin a trailing stem to the surface of a pot of compost using a small wire clip or hairpin so that a node is in contact with the soil. Roots will form at the node within a few weeks, after which the connecting stem can be cut to create a new independent plant.

Where String of Bananas comes from

Native to South Africa, Namibia.

Story and origins

The genus name Curio is derived from the Latin word for curiosity or rare object, and was applied to this group of succulent plants due to their unusual and distinctive appearance. The species epithet radicans comes from the Latin verb radicare, meaning to take root, and refers to the plant's habit of rooting along its trailing stems wherever they come into contact with soil. The most familiar common name, String of Bananas, is a straightforward descriptive reference to the shape of the curved, elongated leaves, which closely resemble miniature bananas.

Curio radicans originates from the Eastern and Western Cape provinces of South Africa, where it grows in scrubby, semi-arid habitats. It was first formally described in the 19th century under the name Senecio radicans by the Swiss botanist Augustin Pyramus de Candolle, placing it within the enormous and botanically unwieldy genus Senecio. Following a major review of the Senecio alliance within the Asteraceae family, the South African botanist Bertil Nordenstam transferred the species to the newly circumscribed genus Curio in 2001. The plant has grown in popularity as a houseplant since the late 20th century, particularly with the rise of succulent collecting as a widespread hobby, and is now widely traded and grown across Europe, North America, and beyond.

Varieties to know

Curio radicans (standard form)

The species itself is the most commonly available form, with characteristic curved, banana-shaped green leaves.

Curio radicans variegata

A variegated form with creamy-white or pale yellow streaking on the leaves. Rarer and slower-growing than the straight species, requiring more light to maintain variegation.

Fun facts

• Curio radicans was formerly classified in the large genus Senecio before molecular studies prompted its reclassification into the smaller genus Curio in 2001.
• The banana-shaped leaves are not hollow; they have a translucent longitudinal stripe called a window or epidermal window that allows light to penetrate deeper into the leaf tissue, an adaptation for photosynthesis in bright, exposed habitats.
• In its native South African habitat, the plant roots at nodes along its trailing stems, allowing it to spread vegetatively across the ground over large areas.
• Curio radicans can produce small, white, brush-like flowers with a faint cinnamon scent, though blooming indoors is uncommon without adequate light and a cool winter rest period.
• The genus name Curio refers to a curiosity or oddity, reflecting the unusual appearance of many of the plants placed within it.

String of Bananas FAQ