Scientific Name
Curio radicans (L.) P.V.Heath
Common Name(s)
Banana Vine, Creeping Berry, Fishhook Senecio, Necklace Plant, String of Bananas, String of Fishhooks, String of Pearls
Synonym(s)
Cacalia radicans, Kleinia adenocalyx, Kleinia radicans, Senecio adenocalyx, Senecio gonocladus, Senecio radicans, Senecio rhopalodenia
Scientific Classification
Family: Asteraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Tribe: Senecioneae
Subtribe: Senecioninae
Genus: Curio
Etymology
The specific epithet "radicans (RAD-ee-kans)" means "rooting, taking root" and refers to the stems of this species that root along their length.
Origin
Curio radicans is native to South Africa.
Description
Curio radicans, also known as Senecio radicans, is a popular hanging succulent with slender stems that bear banana-shaped leaves. The stems can grow up to 3 feet (90 cm) long. The leaves are thick, fleshy, green with translucent lines on either side and can measure up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long.
The flowers are tiny, white, and cinnamon-scented. They usually appear in late winter or early spring.
How to Grow and Care for Curio radicans
Light: If outdoors, keep your C. radicans in partial shade and bright sunlight indoors. Avoid intense afternoon sun in summer. It will grow in full shade but will become lank and leggy.
Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil. For indoor growing, it is essential to use a container with at least one drainage hole at the bottom.
Hardiness: C. radicans can withstand temperatures as low as 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b, but will not survive consistent temperatures below freezing.
Watering: Water regularly during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. C. radicans is drought tolerant, but the soil should never be left dry for too long. Reduce watering frequency during the winter months. Water only if the soil is completely dry.
Fertilizing: In summer, feed the plant with a dilute solution of a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a year.
Repotting: You do not need to repot C. radicans often. You can do it when the container becomes too small or shallow.
Propagation: This plant can be grown from seeds or cuttings. Seeds need warm temperatures or using seed warmer and constant moisture to germinate. Take cuttings during the spring and summer.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Curio.
Toxicity of Curio radicans
C. radicans is a toxic plant. Grow it with great care if you have children, pets, or livestock.
Links
- Back to genus Curio
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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