Light
Bright, indirect light with a few hours of gentle direct sun suits it best. NC State Extension notes it isn't full-sun tolerant, and leaves that turn brown or reddish are usually sunburned. In too little light the stems get long and bare, with the bananas spaced far apart.
Water
Water when the top half of the soil feels dry, soak it, then let it drain. The thick leaves store water, so it shrugs off a missed drink but not a soggy pot, which rots the roots. Give it less in winter.
Soil & pots
A coarse, sandy cactus mix in a pot with a drainage hole. A hanging basket or a pot on a high shelf gives the stems room to trail.
Temperature
It isn't frost-tolerant, so it can stay outdoors year-round only in zones 10–11. Elsewhere it makes a good summer porch plant in bright shade. Bring it in before the first frost.
Is string of bananas safe for pets?
Toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA's database doesn't list string of bananas, but NC State Extension lists it as toxic to cats, dogs and horses (low severity). It contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, eating it can cause loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, and the sap can irritate skin.
Propagation
Stem cuttings are the quickest and most common way to make new plants. Because the stems root wherever they touch soil, older plants can also be divided.
- Snip a healthy strand a few inches long.
- Pull off the leaves from the bottom inch or so.
- Push the bare stem into barely damp gritty mix, or lay it flat and cover it lightly.
- Keep it in bright, indirect light and water lightly when the mix dries. New growth means it has rooted.
Common problems
FAQ
Is string of bananas toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. NC State Extension lists it as toxic to cats, dogs and horses, though the severity is low. Eating it can cause loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. Hang it out of reach of pets that chew plants.
What's the difference between string of bananas and string of pearls?
The leaves. String of bananas has curved, pointed leaves shaped like little bananas; string of pearls has round beads. String of bananas is also a fast grower, with stems that can trail to about 40 in (1 m).
What are the clear lines on the leaves?
They're leaf windows, translucent strips that let light into the inside of the leaf. It's an adaptation to dry places, and they're a sign of a healthy leaf, not damage.
Does string of bananas flower?
Yes, sometimes. It produces small clusters of white to pale mauve flowers with a cinnamon scent. They're pretty close up, but it's grown for the trailing leaves.
Why is my string of bananas turning brown?
Brown or reddish leaves on a plant in a sunny spot are usually sunburn, so move it out of hot direct sun. Brown, mushy stems at the soil line mean rot from overwatering.
Sources
- Curio radicans (L.f.) P.V.Heath: Plants of the World Online, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Curio radicans: North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Curio radicans (creeping berries): RHS Plants
- String of Pearls, Curio rowleyanus: Wisconsin Horticulture, UW–Madison Extension
- Succulent Sales: UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County
- Cats Plant List: ASPCA Animal Poison Control
- Dogs Plant List: ASPCA Animal Poison Control