String of Pearls vs String of Bananas
String of bananas is the easier one - its beads hold more water and it grows faster. String of pearls shrivels at the first watering mistake.
String of Bananas is rated easy to care for, String of Pearls medium. If this is an early houseplant or the spot is hard to get right, start with the String of Bananas.
What they share: both are toxic to cats and dogs, both want bright indirect light, both take very low watering, both are happy in the same humidity and both stay small.
Choose
String of Pearls if…
- ✓you are happy to fuss a little for the better-looking leaves
- ✓the look is what you are after: Unique trailing succulent with bead-like leaves. Stunning in hanging baskets.
Choose
String of Bananas if…
- ✓you want the lower-risk plant of the two
- ✓the look is what you are after: Trailing succulent with banana-shaped leaves. Easier than String of Pearls.
String of Pearls vs String of Bananas: side by side
| Attribute |
String of Pearls
|
String of Bananas
|
|---|---|---|
| Plant type | Succulent | Succulent |
| Difficulty | medium | easy |
| Light | ●●●●○ 4/5 Bright indirect light |
●●●●○ 4/5 Bright indirect light |
| Water | ●○○○○ 1/5 Very low |
●○○○○ 1/5 Very low |
| Humidity | ●○○○○ 1/5 Low |
●○○○○ 1/5 Low |
| Pet safe | Toxic to cats and dogs | Toxic to cats and dogs |
| Mature size | Small 15-30 cm (6-12 in) |
Small 15-30 cm (6-12 in) |
| Growth rate | Fast | Fast |
| Air purifying | No | No |
| Native to | South Africa | South Africa |
Key differences between String of Pearls and String of Bananas
String of Bananas is the easier plant
String of Bananas is rated easy to care for, String of Pearls medium. If this is an early houseplant or the spot is hard to get right, start with the String of Bananas.
How to tell String of Pearls and String of Bananas apart
String of bananas is the easier one. Its curved, elongated beads hold more water and it grows noticeably faster, where string of pearls' round beads shrivel and drop at the first mistake. Neither is safe for pets.
Care at a glance
String of Pearls
Senecio Rowleyanus
Unique trailing succulent with bead-like leaves. Stunning in hanging baskets.
Care in one line: Bright indirect light, water sparingly, well-draining soil.
Full String of Pearls care guide →
String of Bananas
Senecio Radicans, Fishhook Senecio
Trailing succulent with banana-shaped leaves. Easier than String of Pearls.
Care in one line: Bright indirect light, water when dry, very forgiving.
Full String of Bananas care guide →String of Pearls vs String of Bananas: common questions
What is the difference between String of Pearls and String of Bananas? +
String of bananas is the easier one. Its curved, elongated beads hold more water and it grows noticeably faster, where string of pearls' round beads shrivel and drop at the first mistake. Neither is safe for pets. On care, string of Bananas is rated easy to care for, String of Pearls medium. If this is an early houseplant or the spot is hard to get right, start with the String of Bananas.
Which is easier to care for, String of Pearls or String of Bananas? +
String of Bananas. It is rated easy while String of Pearls is medium, and it is more forgiving about light and watering mistakes.
Is String of Pearls or String of Bananas safe for cats and dogs? +
Neither. String of Pearls is toxic to cats and dogs and String of Bananas is toxic to cats and dogs. Both need a spot pets cannot reach.
Which needs less light, String of Pearls or String of Bananas? +
They are the same. Both score 4/5 for light, meaning beside a bright window, no midday sun on the leaves.
Which needs more water, String of Pearls or String of Bananas? +
Neither - both score 1/5. For each one, water every 2-3 weeks, once the pot is bone dry.
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