String of Bananas

String of Bananas (Senecio radicans) is a trailing succulent with long stems of fleshy, banana shaped green leaves that hang about 1m from a basket or pot. It grows to around 30cm high, is very easy and very drought tolerant, and suits anyone who wants houseplants but never remembers to water. Like other senecios it is toxic if eaten, so keep it out of reach of children, cats and dogs.

Why you'll love it

• Banana shaped leaves. Fleshy leaves like tiny green bananas hang in long strings, slightly longer and thinner than those of String of Beans.
• A window in every leaf. A darker strip, or window, lets light in, which allows the plant to grow in some shade as well as sun.
• Hard to kill. It is very drought tolerant, which suits busy people and forgetful waterers.
• Made to hang. The stems trail to about 1m, so it looks best in a hanging basket, on a high shelf or spilling from a pot.

Where it works best

Hanging baskets. One plant suits a 25cm basket. Hang it where the stems can hang freely and out of reach of pets and children.

Indoors on a bright shelf. It makes a fun indoor plant, as long as it gets sun for at least part of the day.

Tropical and subtropical gardens. In frost free climates it can live outdoors in a sheltered, bright spot such as a covered balcony or verandah.

Growing String of Bananas in Australia

Position and climate. Give it a sunny position for at least part of the day. It suits tropical and subtropical gardens, in a sheltered spot, but it is frost tender. In cooler districts, grow it indoors or under cover over winter.

Soil. Free draining soil or a succulent potting mix. In a pot, keep the drainage holes clear.

Water and feed. Water until the plant is established, usually around 12 weeks. Once established, water only when the soil is dry.

Pruning. Trim long stems when they get untidy. The plant needs no regular pruning.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell String of Bananas as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 200mm pots in packs of 6. Tubes are a good start for a basket you will fill over time, and the 200mm pots arrive with more trailing growth. Plant promptly in free draining mix and water it in.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse succulents
• Indoor plants
• Plants for balconies
• How to keep your indoor plants alive

Common questions

Is String of Bananas safe for pets?

No. Like other senecios it is toxic if eaten, to people and pets alike. Grow it high up, out of reach of cats, dogs and children.

How often should I water it?

Water until established, then only when the soil is dry. It stores water in its leaves and is very drought tolerant.

Can it live outdoors?

In tropical and subtropical gardens, in a sheltered spot, yes. It is frost tender, so in cooler districts keep it indoors or under cover in winter.