Growing the String of Bananas Indoors
The String of Bananas is an exotic looking plant that is native to southern Africa, but it doesn’t need a lot of sunlight. While this plant does thrive in partial sun and light shade, it’s best to keep it away from direct sunlight. Placing the String of Bananas near a window where the sun won’t shine directly on it or near other plants that can provide some shade will help ensure its health and growth.
If you live in a cooler climate, growing the String of Bananas indoors is an ideal option. Here are some tips to help you grow this plant successfully:
Light: As mentioned earlier, the String of Bananas prefers partial sun and light shade. Place it near a window that gets bright, indirect light. If you don’t have a suitable window, you can use artificial grow lights to provide the necessary light.
Water: 💦 The String of Bananas is a succulent plant, which means it stores water in its leaves and stems. Water it thoroughly when the soil is completely dry. Be careful not to overwater it, as this can lead to root rot.
Soil: Use a well-draining soil mix that contains perlite or sand. This will help prevent water from sitting in the soil and causing root rot.
Temperature: The String of Bananas prefers temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep it away from cold drafts and air conditioning vents.
Fertilizer: Feed the String of Bananas once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer.
For those living in areas with warm climates, such as the USDA plant hardiness zones 10 through 12, it is possible to grow String of Bananas outdoors. However, it’s important to provide it with some shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent sunburn. With its trailing stems and bright yellow flowers, this plant looks great in containers or hanging baskets.
🍂 Caring for the String of Bananas Plant
- The String of Bananas is a low-maintenance plant that does not require regular fertilization, repotting, or pruning.
- This plant is drought-tolerant and can tolerate periods of dryness quite well.
- The String of Bananas grows quickly and robustly, making it suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Soil Requirements
- The String of Bananas prefers well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
- You can use an average potting soil with sand or a Succulent-mix to achieve this.
- Overwatering should be avoided as the bananas may rot if they are given too much water.
Tips for Growing String of Bananas
When it comes to size, the String of Bananas can vary depending on where it is grown. When grown indoors, the String of Bananas plant can grow up to 3 feet long, while an outdoors plant can reach up to 6 feet. Regardless of whether you’re growing your String of Bananas indoors or outdoors, make sure you provide enough space for its roots and leaves to spread out comfortably. The optimal temperature range for this plant is between 55°F and 80°F (12-27°C).
Watering
- Wait until the soil is dried out before watering
- Water about once a week in the spring and summer
- Water every two weeks in the fall and winter when the plant is not active
- If growing String of Bananas in a pot, make sure it has drainage holes to avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot.