Ways of Propagating a String of Bananas Plant- Everything you need to know

Yes, it is possible to grow a string of bananas through the propagation process. Before, I also used to think the same i.e. not possible, but when I conducted the experiment, I couldn’t believe what I saw.

I understand you may be wondering how to start this process to achieve the best results. Don’t worry, I’m here to help you. Here, I’ve shared all my experiences with propagating the string of bananas, including how to grow and care for them, as well as the benefits of propagating this plant.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced gardener, this article will provide you with the knowledge and ideas to successfully expand your plant collection.

String of Bananas Plant:

Botanical Name	Curio radicans, syn. Senecio radicans
Common Name	String of bananas, fishhook senecio
Plant Type	Succulent
Mature Size	Up to 3 ft. long
Sun Exposure	Full
Soil Type	Well-drained, Sandy
Soil pH	Acidic, Neutral
Bloom Time	Spring
Flower Color	White, light pink
Hardiness Zones	10-11 (USDA)
Native Area	South Africa
Toxicity	Toxic to humans

Initial Steps in Propagating String of Bananas from Cuttings:

Here are some basic steps you need to follow to propagate a string of bananas from cutting and to be successful in the process where you need to choose the perfect stem for cutting, make cuts in the right plant, and find ways to take care of the cutting.

Choose a Stem to Cut for Propagation:

• Make sure to choose a stem that is healthy, long enough, and mature.
• In the case of the mature stem, they used to develop the roots faster than the younger ones.
• The healthy stem will grow fleshy leaves not thin and shriveled leaves.
• You also need to choose a stem that is at least two inches long.

Where to Cut Banana Strings to Propagate:

• The first step to propagate the banana string is to cut it at least two inches from the base and must be at least two inches long.
• If you have longer bananas the more surface area it will have for growing roots.
• Always use a sharp knife or scissors for cutting the stem.

Methods of Propagating String of Bananas:

The following are easy methods of propagating a string of bananas from which you can choose any one that uses cutting of various lengths. It is actually very easy to propagate.

Plant Cuttings into New Succulent Soil:

• Here you need to allow a callus to form on the cut edge for which you need to leave the cut stem in the air for a day or two.
• If you miss the step the cutting will lead to rotting.
• The next step is to prepare the soil for planting.
• If you grow the banana string a well properly drained succulent potting mix they thrive best in them.
• If you feed the succulent with fertilizer or compost they do grow rapidly.
• You can also add a part of compost into the soil mix but make sure it isn’t too much because it will burn the plant.
• With the help of a stick make a hole in the soil and then place the cutting end first into the potting mix.
• You need to plant the cutting in a way that there is a node at the bottom for the root to emerge from.
• Lastly, cover the cutting base using soil and then gently pat the soil.
• Although rooting will take about 3-4 weeks in that time make sure to provide support to the young cutting and place them in warm areas.
• Make sure that the soil is light moist and not soggy.
• You need to care for a new string of bananas cutting because it will lead to rot when the plant starts to grow.

Lay on Top of Soil:

In the case of choosing this method for propagating a string of bananas, you need to have patience because it will take a longer time. In this method, you need to take a cutting that is at least 4 to 5 inches long.

Prep Succulent Soil:

• Make sure to well prepare the soil before you lay the cutting on the soil.
• Succulent mixture in the best soil that drains well.
• You can also mix the cactus soil, avoiding the use of commercial mixtures.

Apply Rooting Hormone:

• To help cutting to grow use rooting hormone at the part of the cutting that is going to touch your ground.
• Although if you are using this method it is difficult to get to root correctly.

Monitor for Root Growth:

• The root will start to sprout within 3 to 4 weeks.
• In this process, you need to soil the soil whenever you find it dry and mist about once a week.
• When the roots start to develop you can stop misting and start to water the plant using a soak-and-dry method.

Root a String of Bananas in Water:

In the case of using a method of rooting a string of bananas in water then I shall tell you it is the easiest method of propagation. For starting the propagation make sure to start it by using a sterile and sharp knife and make a clean cut of about 4 inches long.

Remove Lower Leaves from the Bottom of the Cutting:

• First, you need to pinch off the low leaves of the cutting so that they dont get submerged in the water.
• If any cutting leaves submerge into the water it will start to develop rot and the whole plant cutting will die quickly.
• You need to leave a growth node at the bottom of the cutting from where the roots will start to grow.

Prep Glass Jar:

• Now is the time to sterilize a glass jar which you can use by running it through the dishwasher or washing it in very hot water.
• When the glass jar gets cool you can fill it with some distilled or purified water.
• Avoid using tap water because it contains harmful chemicals like fluoride or chlorine that can damage the plant.
• Make sure to sterilize the jar before you start the process of propagation so that it prevents the condition of root rot.

Place Cutting in Jar and Fill with Water:

• Now it’s time to place the new cutting into the jar In a way that the bottom of the cutting is ⅓ is under water.
• There is no need for the formation of callous When you Are propagating the string of bananas in water. 
• Make sure that all the leaves of the cutting are out of the water.

Change Water Regularly:

• You need to change the water in the jar weekly to prevent the condition of microbial activity and prevent the cutting from rotting.
• Changing the water to provide sufficient oxygen to the plant helps them to grow healthy roots quickly.

Apply Rooting Hormone:

• Although it is not necessary to use rooting hormones, it will help speed up the growth of healthy roots. If you apply it in the correct way. 
• You need to apply the Harmon to do the cutting before you place it in the water.
• The rooting hormone is available in powder or liquid form. In case you are using the powder form, you need to shake off the excess powder from the cutting before you place it in the water.

Once Roots are Established, Plant in Soil:

• The new root will start to appear inside the glass jar within 3 to 4 weeks.
• They are used to grow like fine tendrils.
• After the complete establishment of roots, you can plant the cutting into well-drained soil and take care of the cutting.

Propagating String of Bananas from Leaves:

In this method, you can propagate the string of bananas using the leaves, but it will take a longer time and have a lower success rate because the leaves of the cutting will rot fast.

• For Propagating a string of bananas from leaves, you need to choose a plump healthy leaf and keep it on the top of the paper towel for some days so that the cut edges get dry.
• Now you need to wait for some time after placing the leaves on the top so that roots start to emerge.
• After emerging from the Root, you need to start lightly misting the plant when they dry.
• To help the plant grow leaf, place it in a bright but filtered sunlight location when the roots emerge.

How to Grow and Care for a String of Bananas

The string of bananas is perfect for growing in a hanging basket indoors or in a garden as ground cover. Here are some tips for growing a string of bananas:

• They are used to grow best in porous well-draining soil.
• You can even grow them in cactus potting soil with perlite for drainage.
• You can add compost in case when the soil needs nutrients.
• You have to wait until the soil dries out before you water them.
• The plant is able to tolerate drought so you can wait until the soil is dry before you water them.
• You need to water the plant about once a week in the spring and summer seasons.
• During fall and winter, you need to water it every two weeks as here the plant is dormant.
• In case you are growing the string of bananas in a pot make sure the pot has a drainage hole and avoid over-watering the plant which will lead to root rot.
• Keep the plant in a location where it gets bright, indirect light.
• Place the plant indoors near a sunny window and if placed outdoors make sure that the plant receives both morning sunlight and afternoon shade.
• Avoid providing the plant with direct sunlight which will burn the leaves.
• In the case of finding sparse foliage, it means the plant is not getting enough light and if you see leaves having brown tips it means the plant is getting too much direct sunlight.
• They are used to thrive best in warm weather. 
• The plant can handle a temperature of about 110 degrees. 
• In case the plant is kept in a place where it gets below 30 degrees you need to move the plant indoors for the winter.
• You can use string for supporting trailing vines. 
• The sting of bananas comes under fast-growing and tends to trail.
• Using growing string for giving vine will help in growing the string upto 3 feet long.
• Pruning the plants will help encourage more growth.
• Snipping the plant halfway down the vine by which it results in two new vines growing from the cutting.

Potting And repotting

1. Potting:

• For growing a string of Bananas you require well-draining soil which will benefit to be used in the pot for promoting drainage.
• The pot which is made from materials like concrete, ceramic, or terracotta is best for promoting drainage.
• In case a growing plant on a pot has no drainage and is made up of material like glass or metal you need to place a layer of gravel at the bottom for promoting drainage.

2. Repotting String Of Bananas Plant:

• You need to be careful not to catch any trails underneath the roots of the plant while potting them.
• In case you lose a few leaves while repotting the plant you can use them while propagating to grow another plant.
• Make sure to repot the plant during the growing season in the pot which should be 10% larger than the previous pot

Benefits of Propagating String Of Bananas Plant:

Here are some benefits of propagating a string of Banana plants:

• Propagating the string of Bananas will make to full fill the empty space between the bare stems.
• Using any technique of Propagation such as cutting and rooting it in potting soil will have a high possibility to achieve a success rate.
• You need to cut the cutting of different lengths such as ranging from 2 to 12 inches and plant them in the soil using floral pins.
• You will notice the root on the  Cutting will grow when you transplant the plant which will result in a full-size plant having more lush plant.
• Propagation does help in filling the gaps and creating more aesthetic arrangements if done correctly it is an effective way to expand the collection of the string of Bananas plant.

Conclusion:

In the end, I would like to say, that if you really want to grow a string of Bananas by this method you need to follow each step without any disturbance Which will give you a positive result. Further, if you have any doubts regarding the process just ask me in the comment section. 

FAQ’s