The String of Bananas, from the species Curio radicans, formerly known as Senecio radicans, is a fascinating creeping and trailing succulent native to the south of Africa, specifically locations such as South Africa, Namibia, and Lesotho. Its habitat is characterized by arid and semi-arid conditions, where the predominant vegetation includes small xerophytic shrubs, sparse grasses, and other succulents adapted to survive in low humidity environments. The String of Bananas is commonly found at altitudes ranging from 20 to 1900 meters (65 to 6234 feet) above sea level, often under the protection of rocks or among other vegetation that provides some shade and protection from direct sunlight.
The etymology of Curio radicans reflects its ability to root along its stems. The genus “Curio” is derived from the Latin “curiosus,” alluding to the intriguing shapes of the plants in this group. The specific epithet “radicans,” comes from the Latin radicāns, meaning “rooting,” a direct reference to its ability to form roots along the stems that touch the ground, facilitating its propagation and establishment in natural habitats.
The String of Bananas displays a prostrate growth habit, with stems that can either creep along the ground or dangle gracefully from hanging pots. The stems are thin, flexible, and green, capable of rooting along their length, which facilitates the plant’s propagation and establishment in new areas. The leaves are the most distinctive characteristic of Curio radicans, resembling small green bananas.
They are succulent, fleshy, glossy, and elongated, gracefully curving and ending in a pointed tip, reminiscent of a hook. Each leaf measures approximately 0.8 to 1.2 inches (2 to 3 cm) in length and features translucent lines along the length, which contribute to its unique appearance. These lines function as “windows,” allowing light to access the interior of the leaf and optimize its photosynthesis, thus reducing water loss. When exposed to direct sunlight, the leaves can acquire reddish hues, a protection against excess brightness.
During the late winter and early spring, Curio radicans produces small, white or slightly beige flowers, with a sweet aroma reminiscent of cinnamon. The flowers are bisexual and composed of small florets grouped in inflorescences that appear like tufts, surrounded by green bracts with brown-edged margins. The flowering attracts a variety of insects, including ants, which aid in pollination. After fertilization, fruits in the form of achenes equipped with a tuft of long, white hairs develop, functioning as a sort of parachute, facilitating their dispersal by the wind.
In decoration and landscaping, the String of Bananas captures the imagination and enriches any space with its unique charm and stunning appearance. It displays a profusion of succulent, glossy, banana-shaped leaves that dangle languidly on long strings. These strings seem to dance gently with the breeze, creating a charming atmosphere. Its flowering adds an additional dimension of delicacy, although it is not its main attraction, with the soft cinnamon scent it exudes.
In gardens, the String of Bananas is perfect for adding texture and movement to flower beds, combinations with other succulents, and in rocky areas. It can be used as ground cover in semi-shaded areas free from foot traffic, creating contrast with rocks, logs, and other natural elements. Do not expect a dense, closed tapestry, but a unique and interesting texture. In pots and hanging baskets, the String of Bananas transforms any space into a playful scene, with its cascades of leaves that dangle over the pot’s edge.
Its cultivation in baskets, pots, window boxes, and vertical gardens where it is allowed to dangle is especially attractive on balconies, patios, or any indoor space where there is abundant light. In basins and mini gardens, the combination of Curio radicans with other succulents creates stunning visual compositions, where textures, colors, and shapes complement each other.
Pot cultivation also offers the opportunity to model the plant’s growth by gently winding its stems around the soil to encourage denser, bushier development, preparing the plant for the vigorous and dangling cascade to come. This method not only makes its appearance fuller and more beautiful but also facilitates propagation, allowing new plants to be grown from stem segments.
Despite its curious appeal and beauty, it’s important to highlight the toxicity of the String of Bananas. It contains alkaloids and other substances that can be toxic if ingested by humans or pets. Symptoms of poisoning can range from mild to severe, including vomiting, diarrhea, and, in extreme cases, liver problems. For this reason, it’s advisable to cultivate Curio radicans in places out of reach of small children and pets, thus ensuring everyone’s safety.
The plant thrives best under bright indirect sunlight for several hours a day. Although it tolerates some direct sun exposure, especially during the morning hours or late afternoon, it’s crucial to avoid intense midday sun, which can burn its leaves. Note that full sun is only allowed in subtropical regions, where the heat is not as intense. In these locations, you may even observe reddish tones in its leaves.
In the tropics and along the equator, the intense heat during the hottest hours of the day can cook the string of bananas. Indoors, a window facing east or west can provide the ideal amount of light. If you notice signs of etiolation, such as increased spacing between leaves and considerably smaller leaves, consider increasing light exposure.
A well-draining potting mix is vital to prevent root rot in Curio radicans. An ideal mix can be achieved by combining topsoil with coarse sand or perlite, in a 1:1 ratio. This composition ensures that the soil is sufficiently aerated and drainable, preventing excessive water retention. Commercial pottings mixes specifically formulated for cacti and succulents are also suitable and can make cultivation easier for those gardeners with limited time available.
Although drought-resistant, Curio radicans benefits from regular watering during the growing season, with an interval that allows the soil to dry out completely between waterings. In winter, the frequency of watering should be significantly reduced, taking advantage of the plant’s dormancy period. The key is to avoid waterlogging the soil, which can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. Using a pot with drainage holes and checking soil moisture before watering can help maintain the ideal water balance. Also avoid using a saucer under the pot, which can accumulate water and be fatal to the plant’s root system.
The string of bananas prefers mild to warm temperatures, typical of comfortable indoor environments for people, ranging between 64°F and 75°F (18°C and 24°C). The plant is sensitive to cold and should not be exposed to temperatures below 32°F (0°C), making it necessary to protect it or bring it indoors during winter in regions with frosts. Air humidity is not a critical factor for the cultivation of Curio radicans, as the plant adapts well to the typical humidity conditions of household environments.
A light fertilization, performed once a year during the growing season, can provide additional nutrients and promote more vigorous growth. A balanced fertilizer, diluted to half the concentration recommended on the package, is suitable for Curio radicans. Fertilizers specific for cacti and succulents, with a lower nitrogen content and higher concentration of potassium and phosphorus, are ideal, as they promote the strengthening of roots and leaves without encouraging excessive and fragile leaf growth. Another interesting option is the use of slow-release fertilizers, like Osmocote.
Propagating the string of bananas is easy and can be done by seeds, division, layering, or cuttings. Propagation by cuttings is quick and efficient, simply by cutting a stem segment and placing it directly in soil or water to root. For more successful rooting, it is recommended to perform cuttings in spring or summer, when light and temperature conditions are more conducive to root development. In layering, simply lay the branches on fresh, moist potting mix without separating them from the mother plant. Small clips made of wire help keep the branches still on the soil to facilitate rooting. Once rooted, they can then be separated.
When propagated by seeds, Curio radicans requires a sandy and well-drained potting mix, kept constantly moist, but not waterlogged, in a warm environment. Germination of seeds can be irregular and much more delayed compared to propagation by cuttings, but is very satisfying.
