String of bananas care guide
Senecio radicans
Quick answer
Water your string of bananas when the top 5 cm (2 in) of soil feel dry. In summer that’s typically every 8 to 12 days.
- WateringEvery 8 to 12 days · summer
Every 20 to 30 days, sometimes less often · winter - LightBright light, some sun
- Climate13–24 °C (55–75 °F)
- Pet safetyToxic to cats and dogs
Not sure it’s this plant?Get the free Botanicaly app and find out with a photoWhen and how to water
5 cm (2 in)
- Summer · Jun–AugEvery 8 to 12 days
- Winter · Dec–FebEvery 20 to 30 days, sometimes less often
Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Adjust the timing for the light at the plant, the pot’s size and material, and the humidity indoors. Terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic.
Work out your own rhythm with the watering calculator.
Light and placement
Bright light, some sun
String of bananas needs bright light and a little gentle direct sun, such as morning sun. Strong midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it close to an east- or west-facing window.
Feeding
Feed your string of bananas every 120 days while it’s actively growing. Use a cactus and succulent fertilizer, which is lower in nitrogen, at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Climate13–24 °C (55–75 °F)
Humidity30–60%
String of bananas is comfortable between 13 and 24 °C (55–75 °F). It handles a cool room well, even in winter, as long as it stays above 5 °C (41 °F).
It does best at 30–60% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Common problems
Yellowing, drooping, and dry edges often point to watering or drainage. Compare the signs before changing the routine.
Find what’s wrong
Toxic to pets?
Yes. Keep it out of reach.
Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light
Common questions
How often should I water a string of bananas?
Water your string of bananas (Senecio radicans) when the top 5 cm (2 in) of soil feel dry. In summer, that’s typically every 8 to 12 days. In winter, slow down to every 20 to 30 days, sometimes less often.
How much light does a string of bananas need?
String of bananas needs bright light and a little gentle direct sun, such as morning sun. Strong midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it close to an east- or west-facing window.
Is string of bananas safe for cats and dogs?
Toxic to cats and dogs if chewed. Keep string of bananas out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like wax plant, sweetheart plant, Gerbera daisy, or bloodleaf.
Why is my string of bananas turning yellow or drooping?
Yellowing, drooping and brown tips can have several causes. Check the potting mix before adding water and follow this plant’s watering and rest instructions. If the mix is still wet, do not add more water. Check drainage and roots, then light, humidity, water quality and pests. Faded color or webbing alone does not show that the roots need water.
Sources
- This guide follows established plant-care guidance and official ASPCA pet-safety references. How we verify our plant data →
- How we check our plant advice
Last reviewed:
