String of bananas guide

Curio radicans, also called Senecio radicans, fishhook senecio, banana vine

Published 2026-11-08

Quick care

Light: Bright indirect
Water: When the soil is dry almost all the way down
Humidity: Dry room air is fine
Temperature: 16 to 27°C (60 to 80°F). Keep above 10°C (50°F).
Soil: Cactus and succulent mix
Feeding: Half-strength fertilizer two or three times in spring and summer
Pets: Toxic to cats and dogs. Causes vomiting and lethargy.
Difficulty: Moderate
Mature size: Trails 90 cm to 1.2 m (3 to 4 ft)
Propagation: Lay strand cuttings on top of dry soil
Where to buy: Common

This page covers what makes string of bananas different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the string of pearls care guide.

What it is

String of bananas is a trailing succulent with long, curved leaves shaped like tiny bananas. It is a cousin of string of pearls, Curio radicans. It grows faster and handles more mistakes. Select-A-Plant lists it at 90 cm to 1.2 m (3 to 4 ft) long.

How to tell it apart

Plant	Leaves	The tell
String of bananas	Long, curved, banana-shaped	Curved beads with a pointed tip
String of pearls	Round beads	Round, not curved
String of dolphins	Curved with two fins	Little dolphin fins on each leaf

Care differences

It is the easiest of the “string of” succulents. It grows fast, handles a bit more water, and forgives a missed watering. Bright indirect light with some morning sun keeps it full.

Grow it from a cutting

Lay a strand on dry cactus mix and press it in. Roots grow from the nodes in two to three weeks.

Pet safety

Like string of pearls, it is toxic to cats and dogs. Eating it can cause vomiting and lethargy.

Buying it

String of bananas is common at garden centers. It is a good first “string of” plant. Look for plump leaves.