String of Bananas 4”

Curio radicans, commonly called string of bananas, is a trailing succulent native to South Africa known for its curved, banana-shaped leaves that grow along fast-moving vines. What makes this plant special is its fuller, more forgiving growth compared to string of pearls, with thicker leaves that give it a denser, cascading look while still maintaining that clean trailing form.

Light drives how tight and compact the strands stay. Place it in a south or west-facing window where it receives strong, direct light. Under grow lights, use 5000K–6500K placed 6–10 inches from the top of the plant. In lower light, the leaves will space out along the vine and lose their curved, plump shape. Strong light keeps the strands dense with tightly packed foliage.

Watering should be minimal and controlled. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, then water thoroughly and let it dry again, using a fast-draining mix of succulent soil, perlite, and orchid bark. This plant shows thirst through slight softening or thinning of the leaves while still holding shape. If the leaves become mushy or translucent, the roots are staying too wet. If the vines stretch or become sparse, it’s reacting to light, not watering.