Senecio radicans, Also known as chain of bananas, chain of bananas o hook-caught senecio, is a hanging succulent with great ornamental appeal and highly prized for its easy care. This guide brings together all the necessary information for its cultivation, maintenance, and propagation, integrating expert advice and the best tips to ensure a healthy and lush plant in your home or garden.
Description and origin of Senecio radicans
- Scientific name: Senecio radicals
- Common name: String of bananas, chain of plantains, hook senecio
- Family: Asteraceae
- Origin: South Africa
- Type: Perennial succulent with a hanging or creeping habit
La chain of bananas stands out for its long and flexible stems Full of fleshy, elongated leaves resembling small green bananas. This peculiarity gives it its popular name and makes it one of the most sought-after succulents for hanging baskets and indoor gardens.
In its natural habitat, it can reach several meters in length, although in domestic cultivation it is usually kept at a smaller size, adapting very well both indoors and outdoors. Its leaves are of a vibrant green which can vary in intensity depending on light exposure.
Botanical and ornamental characteristics
- Growth Habit: The plant has a trailing development that adapts perfectly to hanging plants, forming a cascade of stems and leaves. It can hang or cover surfaces, depending on the container and available space.
- Sheets: They are fleshy, elongated, and slightly curved, reminiscent of plantains. Their structure allows them to store water and withstand periods of drought.
- Color: The leaves range in color from light to deep green, and may acquire bluish hues in environments with greater sun exposure.
- Flowers: Senecio radicans produces small, white or creamy-white flowers with a delicate cinnamon-like aroma. While they are inconspicuous, they can appear several times a year depending on the climate.
- Longevity: It is a perennial species that can live for several years with good care.
Benefits and decorative uses
Thanks to its hanging habit and low maintenance, Senecio radicans is ideal for:
- Place in hanging planters, on high shelves or mantels where their stems will drape elegantly.
- Create vertical gardens and compositions with other succulents.
- Add texture and dynamism to modern, minimalist, or boho-style spaces.
- Purify the air in your home, as it helps absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen.
Senecio radicans care: step by step
Light and optimal location
Senecio radicans needs well-lit environments, with plenty of natural light but without prolonged direct exposure to intense sunlight, especially in warm climates where the sun can burn the leaves. It thrives in locations where it receives bright, indirect light, such as next to an east- or west-facing window.
- Indoors: Look for locations near a natural light source but protected from the strongest midday rays.
- Outdoors: Prefers semi-shade or filtered light. Tolerates direct sunlight only in mild climates and for a few hours per day.
Poor light exposure will result in elongated stems and less compact leaves, affecting their aesthetics and health.
temperature and environment
this succulent tolerates a wide range of temperatures, preferring temperate to warm environments. Its ideal temperature range is between 15ºC and 24ºC. Avoid frost, as intense cold can irreversibly damage its tissues. If the weather is very cold in winter, it's best to move it to a protected interior.
Thanks to their plasticity, they can withstand high temperatures, but they must always have a well-draining substrate to prevent moisture buildup.
Irrigation: frequency and technique
El The biggest enemy of Senecio radicans is excess water.Its leaves act as reservoirs and require moderate watering, allowing the substrate to dry completely between waterings.
- In spring and summer: Water every 7-10 days, checking first that the soil is dry.
- In autumn and winter: Reduce watering to every 15-20 days or even more, always checking the humidity of the substrate.
The irrigation method by immersion It's best to place the pot in a container of water and leave it until the substrate is moist (when the bubbles disappear). Then remove it and let it drain thoroughly.
Avoid direct wetting of the leaves and use pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot.
Substrate and transplant
Usa specific substrates for cacti and succulents, with a mixture of coarse sand and perlite to ensure perfect drainage. Adding volcanic gravel, pieces of tile, or broken pots to the base further improves drainage and prevents waterlogging. Deep containers with sufficient substrate promote the development of strong roots and larger leaves.
Whenever the plant requires it due to its growth, transplant it to a slightly larger container, renewing part of the substrate to improve aeration and prevent compaction.
Fertilization and fertilization
During the period of active growth (spring and summer), fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a diluted cactus and succulent fertilizer. Choose low-nitrogen formulas to prevent excessive growth and maintain the plant's compact shape. If you have it in a pot, opt for liquid fertilizers to maintain efficient drainage and avoid excess fertilizers that could damage the roots.
Pruning and maintenance
La regular pruning It's essential to stimulate vigorous growth and maintain a tidy appearance. Remove dry or damaged leaves and stems, and trim excessively long stems to promote branching and dense foliage.
Collecting dead leaves and flowers prevents the appearance of diseases and helps keep the plant healthy and more decorative.
Easy reproduction and propagation
El Senecio radicans spreads very easily by stem, leaf or seed cuttings, although the most common and fastest way is by cutting:
- Cut a healthy segment of stem (about 8-10 cm), preferably with several leaves.
- Let the wound heal in the air for 1-2 days to prevent rot.
- Plant the cutting superficially in moist substrate (do not bury the entire stem).
- Keep the substrate slightly moist and in a bright location away from direct sunlight. Roots will appear in 1-2 weeks.
Thanks to its creeping nature and the presence of aerial roots, propagation is extremely simple and effective.
Pests, diseases and precautions
Senecio radicans is a fairly hardy plant, although some common pests and diseases may arise:
- Root rot: Caused by excess water. Prevent by using a well-draining substrate and watering only when the soil is dry.
- Powdery mildew: Fungus that appears as a white powder on leaves, favored by humid environments. Treat with specific fungicides.
- Aphids and mealybugs: They feed on the sap, weakening the plant. Remove with insecticides or natural remedies such as insecticidal soap or alcohol on a cotton ball.
- White fly: It can occur in warm climates and indoor environments. Control with yellow sticky traps or appropriate insecticides.
Like many succulents in the Asteraceae family, Senecio radicans can be slightly toxic If ingested by pets or children, place the plant out of their reach to avoid problems.
Compatibility and related varieties
The gender Senecio It includes more than 1.000 species, many of which are suitable for indoor cultivation thanks to their hardiness and easy maintenance. These are some of the most popular and compatible ones that you can combine with your Senecio radicans:
- Senecio rowleyanus (rosary plant or pearl necklace): With round, ball-shaped leaves.
- Senecio herreianus: It has slightly more oval and compact leaves.
- Senecio peregrinus: With dolphin-like leaves.
- Senecio haworthii: With leaves covered with dense white hair.
These varieties can be combined in compositions to create spectacular and easy-to-maintain succulent gardens.
Where to buy Senecio radicans
- Leroy Merlin
- Entrecactus.es
- Naturalove.es
- Suculentopedia.com
- Viverozgonzalez.es
- Artevegetal.es
You can find Senecio radicans at most nurseries and specialty succulent stores, both physical and online. Be sure to select specimens with vigorous stems and firm leaves, a sign of good health.
