String of Bananas is a delightfully playful and effortlessly stylish trailing succulent that brings instant boho charm to any shelf, hanging basket, or elevated surface. Its long, cascading strands of small, glossy, banana-shaped leaves are as fun to look at as they are easy to grow, making it a favorite among succulent lovers and beginners alike. Fast-growing, drought-tolerant, and wonderfully forgiving, it's one of the most rewarding trailing houseplants you can own.
String of Bananas Care Guide
Requires bright light to maintain the plump, glossy leaves and vigorous trailing growth this plant is known for. A south or west-facing window with several hours of direct or bright indirect sunlight daily is ideal. Insufficient light causes the strands to become sparse and etiolated, with leaves spaced further apart and losing their characteristic plump shape.
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, typically every 14–21 days. Like all succulents, String of Bananas stores water in its leaves and is highly tolerant of drought. Overwatering is the most common cause of decline — mushy, translucent leaves are a clear sign of too much moisture. Always use a well-draining succulent or cactus mix and a pot with drainage holes.
Prefers low to average household humidity, consistent with its succulent nature. No supplemental humidity is required and excess moisture in the air can actually promote rot and fungal issues. It handles the dry air of heated and air-conditioned indoor environments with ease, making it a reliable choice for a wide range of indoor settings.
Thrives in warm indoor temperatures and is comfortable in most typical home environments. Avoid temperatures below 50°F and keep away from cold drafts and exterior windows in winter. Brief cool periods are tolerated but sustained cold will cause the plump banana-shaped leaves to shrivel and drop.
Suited for outdoor growing in frost-free Zones 9–12. In cooler climates it is grown as a year-round houseplant in the brightest available indoor spot. Its cascading form makes it particularly beautiful in outdoor hanging baskets during warm summer months in most climates — simply bring indoors before temperatures drop below 50°F in fall.
Feed once in early spring and again in midsummer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. String of Bananas is a light feeder and does not require heavy fertilizing — consistent light feeding through the growing season is far more beneficial than infrequent heavy doses. Our Instant Plant Food used lightly in your spring and summer watering routine gives this fast-growing trailer all it needs to produce long, lush cascading strands all season long. Do not fertilize in fall or winter.
Repot every two years in spring or when the plant has significantly outgrown its container. A hanging basket or elevated pot best showcases the cascading strands. Use a fast-draining succulent or cactus potting mix and choose a container only slightly larger than the previous one. Water sparingly after repotting and place in bright light while the plant settles over the following 1–2 weeks.
Remove any shriveled, mushy, or damaged leaves and stems by pinching or snipping cleanly as they appear. Trim trailing strands back as needed to maintain the desired length and shape — cuttings are easily propagated, so nothing goes to waste. Dust accumulation is minimal on this plant but a gentle rinse in lukewarm water periodically helps keep the glossy leaves looking their best.
String of Bananas is one of the easiest succulents to propagate. Take 4–6 inch stem cuttings, remove the lowest few leaves to expose a section of bare stem, and allow to dry and callous for 1–2 days. Plant in a dry, well-draining succulent mix and withhold water for the first week to encourage rooting. Place in bright indirect light and roots typically establish within 2–4 weeks.
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