String of banana is a stunning trailing succulent that features oblong-shaped leaves that resemble a banana. This succulent is fairly easy to grow and will make a great addition to any indoor garden.
The string of banana succulent care guide provides the growing requirements this plant needs to thrive, including its ideal temperature. While this plant can handle short periods of 30-degree temperatures, it can put stress on the plant and cause its growth to slow.
You will also learn about the watering and soil requirements, lighting needs, and diseases that can affect this plant all in this string of banana succulent care guide.
Other Names Of String Of Banana Succulent
Most plants go by more than one name, and these names can vary from one region to the next. Let’s look at the string of banana succulent and see if it has any other monikers.
String of banana succulent is the most well-known by that name, though it is sometimes mistaken for string of pearls. The key difference between the two is that the string of banana succulent features oblong-shaped leaves, while the string of pearls has pea-side shaped leaves.
Frost Tolerance And USDA Hardiness Zones Of String Of Banana Succulent
The frost tolerance level and USDA hardiness zones for plants are vital info that helps the gardener know exactly what climates the plant needs to survive. Without this info, more plants would succumb to improper growing conditions.
String of banana succulents grow best when they have temperatures above 50-degrees. They are not cold or frost hardy, and grow in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 11. For most people, this means you will have to grow the succulent as a houseplant.
How Many Hours Of Sunlight Does String Of Banana Succulent Need?
Some plants need only a little bit of sunlight every day, while others need more than 12 hours of sun. But what about the string of banana succulent? How many hours of sunlight does it need?
The string of banana succulents needs at least six hours of bright light every single day. You can even use grow lights for this succulent if needed, since they grow just as well with artificial lighting.
String Of Banana Succulent Needs Direct Or Indirect Sunlight?
Indirect and direct sunlight are not the same thing. Even though they may sound similar, they are two very distinctive lighting conditions, and some plants need one and not the other.
Even though the string of banana succulents can tolerate some direct sun, if it is during the morning hours, indirect sunlight is the better option. With indirect light, you are less likely to burn and damage the foliage of this succulent.
Is String Of Banana Succulent An Indoor Plant, Outdoor Plant Or Both?
Whether or not the string of banana succulent is an indoor or outdoor plant relies solely on the area where you live.
The string of banana succulent is generally grown indoors as a houseplant, but it can also be an outdoor plant if you live in the right region. This succulent can grow outside in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11.
What Are The Indoor Lighting Requirements For String Of Banana Succulent?
String of banana succulents are not overly picky when it comes to their indoor lighting requirements. With that said, if you want your succulent to have the best growth possibly, you will want to provide the plant with its ideal lighting conditions.
A sunny window that has filtered sunlight is the best location for an indoor string of banana succulents. This type of location will provide the right amount of sunlight without burning or scorching the plant’s leaves.
What Are The Outdoor Lighting Requirements For String Of Banana Succulent?
When growing the string of banana succulent outdoors, you will need to ensure it receives bright light while still protecting it from periods of harsh sun.
When grown outdoors, the string of banana succulent will need a sunny location where it can receive the bright morning sun and shade during the afternoon hours. During mid-day, the sun’s rays are hot and harsh, which can damage the plant’s foliage.
Choosing a location that goes from morning sun to afternoon shade helps to protect the plant while still providing it with the right type of lighting.
What Soil Requirements Does String Of Banana Succulent Need?
Soil is the lifeblood of plants and trying to grow a succulent in the wrong type of soil can quickly spell disaster for your houseplant.
String of banana succulents need soil that drains well and is porous. Avoid any soil that is compact and of poor quality. Instead, select a potting soil that features perlite and is designed for succulents and cactus. Additionally, add organic compost to increase the nutrient level of the soil.
How Much Water Does String Of Banana Succulent Need?
Like most other succulents, the string of banana isn’t a heavy drinker and can even handle periods of little to no watering. That doesn’t mean, however, that you shouldn’t aim to provide this plant with its ideal watering needs.
String of banana succulents are tolerant of drought-like conditions, but you should still water the plant about once a week during the spring and summer months. This amount can be reduced to once every two weeks during its dormant period, which is fall and winter.
Is My String Of Banana Succulent Overwatered, What Are The Symptoms?
Overwatering is one of the worst things you can do for your string of banana succulent. Not only does it stop the plant from properly absorbing nutrients, but it opens it up to fungal diseases.
We at Plants To Trees first published this article on November 7, 2022. Copyright protected.
An overwatered string of banana succulent will start to develop mushy and soft foliage that can even burst when bothered. As the overwatering continues, the plant will stop growing, wilt or become limp, and rot will begin to form.
Trying to save a string of banana succulent that has developed rot is extremely difficult, and most gardeners have to simply discard the infected plant and start fresh. That is why it is vital to prevent rot from occurring in the first place.
Is My String Of Banana Succulent Underwatered, What Are The Symptoms?
Underwatering is not nearly as hard to fix as overwatering, but it can still take its toll on your string of banana succulent.
The first symptom that your string of banana succulent is underwatered is dry, puckered, or shriveled leaves. The leaves can also become discolored, turning yellow or brown, and the plant may wilt. If the plant still doesn’t get water, it will start to slow or stop new growth.
To correct an underwatered string of banana succulent, you will need to thoroughly soak the plant. This is done by submerging the plant’s entire pot into water, making sure not to get the leaves water, and allowing it to soak for about 30 minutes. After the allotted time has passed, lift the pot out of the water and allow for all the excessive water to drain out of the bottom of the pot. Then simply place the string of banana succulent back in its spot.
The article owner is Plants To Trees dot Com and this article was first published on November 7, 2022.
How Much Fertilizer Does String Of Banana Succulent Need? What Kind?
Fertilizing houseplants may not sound like an important part of indoor gardening, but it can help give your succulents a nice little boost.
String of banana succulents do well without feeding, but adding a little fertilizer every once in a while can help promote growth. An all-purpose liquid fertilizer applied at ½ strength every 8 weeks during its active growing season is the best course of action for this plant.
Alternatively, use worm compost or fish emulsion every spring to naturally boost the nutrient content of the soil.
String Of Banana Succulent Diseases To Be Aware Of
The diseases that can affect the string of banana succulents are no laughing matter and should be taken seriously.
String of banana succulents are most associated with root rot, southern blight, and botrytis. These three diseases are caused by fungal issues, and are generally the result of poor watering conditions. While these three diseases are serious, they are also preventable.
Ensuring your plant is growing in soil that drains well, and making sure not to overwater it will go a long way to preventing fungal and bacterial problems that can attack the string of banana succulents. Additionally, avoid watering from above as this can cause the foliage to stay wet and even splash infected soil up onto the leaves. Instead, water near the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and prevent the soil from splashing up and onto the leaves.
Are There Different Types Of String Of Banana Succulent?
Some plants are available in different colors, sizes, and shapes. Let’s take a look at the string of banana succulents and see if there are any cultivars of this plant.
String of banana succulents are not available in any other varieties. There are other string-type succulents closely related to the string of bananas. For example, the string of pearls, which is often confused with the string of bananas, features the same trailing growth but has pea-shaped foliage.
How To Propagate String Of Banana Succulent
Like most other succulents, the string of banana succulent is fairly easy to propagate, requiring only a small cutting from the plant.
String of banana succulents are propagated using a cutting that is a few inches long and features 2 to 3 leaf nodes. Make sure you only take cuttings from healthy plants, and do so during the succulent’s active growing season, not when it’s dormant.
Once you have removed the cutting, set it aside where it can be left undisturbed for about a week. During this time, a callus will form over the wound. This helps to reduce the chance of rot occurring when trying to root the cutting.
After the callus has formed, which can take 3 to 7 days, plant the stem cut side down into the same type of potting soil that the parent succulent is growing in. Care for the cutting in the same manner as the parent plant.
Is String Of Banana Succulent Toxic To Humans?
While not all plants pose a problem to humans, there are some that are considered toxic if ingested. Let’s take a look at the string of banana succulent and see whether or not this is a plant you should be concerned with.
The string of banana succulents are toxic to humans and can cause gastrointestinal distress if consumed, resulting in vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. The sap inside this plant is also problematic, and can cause dermatitis if it comes into contact with your skin.
Reach out to medical professionals if you have consumed any part of the string of banana succulent. While the symptoms associated with this plant are considered mild, they can be unpleasant and, depending on the amount consumed, cause severe side effects.
Is String Of Banana Succulent Toxic To Dogs?
Some plants pose a serious risk to the health of dogs. That is why it is important to learn what plants are completely safe and what ones you should steer clear of.
String of banana succulents are toxic to dogs and can cause severe gastrointestinal distress if consumed. This includes intestinal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can also cause your dog to drool excessively.
The sap of this plant can cause itchy, inflammation, and redness if it comes in contact with your dog’s skin.
Is String Of Banana Succulent Toxic To Cats?
While houseplants can help improve the look of your home, they may also be dangerous for cats. The sad truth is, many of the most loved houseplants are toxic to cats.
String of banana succulents are toxic to cats if ingested. Even one little nibble can cause intestinal discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and drooling. In extreme cases, it can lead to organ failure. Additionally, the sap from this plant can cause contact dermatitis.
Seek immediate medical attention, or call poison control, if your cat has ingested any part of the string of banana succulent.
Related Articles
String Of Dolphin Succulent Care Guide
Donkey’s Tail Succulent Care Guide
String Of Buttons Succulent Care Guide
PlantsToTrees.com is the owner of this article and we first published this on November 7, 2022.