How to Propagate String of Bananas: A Complete Guide

The string of bananas, also called Senecio radicans, is a pretty succulent with leaves that look like tiny bananas hanging on trailing vines.

Supplies You Need

Get these things ready before you start:

A healthy string of bananas plant
Clean and sharp scissors or pruners
Fresh potting soil that drains water well
Small pots or containers with holes at the bottom
A water spray bottle
Plastic bags or cling film
A place that gets light but not direct sun

Detailed Steps to Make New Plants

Here’s what you need to do:

Step 1: Pick the Right Mother Plant

Start with a string of bananas plant that looks great and has grown well. It should have lots of green leaves and be strong and healthy. This is your mother plant that will give you cuttings for new plants.

Step 2: Get the Cuttings Ready

Snip off a few vine pieces with clean scissors or pruners. They should be about 4 to 6 inches long and have a few leaf sets on them.
Take the lowest leaves off each piece so that you have a small stem with no leaves at one end. This is the part that will grow roots.

Step 3: Plant the Cuttings

Fill your small pots with the draining potting soil and push a hole in the center with your finger or something like a pencil.
Place the stem end of your cutting into the hole and press the soil down around it to make it stand up straight.
Spray the soil with water to moisten it around the new cutting.

Step 4: Make a Mini Greenhouse

Cover your cutting pots with a clear plastic bag or some cling film to keep the moisture in – this is like having a tiny greenhouse.
Put the pots somewhere bright but out of direct sunlight, which could burn the little plants.

Step 5: Take Care of Them

Keep an eye on your cuttings, spraying the soil to keep it slightly damp but not too wet, which could make them rot.
Leave the plastic on for a few weeks, but open it now and then for fresh air and to stop it getting too humid.
After some time, tug gently on the cuttings. If they resist, it means they’ve taken root, and you’ve done a great job!

Step 6: Transfer to Pots and Let Them Grow

Once rooted, take off the plastic and let the new plants get used to normal air a little at a time.
Get the little plants their new pots filled with a good potting mix and a hole at the bottom so water can drain.
Set them in a bright spot without direct sun. Strings of bananas like light but not too much heat.
Keep the soil just right – water regularly but let it dry out a bit before you water again. Too much water is not good for them.
As your plants grow bigger, you can give them some liquid fertilizer now and then to help them be their best.