String of bananas (Curio radicans)
Care, watering, light and tips for String of bananas on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Asteraceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 14 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 0–35 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About String of bananas
Curio radicans, commonly known as 'String of Pearls' or 'Rosary Plant', is a trailing succulent from the Asteraceae family, valued for its slender stems and fleshy, pea-shaped leaves. It's ideal for hanging baskets where its 'strands of pearls' can cascade gracefully, or for adding a touch of textured greenery to high shelves or ledges.
Native range
South Africa
Care tips
It requires bright, indirect light; intense direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, but too little light will cause the 'pearls' to become elongated and sparse. Watering should be moderate, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot; bottom watering is often best. Use a well-draining succulent-specific potting mix. A common mistake is overwatering, which is the leading cause of death for this plant.
How to save a dying String of bananas
- Warning signs
- Soft, watery stems, yellow or black falling leaves. Or wrinkled, lifeless, dry.
- First aid
- If soft: remove from soil, check roots, cut affected parts. If dry: water by immersion.
- What kills it
- Overwatering causing root rot or underwatering/extreme heat causing dehydration.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act fast. Propagate healthy stems to ensure its survival.