What's your question? Ask

Top Questions About String of Bananas Plant

Click on links below to jump to that question.

Questions About String of Bananas Plant

  • Answered by
    BushDoctor on
    February 10, 2020
    Certified Expert
    A.

    That is, actually, a close relative called String of Bananas. They will be a little less tolerant of bright light during temperatures above 100 F, but otherwise need bright, direct light for most of the day.

    Slow growth will indicate a few things:

    This can happen due to low temperatures. They are only hardy in USDA zones 10-11, which means they will not grow well in ambient, indoor temperatures without some help.

    I would recommend feeding with a balanced, dilute fertilizer. Apply horticultural lighting (Not LED since they do not produce enough heat.) for most of the day to get the temperatures up.

    and make sure that the soil does not remain wet. They like evenly, slightly moist soils with a thorough dry out between waterings. Just don't let them remain bone dry for more than a couple of days.

    This article will help you to care for the plant: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/string-of-pearls/caring-for-string-of-bananas-plant.htm

    Was this answer useful?
    00
Join Us - Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips!
  • Answered by
    BushDoctor on
    April 24, 2024
    Certified Expert
    A.

    It looks a lot like overwatering. This is a succulent, and will be happier with drier conditions. Make sure this is a well draining soil, and not a thick soil. A northern facing window may not give enough light to keep it happy, though. If you can, I would find a place that gets more sunlight.

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/string-of-pearls/caring-for-string-of-bananas-plant.htm

    Was this answer useful?
    00
  • Answered by
    GKH_Susan on
    June 6, 2025
    Certified Expert
    A.

    It may need water. These plants are tricky in finding just the right amount of water, but they do take more than other succulents that prefer minimal water. Improper lighting can cause pale, scraggly stems. String of bananas needs bright light indoors. These articles should help with its care:

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/string-of-pearls/caring-for-string-of-bananas-plant.htm

    https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/growing-succulents-indoors

    Was this answer useful?
    00
  • Answered by
    BushDoctor on
    July 7, 2025
    Certified Expert
    A.

    It very well could be grasshoppers! They can be difficult to control, and insecticides are just barely effective if you use them constantly. In this case, I would go with microbial warfare. Nomesa Locustae is a neat little single celled organism that will infect grasshopper and kill them off quite effectively. It is harmless to you, but will protect plants very well. You might try your local garden centers, but you may end up having to find sources online.

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/nomesa-locustae-in-gardens.htm

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/grasshopper-control.htm

    Was this answer useful?
    00
  • Answered by
    BushDoctor on
    July 7, 2025
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Along with grasshoppers, it could be lack of sunlight. I don't see any dropped leaves, though. Unless they were cleaned up already, it is likely that something ate them. If you have it in full shade then give it more light, for sure. It doesn't need full sun, though. That will make them drop as well. If there is any information you can add in another post, then I'd be glad to keep trying to figure out, exactly, whats wrong. Unfortunately, it could be any of those. Just make sure you have good drainage, and let it dry out pretty well at the surface between waterings. Not completely dry, but definitely dry at the surface. Give it some morning sun, and mostly shade afternoon. You can trim and start new ones, as well as rejuvenate the mother plant.

    Was this answer useful?
    00

Do you know a lot about gardening?
Become a GKH Gardening Expert

OK