Senecio - String of Bananas
The Green East

Senecio - String of Bananas

£15.00
/
Tax included.

If you’re looking for something that’s as easy-going as it is striking, you really can’t go wrong with the Senecio radicans, or commonly, the String of Bananas.

It’s a succulent climber (or trailers, if you’re hanging them up) that produces these delightful, plump leaves that look exactly like miniature green bananas. They’re a bit more robust and faster-growing than their cousin, the String of Pearls, which makes them a brilliant choice if you’re just starting your indoor jungle.

Origin

  • Native Habitat: These beauties hail from the dry, rocky provinces of South Africa.

  • Natural Style: In the wild, they act as ground cover, weaving through rocks, but in our homes, they look far better cascading from a bookshelf or a hanging macramé planter.

Indoor Care Guide

  • Light: They absolutely love bright, indirect light. A spot near a south-facing window is perfect, though they can handle a bit of direct morning sun. If they aren't getting enough light, the "bananas" will grow further apart on the stem.

  • Watering: Use the "soak and dry" method. Only water when the compost is completely dry. In the winter, you’ll barely need to touch them—perhaps once a month at most.

  • Soil: They need excellent drainage. A cactus and succulent potting mix with a bit of extra grit or perlite is ideal to prevent "wet feet."

  • Temperature: They prefer a warm room but do keep them away from cold draughty windows or radiators, which can dry out the stems too quickly.

  • Feeding: You only need to give them a balanced liquid fertiliser about once a month during the spring and summer.

Toxicity

  • Pets and Children: It is important to note that the String of Bananas is toxic if ingested.

  • Symptoms: If nibbled, it can cause digestive upset, drooling, or lethargy in cats and dogs, and the sap can sometimes irritate the skin. It’s best kept high up on a shelf out of reach of curious paws or little hands.

D12cm L34cm

Sold without decorative pot, colour and size may vary slightly.

Local plant delivery or collection available in Belfast and throughout Northern Ireland.