How to Propagate String of Bananas in 5 Minutes

The hanging plant, String of Bananas, is not the easiest to care for. It is quite easy to drown the plant. Not guilty of this? Then you will enjoy the plant for a long time to come. Let’s dive into how to propagate string of bananas in 5 minutes today.

Officially, the String of Bananas is called the Senecio radicans, but you can soon forget that. Just like other hanging plants such as the String of Hearts (Ceropegia Woodii) and the String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus), the String of Bananas is a real eye-catcher.

The propagation of the String of Bananas is so easy that anyone can do it. You need a little patience, but the first roots will soon appear. All you need is a pair of scissors and something to put the cutting in, of course.

What you need

• String of bananas (Senecio radicans)
• Scissors
• Disinfectant
• Container with water or flower pot with fresh succulent soil

How to Propagate String of Bananas: 4-Step Process

1. Select the propagation method

Propagation of the String of Bananas can be done in two ways: propagating in water and propagating directly in the soil. Before you start taking cuttings, it is useful to make a choice in advance.

In both cases, you start with disinfecting the scissors. For this, you can use pure alcohol or disinfectant.

2. Take cuttings

Once the scissors are thoroughly clean, it is time to actually use them. Take the stem(s) you would like to take cuttings. Make sure the stem is at least 10 cm.

You can also choose to take multiple stems at the same time.

Important: Cut the stems long enough. The bottom “bananas” may still need to be removed. Keep at least 2 “bananas” at the top of the cutting.

3. Put cuttings in water or soil

Here is the division between propagating in water or in soil.

The following applies to cuttings in water: Hang the cuttings of the String of Bananas in the container with water. Are the bottom “bananas” still touching the water? Cut these off the stem.

Do you choose to propagate directly with soil? Then cut the bottom “bananas” off the stem. Then put the stem in the soil. Instead of putting it in the soil, you can also place the cutting on the soil. Make sure that the place where you cut the bananas is well on the bottom.

4. Waiting for root growth

Do not overwater the cuttings in the soil. Make sure the soil dries up between waterings.

New roots can develop in the places where you cut the “bananas”. Cuttings in water will grow roots sooner than with soil methods. However, the soil method is less time-consuming.

After about a month there will be enough roots on the cuttings. As soon as the roots are long enough, you can repot the cuttings from the water into the soil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you propagate string of bananas plant in water?

Yes, it is possible to propagate the string of bananas plant in water. This can be done by taking a cutting of the plant and placing it in a glass of water. The cutting should be taken from a mature, healthy plant and should be at least three inches long with two to three leaves. The water should be changed every few days to keep it fresh.

Once the cutting has developed roots, it can be transferred to a pot filled with soil that is a mix of peat, sand, and perlite. It should be kept moist but not overly wet. The plant should be given plenty of bright, indirect sunlight and should be fertilized every few weeks during the growing season. With proper care and attention, the cutting should start to produce new growth and will eventually produce a full-sized string of bananas.

Can you propagate string of bananas from a leaf?

Yes, it is possible to propagate the string of bananas from a leaf, but it is more difficult to do so than a stem cutting. To propagate the string of bananas from a leaf, you will need to remove a healthy leaf from the main stem and place it on a potting mix. The leaf should be placed on the surface of the soil, not buried, and you will need to keep it moist. It can be difficult to keep the leaf moist, as the string of bananas is sensitive to waterlogging. Additionally, the leaf needs to be kept in a warm and humid environment in order to encourage rooting.

Does string of bananas need direct sunlight?

No, the string of bananas does not need direct sunlight. In fact, it will do better in partial shade, as too much sunlight can cause the leaves to burn. Instead of direct sunlight, string of bananas needs bright, indirect light. This can be provided by placing the plant near a south or east-facing window, or near a bright, artificial light.

Does string of bananas grow fast?

The string of bananas is a fast-growing succulent plant. Most of its species are native to South Africa, and they are popularly used as ornamental plants in gardens and homes. It grows quickly, especially when planted in well-draining and nutrient-rich soil. The plant grows up to 1 to 2 feet in length and produces a number of stems filled with banana-shaped foliage.

What soil is good for string of bananas?

The string of bananas is a succulent that prefers well-draining soil. The ideal soil for this plant is a succulent mix that is made up of a blend of one part potting soil, one part coarse sand, and one part perlite or pumice. This type of soil encourages the roots to grow deep and keeps the moisture from stagnating. It also provides the necessary air pockets for the succulent to thrive.

Does string of bananas need succulent soil?

Yes, the string of bananas needs succulent soil because it is a succulent plant that requires a well-drained soil mix. Succulent soil is specially formulated to contain a combination of sandy and loamy soils, as well as organic matter like compost or coco coir. This provides the plant with the drainage it needs to prevent root rot. The soil should also be slightly acidic to provide the best environment for growth.

For those who don’t have access to a specialized succulent mix, a general potting soil that is amended with sand, perlite, and/or pumice can also be used. It is important to make sure that the soil is not too dense and that it has good drainage.

Why is my string of bananas not plump?

If not cared for properly, the string of bananas can become leggy, floppy, and not plump. This is often due to insufficient light, over-watering, or a lack of nutrients.

To ensure that your string of bananas stays plump and healthy, it needs to be placed in bright, filtered light, such as near a window that gets plenty of indirect sunlight. It is important to allow the plant to dry out between watering, as the succulent is sensitive to overwatering. You should also fertilize your senecio radicans once a month with a balanced liquid fertilizer. This will help provide the essential nutrients the plant needs to stay healthy. Additionally, you should pinch back any leggy stems to encourage new growth. This will help keep your string of bananas plump and full.