String of Bananas

String of Bananas makes a great trailing component in arrangements and provides a nice contrast to the more common rosette-shaped succulents. Its long stems are lined with banana-shaped leaves, each of which has a translucent crescent or “leaf window” to let sunlight into the leaf interior. It usually blooms between October and December with pompom-like clusters of tiny white flowers that smell like cinnamon.

C. radicans is a relatively fast grower if cared for properly. It can tolerate high heat and extended drought but not frost or full, outdoor sun. To prevent rot, use well-draining pots and soil and only water when the soil is dry. Reduce watering frequency even more in winter. To grow a long, full cascade of bananas, regularly prune the stems and replant the cuttings for easy stem propagation. Make sure that all parts of the trailing mass get sunlight and, if possible, move the plant outdoors to a covered porch or patio in the summer.