Detailed Explanation of the Distribution Range and Growth Habits of Senecio rowleyanus 'Big String of Bananas'

Common names of Senecio rowleyanus 'Big String of Bananas'

Common names of Senecio rowleyanus 'Big String of Bananas': Jingtongzi, Hailixiannianju

Habits of Senecio rowleyanus 'Big String of Bananas'

Senecio rowleyanus 'Big String of Bananas' belongs to the Asteraceae family, genus Senecio, and is native to Africa. It grows best at a temperature of 15~22°C, and spring and autumn are its lush growing seasons.

It likes a warm, dry and sunny environment, tolerates partial shade and drought, dislikes muggy and humid conditions, and is not cold-tolerant.

Home cultivation usually uses cuttings for propagation. Common pests and diseases include: powdery mildew, root rot

Care tips for Senecio rowleyanus 'Big String of Bananas'

Repotting: repot once every 3~4years1time, in spring. Use a mix of leaf mold or peat soil and coarse sand as the potting soil.

Watering: keep the soil slightly moist during the growing season. In summer it enters a semi-dormant state, so strictly control water, better dry than wet.

Fertilizing: fertilize 1time per month, and never let the fertilizer solution stain the fleshy leaves. When air humidity is too high and ventilation is poor, powdery mildew and root rot are likely to occur.

Light and temperature: full sun. During the growing season each year, if light is insufficient the plant tends to become leggy, and the stems become tender green and fragile. In a sunny spot, however, the plant grows stocky with plump leaves.

Propagation methods for Senecio rowleyanus 'Big String of Bananas'

Cuttings: best done in spring and autumn. Cut off plump, healthy stem sections and lay them flat on a sand bed, keeping the room temperature at 15~22°C. After planting,10~15days later roots grow from the stem nodes, then new leaves appear, and they can be potted up.

Suggested planting combinations: Aeonium 'Zwartkop', Graptoveria 'Silver Star'

Note: in summer never water too much, otherwise the roots rot easily and the plant dies.