Plant comparison
String of pearls vs String of bananas
Two trailing Senecio succulents for hanging pots — round 'pearls' versus crescent 'bananas', with string of bananas the more forgiving grower.
| String of pearls | String of bananas | |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical name | Curio rowleyanus (formerly Senecio rowleyanus) | Senecio radicans |
| Light | Direct sun (at least 4-6 hours) | Bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window) |
| Water | When the soil is completely dry, every 2-3 weeks | When soil is dry, every 14 days |
| Soil | Gritty cactus or succulent mix | Free-draining succulent mix |
| Humidity | 30-50% | 30-50% |
| Temperature | 18-24°C (65-75°F) | 18-27°C (65-80°F) |
| USDA hardiness | 10-12 (indoor-only in most US homes) | 10-11 (indoor in most US homes) |
| RHS hardiness | H1c | H1c |
| Mature size | Strands reach 60-90 cm | 60-90 cm trailing |
| Growth habit | Trailing succulent | Trailing succulent |
| Toxicity (cats/dogs) | Toxic to pets | Mildly toxic to pets |
Which one should you choose?
- Choose String of pearls — String of pearls if you prefer its trailing succulent habit at strands reach 60-90 cm indoors.
- Choose String of bananas — String of bananas if your spot has less light — it tolerates bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window), where String of pearls prefers direct sun (at least 4-6 hours).
Either way, the full care brief lives on each plant's own page: String of pearls care and String of bananas care. For pet-safety detail see String of pearls and String of bananas.
String of pearls vs String of bananas — frequently asked questions
Is String of pearls the same as String of bananas?
No — String of pearls is Curio rowleyanus (formerly Senecio rowleyanus) and String of bananas is Senecio radicans. Two trailing Senecio succulents for hanging pots — round 'pearls' versus crescent 'bananas', with string of bananas the more forgiving grower. The look can be similar, but their light, water and toxicity needs are not interchangeable.
Which is easier to care for, string of pearls or string of bananas?
Easier comes down to your conditions. String of pearls wants direct sun (at least 4-6 hours) and to be watered when the soil is completely dry, every 2-3 weeks. String of bananas wants bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window) and watering when soil is dry, every 14 days. Match the species to the brightest spot you actually have and how often you remember to water — both can be the easier pick for the right home.
Is string of pearls or string of bananas safer for cats and dogs?
Per the ASPCA, String of pearls is toxic to pets and String of bananas is mildly toxic to pets. Either way, place them out of reach of curious chewers if pets share the home.
How big do string of pearls and string of bananas get indoors?
String of pearls matures to strands reach 60-90 cm, with a trailing succulent habit. String of bananas reaches 60-90 cm trailing, trailing succulent. Plan for the eventual size, not the size in the nursery pot.
Can string of pearls and string of bananas live in the same room?
Yes — both can share a room as long as you give each one a spot that matches its light requirement. String of pearls needs direct sun (at least 4-6 hours); String of bananas needs bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window). Group them only if their watering and humidity needs are also close, otherwise keep them on different schedules.