About String of Bananas
A cascading succulent with banana-shaped leaves that dangle from long, slender stems. Closely related to String of Pearls but easier to grow, with plump, curved leaves resembling tiny green bananas. When happy, it produces small, white, cinnamon-scented flowers. Perfect for hanging baskets where the trailing stems can cascade freely. String of Bananas belongs to the Asteraceae family and originates from South Africa — native to the Eastern Cape region, growing in dry, rocky areas..
String of Bananas is more forgiving than its cousin String of Pearls, making it a better choice for Philippine conditions where humidity is high. Still, Metro Manila's monsoon rains are the biggest challenge — growers need to shelter it from direct rain to prevent rot. Popular among Filipino succulent collectors who display it in hanging macrame planters on covered balconies. Available at Quezon Avenue succulent shops, weekend plant fairs in BGC, and online succulent sellers on Shopee. More affordable and easier to find than variegated forms. Thrives on neglect once you master the watering schedule.
Also known as: Banana Vine, Fishhook Senecio.
Popular Varieties
- Curio radicans (standard — green banana-shaped trailing leaves)
- Curio radicans f. variegata (variegated — cream and green banana leaves)
- Curio rowleyanus (String of Pearls — round bead-like leaves, related species)
How to Plant String of Bananas in the Philippines
String of Bananas can be propagated through stem cuttings, layering. The recommended method is stem cuttings laid on soil surface.
Propagation Steps
- Step 1: Cut 10-15 cm stem sections from healthy, non-flowering growth.
- Step 2: Remove a few banana-shaped leaves from the bottom 3-4 cm of the cutting.
- Step 3: Lay the bare stem section on moist, sandy soil with the leafy portion trailing over the edge.
- Step 4: Pin the bare stem to the soil with a small wire or bobby pin.
- Step 5: Mist lightly every other day — roots develop along the stem in 2-3 weeks.
Care Guide
Sunlight
Bright indirect light to full morning sun. At least 4-5 hours of bright light daily. East-facing windows or morning sun spots are ideal.. Position your string of bananas where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water
Water sparingly — let soil dry completely between waterings. Every 5-7 days in Metro Manila dry season, less during rainy season. Overwatering is the most common killer. Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 20-32°C (comfortable in Philippine lowlands). Tolerates heat well but prefers some relief from extreme afternoon heat.. Low to moderate. Prefers drier air than most tropical plants. Good drainage is more important than humidity. Philippine humidity is acceptable if soil drains fast. The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing string of bananas outdoors or indoors.
Fertilizer
Light feeder. Apply diluted succulent fertilizer once a month during dry season. No fertilizer needed during rainy season or cooler months.
Pruning
Trim leggy or bare stems to encourage branching. Use trimmings for propagation. Remove any dried or shriveled banana leaves.
Toxicity & Safety
Mildly toxic if ingested — can cause gastrointestinal upset in pets and humans. Keep hanging baskets out of reach of cats.
Common Problems & Solutions
Mushy, translucent leaves and rotting stems
Cause: Overwatering — the most common problem in the Philippine climate
Solution: Reduce watering drastically. Use a very gritty, fast-draining mix (50% pumice or perlite). Ensure pot has large drainage holes. Shelter from rain.
Shriveled, flat banana leaves
Cause: Underwatering — the leaves deflate when the plant is very thirsty
Solution: Give a thorough soaking and wait. Leaves should plump up within 24-48 hours if roots are healthy.
Long, bare stems with sparse leaves
Cause: Insufficient light causing etiolation
Solution: Move to a brighter spot. Trim bare stems and propagate the leafy portions. More light produces tighter, more compact growth.
Fungal rot at soil level during rainy season
Cause: Excess moisture from Philippine monsoon rains
Solution: Keep under a roof or overhang during rainy season. Use terra cotta pots for faster drying. Top-dress with gravel around the stems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for String of Bananas in the Philippines?
String of Bananas needs bright indirect light to full morning sun. at least 4-5 hours of bright light daily. east-facing windows or morning sun spots are ideal.. Water sparingly — let soil dry completely between waterings. every 5-7 days in metro manila dry season, less during rainy season. overwatering is the most common killer.. Feed with light feeder. apply diluted succulent fertilizer once a month during dry season. no fertilizer needed during rainy season or cooler months.. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 20-32°C (comfortable in Philippine lowlands). Tolerates heat well but prefers some relief from extreme afternoon heat. works well for this plant.
How do you propagate String of Bananas?
The recommended method is stem cuttings laid on soil surface. Cut 10-15 cm stem sections from healthy, non-flowering growth. Remove a few banana-shaped leaves from the bottom 3-4 cm of the cutting.
Is String of Bananas toxic to pets or children?
Mildly toxic if ingested — can cause gastrointestinal upset in pets and humans. Keep hanging baskets out of reach of cats.
Can String of Bananas grow in containers in the Philippines?
Yes, String of Bananas grows well in containers and is suitable for balcony and indoor gardening in Metro Manila condos and apartments. Use a pot with drainage holes and appropriate potting mix.
What are common problems when growing String of Bananas?
Common issues include: Mushy, translucent leaves and rotting stems (caused by overwatering — the most common problem in the philippine climate — reduce watering drastically. use a very gritty, fast-draining mix (50% pumice or perlite). ensure pot has large drainage holes. shelter from rain); Shriveled, flat banana leaves (caused by underwatering — the leaves deflate when the plant is very thirsty — give a thorough soaking and wait. leaves should plump up within 24-48 hours if roots are healthy); Long, bare stems with sparse leaves (caused by insufficient light causing etiolation — move to a brighter spot. trim bare stems and propagate the leafy portions. more light produces tighter, more compact growth).
Growing string of bananas in Manila? Tag us @urbangoesgreen on TikTok and show us your garden!