We noticed that there really isn’t very much information on the string of bananas – purple flush online.
So, we have gathered and answered the top 28 questions that people just like you are asking on forums, on sites and blogs and other gardening hot spots for the web.
Be sure to read each of the sub-headlines (questions) to be sure you’re not missing anything you really need. Then just dive into the ones that intrigue you.
Enjoy!
What Are The String Of Bananas?
The String of Bananas, or by it’s biological name “Senecio Herreanus, is a hanging succulent of the Senecio genus from the Asteraceae family. The plant’s has oval bead-like leaves that hang from sprout axils. The name “String of Bananas” refers to the plant resembling, you guessed it, a string of bananas.
It is commonly mistaken for the Senecio rowleyanus, or as it’s commonly known as, the “String of Pearls”. Since they are of the Senecio genus, they share not only their common names and looks, but also their growing habits.
The only difference between the two plants is their looks: The String of Pearls has rounded leaves that resemble of pearls or beads, while the String Of Bananas’ oval-like leaves resemble a small banana.
What Is The Common Name For String Of Bananas?
The String of Bananas’ common names are “Purple Flush”, “String of Beads”, “String of Pearls” and “Green Marble Vine”.
The most used common name for the plant, “Purple Flush”, refers to its mature grown purple stems and sometimes turning the oval bead-like leaves to purple as well.
The common names “String of Beads”, “String of Pearls” and “Green Marble Vine” all refer to the plant’s resemblance of a string with round objects, typically used for jewelry.
The string of pearls is a misname, there is a very similar plant that does have that common name. The reason for the misname is that, the string of pearls are smaller round leaves, while the string of bananas are longer banana shaped leaves and people just make the mistake upon seeing them.
History Of The String Of Bananas
The String of Bananas was found native to South Africa by Gordon Rowley, a British Botanist, who also discovered the Curio Rowleyanus “String of pearls”.
Are The String Of Bananas The Same As The String Of Dolphins?
Although they look the same, they are not the same succulent. Both the Senecio Peregrinus “String of Dolphins” and the Senecio Herreanus “String of Bananas” are of the same main family called Senecio. Since they are practically cousins, they have the same caring requirements such as water, temperature, soil and more.
How Do You Care For The String Of Bananas?
To take care of your String of Bananas properly, you will need an organic cactus soil mix that is light and well-drained so that the plant can get its nutrients while hanging from its pot.
Speaking of pot, it’s suggested that you place the pot in a high place, such as hanging from the ceiling, from a windowsill or up on top of a bookshelf, since the succulent naturally likes to hang down from high places.
Not much fertilizer is recommended for your succulent. However, it is beneficial to give your plant some light fertilizer during its growing period in the spring and summer to help in sustaining this growth. Some recommended organic fertilizers are worm compost, liquid kelp, and fish emulsion.
The String of Bananas does not need much water. Giving it water every two to three weeks is all you need to let it grow.
Vines or trailing succulents like the String of Bananas need bright, direct sunlight. Placing your succulent in an area that gets sunlight for 6 hours is just fine to let it thrive. If you live in a place that doesn’t get much sunlight, grow lights are just as good.
The String of Bananas is native to warm to hot climates and naturally needs warm temperatures to survive. If grown outdoors, the succulent works best with temperatures between 40°F and 70°F (4.5°C – 21°C). If grown indoors, the best suggested temperature is 70°F to 80°F (21°C – 27°C) or regular room temperature.
How Long Do The String Of Bananas Grow?
The String Of Bananas is a fast growing succulent and grows the best and fastest outdoors with full sun and the right care. The plant has known to grow to at least 36 inches (90cm) and longer.
What Is The Live Span For The String Of Bananas?
The common life span for String of Bananas is 4 to 5 years, but depending on how well you care for it, it has on rare cases been known to last to 2 or even 3 decades.
Is The String Of Bananas Poisonous or Toxic To Humans And Pets?
The Senencio succulents (String of Bananas, Pearls, Beads) are known to be mildly toxic to cats, dogs, and other pets. It isn’t deadly if consumed in small quantities, but there are some side effects.
If your dog or cat has consumed the plant in a large quantity take it to the vet for a stomach clearing.
Is The String Of Bananas Seasonal?
Yes, the String Of Bananas is seasonal, along with the String of Pearls and String of Beads. The succulent displays its green banana-like leaves during the spring and summer and blooms small lavender, white and yellow flowers at the end of its leaves and stems during the fall and winter.
How Do I Care For The String Of Bananas During The Winter?
During the winter, the String of Bananas goes dormant and doesn’t need as much care as it does in the warmer seasons. Never feed the plant during the winter months and keep the watering levels very low. Water the succulent once every 3 to 4 weeks
The suggested minimum temperature during the winter is around 30 F (-1.1 C). The String of Bananas is cold hardy down to 30 F, but anything below that is considered too cold for the plant and it will die.
What Is The Best Potting Mix For The String Of Bananas?
The best potting mix for the String of Bananas is an organic soil compost mixed half and half with sand or a cactus soil mix that provides good drainage to prevent over watering.
What Is The Best Fertilizer For The String Of Bananas?
The best fertilizer for the String of Bananas are organic fertilizers such as worm compost, liquid kelp, and fish emulsion. Although the succulent doesn’t need fertilization often, it is suggested that using an organic fertilizer in the spring and summer in small quantities can help boosts the growth process.
What Is The Suggested Temperature For The String Of Bananas?
The best temperature for the String of Bananas is 70°F to 80°F (21°C – 27°C) if grown indoors and the best temperature for outdoors is between 40°F and 70°F (4.5°C – 21°C).
Should My String Of Bananas Be In Direct Sunlight?
Yes, the ideal place is where they will get direct sunlight for about 6 hours per day. If outdoors a place where they are shaded in the afternoon would be great. If indoors an area where the sun shines in the afternoon and evening or morning and afternoon but not both would be best.
Is The String Of Bananas Cold Hardy?
Yes, but only around 30 F (-1.1 C). Anything below 30 could freeze the plant and your succulent could end up dying, it is suggested that if temperatures drop below that where you live, then move it indoors.
If that’s not practical then you may lose the plant from heavy freezing.
Should I Mist My String Of Bananas?
It is only suggested to mist your String of Bananas if it has just been propagated. Mist your propagated succulent every few days or when the soil feels dry to the touch.
However, after your propagated succulent has grown enough to where there are plenty of roots, its highly suggested to switch to regular watering.
How Much Water Is Best For The String Of Bananas?
The String Of Bananas doesn’t need as much water, as most succulents do. Giving the plant water every two to three weeks is just fine to enable it grow.
Are The String Of Bananas Edible?
No, the String of Bananas are not edible and are considered to be mildly toxic to humans and pets.
How Do You Propagate The String Of Bananas?
The most common way to propagate the String of Bananas is by cuttings.
One method is where you can place the stem cuttings into the soil. Cut at least two inches or more from the bottom of the plant and place the cuttings into the soil.
Another method is to lay the cuttings on top of the soil. Cut at least two inches or more and place the cut stem on top of the soil with the cut area facing down so that it touches the soil. You may need something to keep the stem down, paperclips or clothes pin would work just fine.
With either of the two methods above the soil should have been soaked and drain just prior to propagation.
The final method is by water propagation. Place the very tip of your cutting in water, it doesn’t matter what type of water to use. You will notice roots starting to grow in 2 to 3 weeks. After 4 weeks or when you see that a lot of roots have developed, remove the plant from the water and place it in well-drained soil.
Why Is My String Of Bananas Turning Brown?
The most common reason for your String of Bananas’ leaves turning brown and dry is because of too much sun exposure. Place your succulent in a shady place or use filtered light so that your plant doesn’t get as much harsh, direct sunlight as it had been getting.
Why Is My String Of Bananas Drying Out?
Your String of Bananas is drying out because of sun exposure. Move your succulent into a shady place to prevent being scorched or use sun protection such as mild shade against hard or intense direct sunlight.
How Long Does It Take For The String Of Bananas To Mature?
It takes about 3 to 5 weeks for the succulents of the Senecio genus (String of Bananas, Beads, Pearls) to mature.
Can String Of Bananas Grow In Water?
Yes, the String of Bananas can grow in water by deploying cuttings. Place the very tip of your cut succulent stem on the water (any type is fine). You can expect roots to grow in 2 to 3 weeks and to mature in 4 weeks.
However, it is not suggested to keep them in water to prevent over watering. Once you see that enough roots have grown, place your succulent in a pot of well-drained soil and continue to care for it, regularly watering it every 2 to 3 weeks.
Is The String Of Bananas An Indoor Plant Or An Outdoor Plant?
The String Of Bananas is both an indoor plant and an outdoor plant. For better growth, many people have grown their succulent outside with regular watering every 2 to 3 weeks and placing the plant in a partially shaded area.
Why Is My String Of Bananas Losing Leaves?
Your String of Bananas is losing leaves from over watering. The leaves will look brown and mushy and will eventually fall off. Don’t give your succulent water too often! The suggested frequency of watering is once every 2 to 3 weeks.
Let your succulent use up the water it already has and start watering it again when the soil is dry to the touch.
How To Tell If String Of Bananas Needs Water?
You can tell if your String of Bananas needs water by touching the soil and it’s dry. Water it every two to three weeks allowing the soil dry out before watering it again.
How Do You Save A Dying String Of Bananas?
If your String of Bananas looks like it’s dying, you can propagate it. You can propagate it from the leaves and the stem.
Cut a leaf and plant it in some well-drained soil. You can do the same for a stem by placing the cut end into the soil and mist it for the first two weeks. You don’t want to actually water your propagated plant as this may cause over watering.
In about two to three weeks, you will notice roots and growth and after 4 weeks, you can start properly watering it.
What Are Some Common String Of Bananas Pests?
The most common String of Bananas pests are Aphids and Mealybugs.
Aphids are commonly found on the leaves or on the end of stems. You can presume that you have mealybugs by seeing a white powdery substance on top of your plant.
To get rid of Aphids, you can spray cold water at them or use neem oil, insecticidal soaps, or horticultural oils. If you have a large infestation, dust the leaves with flour.
To get rid of Mealybugs, spray rubbing alcohol diluted fifty percent with water on your succulent and in between leaves every few days until you see the problem disappear.
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