The Unique Houseplant Fixer Upper's Joanna Gaines Uses To Bring A Room To Life

Potted succulents are a houseplant trend that makes a huge impact in your space. These appealing plants have been on trendsetters' radar for years, and they're not going away anytime soon. Adorably pint-sized pots topped with spiky green fronds are still cute, but they're getting a bit tired. How about a delightfully draping succulent, either dangling from a ceiling hook or spilling over the edge of a shelf, that adds immediate drama to a room? Joanna Gaines, of Fixer Upper and Magnolia fame, has put the string of bananas (Curio radicans) in the spotlight. This cascading succulent is delicate-looking but refreshingly low-maintenance. If you have a spot with full sun and plenty of vertical room, this plant is ready to take up residence with you.

Gaines' impeccable taste is always copy-worthy, but her suggested plants have extra clout when they're easy to care for. That's the string of bananas plant for you. Its needs are minimal, but it delivers maximum visual impact. This trailing low-water plant grows quickly to between 3 and 4 feet in length. However, it can grow even longer if the conditions are right, so scout out a spot that will accommodate its Rapunzel-like fronds. The icing on the cake is the cinnamon-scented flowers that may appear in the fall or early winter. However, if you have curious creatures who like to nibble at houseplants, the string of bananas plant is probably not the best choice for you, as it's toxic to both pets and humans.

The string of bananas plant doesn't need much coaxing to put on a great show, but there are a few steps that can lead to the best results. Like other succulents, the string of bananas plant will do best in well-draining soil. Succulent potting mix is great, but you can also use cactus soil for succulents if that's all you have. The string of bananas plant needs bright light and temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Too much harsh sunlight may burn the leaves, but 2 to 6 hours of direct sun each day can be beneficial. Excess moisture can lead to root rot, so wait until at least the top half of the soil in the pot is dry before watering.

The string of bananas plant will grow healthily with just enough sunlight and water, but there are ways to encourage the best growth possible as well as a few things to watch out for. There's no need to fertilize your string of bananas plant, but monthly doses of succulent food in spring and summer can provide some health insurance. You can encourage fuller growth and manage the plant's size by pruning it. String of bananas plants tend to need repotting every few years to accommodate its expanding size, and some fresh soil at that time will give the plant an additional boost. The string of bananas plant can be susceptible to spider mites, mealy bugs, and aphids, but this simple DIY neem oil spray works wonders to keep insects and mites off plants.