The string of Bananas: Plant Care & Growing Guide 2022
The is a plant of the Asteraceae family; it is also known as the “ chain of bananas ” due to its curved bluish-green foliage and its stems that develop in a rather peculiar way.
It is a perennial species with an exotic appearance, it grows appropriately outdoors, but it adapts very well to the interior. Like most succulents, the Senecio is a plant that is easy to grow and maintenance that is not demanding.
The string of Bananas: Plant Care & Growing Guide 2022
Index
- 1 Habitat
- 2 Characteristics of Senecio radicans
- 3 Irrigation
- Four uses
- 5 Pests and diseases
Habitat
The string of Bananas: Plant Care & Growing Guide 2022
It is a plant native to Namibia and South Africa, where you can see it in the wild at the base of rocks, tolerant to drought, separated from each other by sandy or rocky terrain. Their succulent tissues help conserve moisture, allowing them to adapt to dry and hot conditions fully.
Characteristics of Senecio radicans
Senecio radicans is a hanging plant that forms a cascade of slender, ductile stems covered in curved bluish-green leaves. It resembles Senecio rowleyanus, but its leaves are more significant, elongated, lanceolate and spherical but subtly curved upwards; their translucency allows sunlight to shine through them, scattered, and alternate; they show a delicate branching pattern the leaves. Strands. If grown on a rock, it will root along the entire length of its stems.
Its branches are thin and wavy with thick, glabrous, somewhat erect stems, 1 meter or more in length, often wing-shaped, rooted. The evenly spaced leaves form a kind of chain of green bananas as they spread out on the ground.
With white and mauve flowers, they appear during autumn and winter,
and they have a sweet aroma of cinnamon. The parts of the Senecio radicans are not suitable for human consumption because they are harmful.
Indoors, it is preferable to place it where it receives excellent light, although, in summer, you should make sure not to put it near hot glass or for a long time in the sun because this can damage it. Remember that one of its characteristics is that its succulent tissues are full of water.
In open spaces, a place where it takes advantage of the morning sun and the afternoon shade is preferable. This species enjoys robustness that allows it to withstand temperatures ranging from -4º C to 43º C.
It is recommended that you plant your chain of bananas in a light mixture, which can quickly drain water. When placed in pots, you can add a mix of cactus so that your succulent plant takes root better. In this way, you can prevent its roots from rotting. Like most succulents, keep your specimen in a dry place, if possible, rather than humid. It is a fast-growing species.
The string of Bananas: Plant Care & Growing Guide 2022
Senecio does not require any fertilizer, but if you prefer, you can choose an organic liquid fertilizer prescribed for houseplants and apply it during the spring. In no case fertilize in winter.
Applications
Senecio radicans look best in hanging baskets and wall pots. Also excellent for mixed container planting. It is a perfect plant for the garden, although it looks good in almost any space you decide due to its unique appearance. You can place it inside the house, as long as it receives enough light and has good ventilation.
The bluish-green of this hanging succulent, its unique leaves, and long and spreading stems add a complementary showiness to any space in your home.
Plagues and diseases
It is not common for this species to be attacked by pests, although it can have sandy insects such as the white mealybug, in which case you should wash the plant. Always remember the recommendations to prevent the roots from rotting.
Senecio radicans is easy to grow succulent and has become popular in recent years for its stems’ cascading nature, which makes it an excellent ornamental succulent.
The banana chain is resistant to dry weather but not to intense heat. The succulent also does not tolerate frost. If the temperature in your region is below 30° F or -1.1° C, it would be best to grow your Senecio radicans succulents indoors.
1.sunlight
Senecio radicans grow best when exposed to indirect sunlight. The succulent can burn if exposed to intense heat or direct sunlight for several hours. Senecio radicans grow best when given 5 to 6 hours of indirect sun exposure.
If planted outdoors, place Senecio radicans in a partially shaded area or where it can receive cover from taller plants. The best location gets a good amount of bright sun in the morning. Avoid places where you can get complete exposure to the afternoon sun.
The string of Bananas: Plant Care & Growing Guide 2022
If grown indoors, a place near windows facing east, south, or west. Again, avoid direct sunlight. If the room gets little sunlight, place the succulent under a grow light.
2. Irrigation
Senecio radicans stems and thick, banana-shaped leaves can store water so that this succulent can withstand prolonged dry weather.
Clients, Banana Chain should only receive water when the soil is dry to the touch and free of moisture. It is not uncommon for growers of this succulent to give it water every 7 to 10 days.
During the winter, the soil stays moist for longer, which means the irrigation schedule has to be reduced.
You may only need to water Senecio radicans once a month in winter. To be sure, check the dryness level of the soil.
Overwatering your succulents will cause root rot, leading to fungal infection and possibly death.
3. Pot and soil
To minimize the risk of Senecio radicans root rot, plant it in a pot or planter that has good drainage. The soil must also have good drainage. Cactus soil mix is a good choice for Senecio radicans. Add perlite in a 2:1 ratio to improve drainage.
The string of Bananas: Plant Care & Growing Guide 2022
Another good option would be sandy soil, which can be made by combining cactus mix or potting soil with coarse sand in a 2:1 ratio.
4. Fertilizer
Fertilizing will help ensure that the Senecio radicans get all the nutrients it needs to grow correctly and produce their beautiful flowers.
Use a balanced compost mix diluted by half. You can find fertilizer mixes that are produced specifically for succulents.
Feed String of Bananas with fertilizer during the active growing season in the spring and summer months. Do not pay during the fall and winter seasons.
How to Propagate Senecio Radicans
Senecio radicans are a favourite of many succulent growers because they are easy to propagate. With patience and effort, you can have your yard adorned with plenty of String of Bananas hanging planters.
The only way to propagate Senecio radicans is by using your cuttings.
Step 1: Cut a mature stem for best results. Be sure to use a sharp, sterilized knife or garden shears when cutting the stem.
Step 2: Unlike other succulents that take several days to dry before planting, the stems of bananas on the vine are so thin that they can dry in a day. Just leave the stalk up to a day, and it should be ready for planting.
Step 3: Fill the pot with soil that drains well. You can choose to plant the cuttings on the ground or place them on top of it. It will take 2-3 weeks for the plant to take root.
Step 4: When the soil feels dry, mist it to ensure adequate moisture. Once the roots have taken root, switch from misting to watering.
Frequently asked questions
Is Senecio Radicans toxic to cats and dogs?
Senecio Radicans does not appear on the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) website list of toxic plants, which means it could be safe for your cats or dogs.
The string of Bananas: Plant Care & Growing Guide 2022
The list is not exhaustive and only includes frequently asked about plants. The banana string is closely related to another variety called pearl string which is slightly toxic to some animals.
If your pet experiences gastrointestinal distress or vomiting upon contacting Chain Bananas, consult a veterinarian immediately.
Why is my Senecio Radicans succulent dying?
The banana string is susceptible to 3 conditions: overwatering, underwatering, and exposure to intense heat.
1. Overwatering
Keep in mind that the plump, banana-shaped leaves of Senecio radicans serve to store water. If these leaves appear mushy or burst to the touch, you are overwatering the succulent.
If the soil tends to stay wet longer, you can reduce the risk of overwatering by repotting Senecio radicans.
2. Underwater
If the leaves of Senecio radicans have the appearance of being wrinkled, it is a sign that they are underwater. You can restore the leaves to their normal appearance by giving them enough water. You should notice the leaves starting to plump up again within a day.
3. Exposure to intense heat
Senecio radicans leaves turn brown if exposed to extreme heat or direct sunlight for several hours.
There is nothing you can do if the leaves are sun-damaged. You can only wait for the banana branch to produce new leaves and remove the damaged leaves.
Does Senecio Radicans produce flowers?
The string of Bananas: Plant Care & Growing Guide 2022
Senecio radicans produce small whitish flowers that sometimes appear lavender or yellow after two years.
The Senecio radicans need the ideal temperature to favour the flowering of its flowers. Outside, the perfect nighttime temperature should be around 50-55⁰F (10-13⁰C). Indoors, the perfect night temperature is 15-18⁰C (60-65⁰F). Fruits
15 Best Summer Perennial Flowers plant in your garden A To Z 2022
11 Elephant Ears (Colocasia, Alocasia, and Xanthosoma) 2022
11 Euphorbia Health Benefits, Side Effects, Uses, Dose 2022
12 Powdery Mildew Treatment & Prevention A How-To Guide 2022