String of Bananas (Curio radicans) – How to Grow, Feed, and Care for This Fast-Growing Succulent

The String of Bananas plant, known botanically as Curio radicans, is a vigorous trailing succulent with banana-shaped leaves that cascade beautifully from pots and hanging baskets. Native to South Africa, this drought-tolerant plant is ideal for Australian gardens and indoor spaces with strong light. It is often favoured for its fast growth, playful form, and ease of propagation.

This succulent thrives in bright, indirect sunlight or dappled outdoor light. Indoors, place it near a north or east-facing window to support strong trailing growth. Too little light will cause leggy, pale stems. Outdoors, it prefers morning sun and some protection from harsh afternoon rays. If you’re wondering how to grow String of Bananas indoors successfully, remember that light intensity is the single most important factor to prevent stretching and leaf drop.

Unlike many succulents, String of Bananas grows quickly when well fed. During spring and summer, apply a low-nitrogen, high-potassium fertiliser once every 3–4 weeks. We recommend using CompleteGrow Cactus Succulent Plant Food Fertiliser Concentrate (2-7-7), which provides essential micronutrients while keeping growth compact and healthy. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers, which can cause soft, leggy stems and poor leaf form.

Water deeply but infrequently—allow the soil to fully dry out between waterings. Overwatering is the main cause of root rot in Curio species. Use well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix in containers with drainage holes. In cooler climates or winter dormancy, reduce watering to once every 3–4 weeks.

If you’re wondering about potential pet safety, this plant is considered mildly toxic to pets if ingested. Always keep it out of reach of cats and dogs. While not fatal, ingestion can lead to digestive upset in animals.

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How to Propagate String of Bananas and Make It Look Fuller

Propagation is easy and reliable with String of Bananas. The plant roots readily from cuttings, and its fast-growing nature makes it ideal for filling in sparse pots or starting new ones. If you’re wondering, can you propagate String of Bananas? Absolutely—and there are multiple ways to do it.

To propagate, cut a healthy 10–15cm stem just below a node. Remove the lower leaves and either plant the cutting directly in moist succulent soil or root it in water. Yes, String of Bananas can grow in water—simply suspend the stripped nodes just below the surface while keeping the leaves dry. Roots typically appear in 2–3 weeks. Once roots form, transfer the cutting into soil and reduce watering until new growth appears.

If your plant is looking sparse, you may be wondering how to make String of Bananas fuller. One of the best strategies is to take several cuttings and replant them back into the same pot, circling them around the top soil layer. This encourages more crown growth and fills out gaps. Additionally, trimming overly long or leggy strands can redirect energy to new shoots near the soil surface.

Propagation is best performed in the growing season (spring through early autumn) when roots form quickly. Avoid trying to propagate in winter when the plant’s metabolism slows and cuttings may rot rather than root. Always ensure high airflow and bright indirect light for best results. Mist lightly during the first few weeks if propagating in soil.

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Does String of Bananas Flower? Plus Troubleshooting & FAQ

Yes, String of Bananas does flower—though it’s not the primary reason gardeners grow it. The flowers are small, white, and lightly cinnamon-scented, appearing in late winter or early spring. For flowering to occur, the plant needs several hours of sun, regular feeding, and a brief cool dormancy over winter (by reducing watering and keeping temperatures around 10–15 °C at night).

Common issues include yellowing leaves, soft stems, or wilting. These are typically caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Ensure your potting mix is gritty and fast-draining, and reduce watering frequency during cold weather or cloudy weeks. If you notice mushy stems, unpot the plant, inspect roots, and trim off any rot before repotting in dry soil.

If the plant becomes pale and stretches between leaves, it is not receiving enough sunlight. Move it to a brighter location, ideally with morning sun and filtered light during the day. String of Bananas is not a low-light plant—it thrives on bright exposure and can even tolerate direct sun for a few hours daily.

Pests are uncommon but can include mealybugs or aphids, especially if the plant is stressed. Treat infestations with neem oil or insecticidal soap, and remove heavily affected stems. High humidity and low airflow can contribute to outbreaks, so space plants apart and avoid overwatering.

With strong light, gritty soil, and occasional feeding using a succulent-specific fertiliser like CompleteGrow’s Cactus Succulent Plant Food (2-7-7), your String of Bananas will remain healthy, vigorous, and beautifully cascading. Whether grown indoors or in a protected outdoor spot, it’s one of the easiest succulents to maintain and multiply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can String of Bananas grow in water?
Yes, String of Bananas can be propagated in water using stem cuttings. Ensure only the nodes are submerged, not the leaves, to prevent rot. Once roots form, transplant into soil for long-term growth.

Can you propagate String of Bananas from a leaf?
No, leaf propagation is not effective for this plant. Propagation must be done through stem cuttings with node points, as these are where new roots form.

How do I make my String of Bananas plant look fuller?
To make it fuller, trim long strands and replant cuttings around the base of the pot. This encourages crown growth and helps fill gaps in the centre of the plant.

What type of soil is best for String of Bananas?
Use a fast-draining succulent or cactus mix with added perlite or pumice. This prevents overwatering and mimics the plant’s native arid conditions.

Do String of Bananas need direct sunlight?
They prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate a few hours of direct sun. Without enough light, the plant becomes leggy and loses its signature shape.

Are String of Bananas toxic to pets?
Yes, like many members of the Curio/Senecio family, String of Bananas is considered mildly toxic if ingested by cats or dogs. Keep it out of reach of pets.

Have more questions about succulents or fertiliser use? Browse our full collection of CompleteGrow care guides or get in touch for personalised advice.