Plate No. 28
String of Bananas
Curio radicans
"A cascade of small green fruits"
Native to
Drylands of southern Africa
History
A brief account
String of Bananas is a cheerful, trailing succulent with rounded leaves that resemble little green fruits hanging from a vine. A close cousin of String of Pearls, it spreads readily in its native habitat, rooting at each node as it travels across the ground. It grows a little faster and with more tolerance than its famous relative, which helped it become a favorite in mid-20th-century hanging baskets and indoor plant collections. Its relaxed, cascading growth makes it especially appealing in bright rooms where it can spill over the edge of a pot.
How to care for
Place String of Bananas according to its light needs: Bright indirect light; gentle morning sun is welcome. For watering, light watering when the soil is dry — every two weeks. For the potting medium, use loose, sandy, free-draining mix in a hanging pot. Good drainage is essential: let surplus water escape freely and never leave the roots standing in a wet saucer.
16–24°C. Keep above 10°C. Check the compost before watering instead of following a rigid calendar, since light, temperature, pot size and season all affect how quickly it dries. During slower growth, reduce watering and wait longer between drinks.
How to propagate
Lay stems on soil — they root at every node. Propagation is most reliable during the plant's active growing season, when warmth and good light help new roots establish. Start with clean tools and healthy material, and keep the new plant in conditions appropriate for the parent.
Where a cutting or division creates a wound, allow the surface to dry before planting unless the method calls for immediate rooting in water or moist mix. Once roots form and fresh growth appears, gradually move the young String of Bananas into its normal watering routine; excess moisture is especially risky while the root system is still small.
Cultivation
Quick tips for care & planting
- Light
- Bright indirect light; gentle morning sun is welcome.
- Water
- Light watering when the soil is dry — every two weeks.
- Soil
- Loose, sandy, free-draining mix in a hanging pot.
- Temperature
- 16–24°C. Keep above 10°C.
- Propagation
- Lay stems on soil — they root at every node.