String of Bananas Care: Light, Drying Mix and Pet Risk
Give Curio radicans bright filtered light and keep it away from pets.
Quick questions
Is Senecio radicans the same plant?
Yes. Curio radicans is the current name; Senecio radicans is an older name.
How often should I water it?
Water after much of the fast-draining mix has dried, then drain the pot.
Why is the top of the pot bare?
Check whether enough filtered light reaches the crown as well as the trailing stems.
Can I propagate a cutting?
Yes. Healthy stem cuttings can root in a suitable draining medium.
Is string of bananas safe for pets?
No. NC State lists Curio radicans as toxic when ingested; keep stems out of reach.
String of bananas (Curio radicans, formerly Senecio radicans) has fleshy leaves shaped like small green bananas. The pictured houseplant trails over its pot. Give light to the top as well as the hanging stems so the crown does not become bare.
Light and pot
Choose bright, indirect light. Harsh full sun can redden or scorch leaves, while deep shade stretches the spaces between them. Use a coarse, fast-draining succulent mix and a container with holes.
Water after drying
Check beyond the surface. Water when much of the mix has dried, then let excess drain. A full, heavy pot stays wet longer than a small open one; do not use a fixed interval. Soft stems in wet mix need a root check.
Trim and root
Prune a healthy trailing stem to encourage branching. A stem cutting can root in a suitable draining medium. Inspect for aphids, mealybugs, scale and spider mites before treating.
Pet warning
NC State lists Curio radicans as toxic if eaten by pets, with larger ingestions potentially serious. The sap may irritate skin. Keep hanging stems out of reach and contact a veterinarian after ingestion.
Related LeafLovers guides
Sources for this guide
1 source
Spotted something that needs correcting? Send a message.
