String of Bananas (Curio radicans) is a fast growing, trailing succulent thats known for its long trailing stems that have curved leaves that look like tiny green bananas! If you look closely and you will notice a translucent line along each leaf called a “leaf window,” which allows light into the leaf.

As it grows, its stems can trail several feet, making it fun to plant in hanging pots, on shelves or really anywhere its vines have room to trail over the edge.

You may also see this plant sold under its older botanical name, Senecio radicans. Paul V. Heath established the genus Curio in 1997 separating a group of succulent species that had traditionally been placed in Senecio and many still use that name.

What Makes It Special?

The bananas!

Each leaf is curved shaped and look like mini bananas growing along the stem. Unlike some of its more delicate “String of things” relatives, String of Bananas is more durable and is known for growing fast.

In its native habitat, the stems grow along the ground and can root where they touch the soil. The species name radicans actually refers to that rooting habit of most string of things hence the name change.

Key Facts

Scientific name: Curio radicans
Former scientific name: Senecio radicans
Common names: String of Bananas, Banana Vine
Family: Asteraceae, the daisy family
Native range: Southern Africa, parts of South Africa, Namibia and Lesotho
Growth form: Fast-growing trailing succulent 
Common use: Hanging baskets, trailing pots and shelves.

How to Care for String of Bananas

Light

Give it plenty of bright light. Inside, place it near a bright window where the entire plant, including the top receives good light. Some gentle direct sun can be good for it, but moving a plant from a greenhouse or indoors to direct sun can cause sunburn so be sure to slowly acclimate it. 

Not enough light can cause the stems to become stretched and the space between the leaves to widen. If your plant starts looking leggy, light is one of the first things to check and increase.

Water

Use our favorite succulent rule:

Dry → Drench → Dry → Repeat

When it’s time to water, soak the soil until water drains from the bottom of the pot. Then let the soil to dry before watering deep again.

Try to avoid giving it frequent sips or misting. You want water to reach the entire root system.

The leaves store water in them so when start to lose some of their fullness, that's a good indication that it's ready for a deep watering.

Soil

It needs a fast-draining succulent mix. Indoors, where there is usually less heat and airflow, adding extra pumice or perlite can help the soil dry faster.

As a general Succly rule, we like succulent soil to dry within roughly 3–5 days after a thorough watering.

Always use a pot with a drainage hole so extra water doesn't pool at the roots.

Temperature

It likes warm conditions and is not frost tolerant.

Normal indoor temperatures are fine. If you’re growing it outside, protect it from frost and freezing temperatures. 

Also keep in mind in winter that a plant sitting against a very cold window can feel temperatures colder than the rest of the room.

Fertilizer

During active growth, you can occasionally use a diluted fertilizer formulated for succulents. We recommend starting around ¼ strength rather than using full-strength.

Blooming

Mature and happy plants can grow a bunch of small white or mauve flowers. 

The flowers are known for having a cinnamon smell.

Flowering usually happens from late summer into fall. Giving it lots of light will give you the best chance of seeing flowers but don’t worry if yours doesn’t bloom every year.

Pet Safety

We recommend keeping String of Bananas out of reach of pets. If ingested, it may cause symptoms such as vomiting or stomach upset. Hanging this plant is a great way to show off its growth while also helping keep curious pets away from it.

Humidity

String of Bananas is fine in normal household humidity and prefers good airflow over a humid environment.

Avoid keeping the leaves or soil constantly wet that combined with low airflow can create problems with the roots and stems.

Propagation

The easiest method is stem propagation.

Take a stem cutting with several leaves and let the cut end callus. You can remove a few leaves from the bottom and stick that portion of the stem into a well-draining succulent soil.

You can also lay part of the stem across the surface of the soil. Because strings naturally roots along their stems, nodes touching the soil can start rooting.

Once rooted, those cuttings will start their own new growth.

Troubleshooting Your String of Bananas

The bananas look shriveled or less plump

Your plant may be thirsty, especially if the soil is completely dry.

Give it a good watering until water drains from the bottom rather than giving it a small sip of water. If the soil is still wet and the leaves are shriveling, don’t add more water. Check the roots and soil first.

The stems are long with big spaces between the leaves

It probably needs more light.

String of Bananas should have compact growth along its stems. Gradually move it into a brighter spot or add a grow light.

Leaves are turning brown or reddish

Light.

Strong direct sunlight can cause sun stress or sunburn. Move the plant to a more shady location and acclimate it before increasing direct sun again.

The base or stems are soft or mushy

Check the roots and soil immediately.

Soft or mushy stems and leaves can be mean too much water or root or stem damage. Remove the affected portions and check whether the soil is staying wet too long.

If it takes a long time for your soil to dry adding more grit such as pumice or perlite and increase the airflow.

Leaves are falling off

A few leaves here isn't necessarily a problem.

If you’re seeing a lot of leaf loss. Has the plant been extremely dry? Is the soil staying wet for too long? Did its temperature or light conditions change?

Growth has slowed down

Succulents don’t grow at the same rate all year. Seasonal changes in light, temperature and the plant’s natural growth cycle can all affect how quickly you see new growth.

Snap a pic, tag @Succly, and show us where your String of Bananas lives. Bonus points if it’s in bloom 🌼

Keep Learning About Succulent Care

New to succulents or want to learn even more? These guides will help you grow healthier, happier plants.

Watering Succulents

Learn why overwatering isn’t about how often you water, but how long the soil stays wet.
→ Read our Watering Guide

Find the Right Succulent Soil

There isn’t one “perfect” succulent soil. Discover how to choose or mix the best soil for your growing environment.
→ Read our Succulent Soil Guide

Succulent Care 101

Everything you need to know about light, watering, repotting, dormancy, and keeping your succulents thriving.
→ Read Succulent Care 101