The String Of Fishhooks ‘Senecio Radicans’

Senecio Radicans, also known as “Banana Chain”, is a plant native to Namibia and South Africa. It grows naturally between rock bases. It is a plant that is easy to grow and is very resistant to drought. Its natural environment is warm and arid. This plant stores moisture in its tissues, allowing it to quickly adapt to hot and dry climates and conditions. However, if the drought to which it is exposed is very extreme, it will lose its leaves to the point of losing all of them. It will only recover once you watered them.

The “Banana Chain” is a slow-growing hanging plant with thick stems that develops a cascade of thin ductile branches. These branches can reach 3 feet in length and are covered by curved bluish-green leaves. The leaves are elongated, lanceolate, and subtly curved upwards. Because they are translucent, the Sun shines through them, giving them a scattered and alternative appearance. It is imperative to keep this plant in places away from children. Despite its attractive and harmless appearance, this plant’s leaves can be toxic to health in case of consumption.

Thanks to the fact that the leaves follow a uniform distance pattern, they are compared to a chain of green bananas because of their peculiar shape. Hence their nickname “Chain of bananas.” In its flowering season during the autumn and winter months, although it is possible that it can flower at other times as well. It presents typical pompom-shaped flowers in plants of this species, white and mauve in a color that despite having a striking cinnamon aroma. They are not suitable for human consumption. In fact, they are harmful to health.

Senecio Radicans Care

#1. Temperature

When we want to grow the “Banana Chain” indoors, the ideal would be to place it in a place where it receives a high amount of light. However, in warm times such as summer, it is best not to leave them under the direct Sun for a long time. This can cause burn damage as your tissues remain full of water. On the other hand, if you want to grow outdoors, your optimal sun exposure would be during the mornings. In the afternoon, it is best to enjoy the shade. If the “Banana Chain” is exposed to direct sunlight for a long time, its leaves begin to lose their characteristic translucent appearance and begin to take on a yellowish tone. An advantage of this plant is that it can withstand an extensive range of temperatures, ranging from 24 to 110 ° F.

Senecio Radicans is a plant that looks best in hanging baskets and wall pots, although they are also excellent in mixed containers. It is a perfect plant for the garden. However, due to its particular appearance, it honestly looks good in almost any space you decide. It also gives a unique and exotic touch thanks to the bluish-green of this hanging succulent. Its unparalleled leaves, long and spreading stems, add a complementary color to any space in our home. We can even place it inside the house, as long as it receives enough light and has good ventilation. The “Banana chain” does not require any proper pruning. Still, considering that each stem can overextend its growth, it is appropriate to trim the tips of the branches to limit their growth equalize the length.

#2. Growth

When planting our “Banana Chain”, we must make sure that the soil is a light mix with good and fast water drainage capacity. If we are going to grow it in pots, we can use a cactus substrate mixture. In this way, it will not conserve as much water, and it will root more quickly. As with almost all succulent species, we must keep it in a dry and warm place to avoid excess humidity and rotting in the roots. Senecio Radicans does not require any fertilizer, but if preferred, we can choose an organic liquid fertilizer prescribed for indoor plants and apply it once a month during spring. It is imperative that under no circumstances we fertilize during the winter.

The frequency of watering this plant can be very varied. It all depends on the seasons and how we are growing them. We recommend it if you are outdoors is to water it every two weeks unless you are in a cold and wet rainy season. If this is the case, it is best to move your plant indoors to prevent it from staying wet for long periods. On the other hand, if you are growing indoors, it is best to reduce watering every three weeks, even to every six weeks in winter.

The vital factor to consider before watering again is arid soil. Since this plant accumulates water, you should not water it regularly. If the soil is still wet, waiting until it dries completely is best. We must remember that all the resistance it shows to drought turns contrary to cold. While the cold season lasts, placing it in a protected area is convenient.

#3. Plant Propagation

The propagation of the “Banana chain” is simple. You can do this through stem fragments, which take root easily at any time of the year, or in case the fallen leaves come into contact with the substrate and begin to root, generating new floors. This is a plant that is not usually attacked by pests. However, it can suffer from outbreaks of white mealybug. In this case, we must wash the plant well and treat the affected areas by rubbing alcohol. Another risk that the “Banana Chain” has is the rotting of its roots thanks to excessive watering. We must be careful to avoid any damage caused by excessive watering.

Conclusion

“Banana Chain” is attractive, exotic, and easy to maintain plants. They can hang growth and easy roots, and require light watering, strong but indirect sun exposure, and a well-draining substrate. It is essential to emphasize the low and limited need for water, being easy to overwater and rotting its roots. Besides, we must be careful when we grow it in homes with pets or small children since its leaves and flowers are Dangerous for consumption. It is recommended to keep it in places where they do not have easy access.