Finger Plant, String of Bananas
senecio radicans
Also known as: ["String of Bananas","Finger Plant"]
Overview
A trailing succulent with cylindrical, finger-like leaves that are green with translucent tips, native to South Africa.
Benefits & Perks
["low maintenance","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Senecio |
| Botanical Name: | Senecio radicans |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: indoor pot with bright indirect light or outdoor in a sheltered spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 6–12 months or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at a time.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Gradually acclimate to direct sun to prevent scorching; place in a spot with filtered light if outdoors; indoors, ensure proximity to a bright window but not in direct afternoon sun.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering; water deeply to encourage root growth.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or gritty potting mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use pots with drainage holes; avoid overwatering; topdress with gravel for extra drainage.
Temperature
Prefers 65–80°F (18–27°C); tolerates mild fluctuations but avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat or cold.
Avoid drafty areas; maintain consistent room temperature; protect from sudden temperature drops.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season, none in winter
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings in water or soil.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy stem cutting.
- Let it callus for a day or two.
- Plant in soil or place in water.
- Keep warm and humid.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining soil mix or water; perlite or sand can be added for better drainage.
Hormone
Optional but can speed up rooting.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks; new growth may appear in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors, rooting hormone (optional), small pots or jars, well-draining soil or water.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; ensure nodes are submerged or buried; maintain humidity for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip stems just above a leaf node or junction; remove dead or damaged growth.
Pruning Plan
Remove leggy growth to encourage bushier form; trim after flowering to maintain shape.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Sanitize tools; prune during active growth; remove dead/damaged parts; shape as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter); ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; use fresh, well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
Checklist
Check root bound status; prepare new pot with drainage; trim roots if necessary; use fresh soil mix.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the soil level, ensuring even moisture distribution without wetting the foliage; allow excess water to drain completely; water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite, coarse sand, or pumice to improve aeration and drainage; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in cold; scorching or leaf curl in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes root rot due to reduced water uptake, and may lead to leaf discoloration.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; reduce watering; use a heat mat if necessary; ensure good air circulation.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow due to excessive transpiration.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging; use a fan for air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid foliage contact.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly susceptible to pyrrolizidine alkaloid poisoning from Senecio radicans. The toxins cause severe liver damage, which can be fatal if not treated promptly.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Senecio radicans can lead to pyrrolizidine alkaloid poisoning, resulting in acute or chronic liver toxicity. Symptoms may develop rapidly or over time, depending on the amount ingested.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicSenecio radicans contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are hepatotoxic and can cause severe liver damage upon ingestion. These compounds accumulate in the liver over time, leading to chronic liver disease and potential failure.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Senecio radicans?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot.
Q: Does Senecio radicans flower?
A: Yes, it produces small, star-shaped, pale yellow flowers with a cinnamon-like fragrance, typically in late winter or early spring.
Q: Is Senecio radicans toxic to pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested, causing mild gastrointestinal upset.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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