String of Beans

String of Beans (Senecio radicans) is a trailing succulent with long stems of fleshy, bean pod shaped leaves, a little shorter and fatter than the similar String of Bananas. It stands about 30cm high with stems trailing to 1m. Very easy to look after and very drought tolerant, it suits hanging pots indoors and tropical gardens outdoors, and it is a good first succulent for beginners.

Why you'll love it

• Leaves that look like green beans. Plump, pod-shaped leaves line each stem, giving a texture few other plants can match.
• Very drought tolerant. The fleshy leaves store water, so a missed week of watering is forgiven.
• A fun plant for beginners. It is easy to look after, and enthusiasts enjoy it just as much as first-time growers.
• Indoors or outdoors. Use it in a hanging pot inside, or outside in warm tropical gardens.
• Stems trail to a metre. A single basket becomes a living curtain.

Where it works best

Hanging pots and baskets. Plant three to a 300mm basket and let the stems hang. A tall pot or a plant stand also works, because the trailing stems need to hang over the edge.

Trailing over walls and banks. In a frost-free garden, plant 30cm apart along the top of a low wall or rockery and let the stems tumble down.

Indoor display. A bright room gives it enough light to stay compact. Hang it near a window so it gets sun for part of the day.

Growing String of Beans in Australia

Position and climate. Plant in sun, and keep it in a sunny position for at least part of the day. It suits tropical, subtropical and warm temperate climates. Frost damages it, so in colder areas grow it in a pot indoors or under cover over winter.

Soil. Use free-draining soil. A cactus and succulent mix suits pots, and gritty ground suits a garden position.

Water and feed. Water until the plant is established, usually around 12 weeks. Once established, water when the soil is dry. Err on the side of too little rather than too much.

Pruning. Trim bare or tangled stems back to keep it full. Offcuts root readily in gritty mix, which makes it cheap to fill several pots.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell String of Beans as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 200mm pots in packs of 6. Tubes suit a mass planting or a few baskets, and the 200mm pots give you a fuller plant to hang straight away. Expect stems to lengthen steadily in warm weather.

The tube is grown for us by our grower, who is not always able to fill it. If it shows as sold out, the notify button on the page will email you the day it is available again.

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

• Indoor plants for Australian homes
• Succulents and cacti
• How to keep succulents alive in Australia
• Plants that suit pots

Common questions

How often should I water it?

Water regularly for the first 12 weeks or so, then only when the soil is dry. In winter it needs much less.

Can it live outdoors in Australia?

Yes, in warm tropical and subtropical gardens. In colder areas grow it in a pot, because frost damages the stems.

Is it safe for cats and dogs?

No. Senecios are toxic if eaten, so keep the pot out of reach of pets and children.