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String of bananas · Senecio radicans

Why is my String of Bananas drooping?

It is less common for a String of Bananas to droop, as this succulent usually holds its shape well. This symptom is typically caused by dehydration or root issues, so check the soil moisture first.

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drooping on a plant
Photo: Schlaghecken Josef, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Feel the soil to see if it is completely dry.
  2. Check the texture of the leaves for shriveling.
  3. Inspect the base of the stems for mushiness.

Likely causes

  1. Dehydration

    Most likely

    How to tell: The banana shaped leaves will look thin, shriveled, or slightly wrinkled. The soil will feel bone dry and pull away from the edges of the pot.

    What to do: Soak the pot in a bowl of water for 15 minutes to rehydrate the soil. After that, return to your regular schedule of watering every 10 to 21 days once the soil is completely dry.

  2. Root Rot

    Possible

    How to tell: The stems near the soil line look mushy, dark, or translucent. The plant may lose its grip on the soil and feel loose when you touch it.

    What to do: Remove the plant from its pot and inspect the roots for soft, brown, or smelly sections. Trim away the damaged roots, repot in fresh well draining cactus mix, and wait a week before watering again.

Drooping in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your string of bananas

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

Worry if the stems are turning black or mushy, as this indicates rot that can kill the plant quickly. If the leaves are just slightly wrinkled, a good drink will usually perk them up within a day.

Stopping it coming back

Always wait for the soil to dry out completely between waterings to keep the roots healthy. Ensure your pot has drainage holes to prevent excess water from sitting at the bottom.

String of bananas: drooping? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your string of bananas and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Should I mist my String of Bananas to help with drooping?
No, misting does not help with hydration and can lead to fungal issues. It is better to water the soil thoroughly when the plant is dry.
Can low light cause drooping?
Low light usually causes the plant to stretch and become leggy rather than droop. If your plant is drooping, focus on your watering habits first.

Guides to these causes

More problems with String of bananas

Back to the String of bananas guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.