Senecio herreianus 'Purple Flush' - Purple String of Bananas

Trailing stems strung with glossy, banana-shaped leaves give Senecio herreianus ‘Purple Flush’ its playful common name – String of Bananas – but this variety comes with a twist: its green leaves are tinged with a rich purple blush when grown in bright light. A fast-growing, drought-tolerant succulent, it’s perfect for hanging pots, shelf edges, or sunny windows where it can spill and sprawl with ease. Easy to care for and full of character, it’s ideal for adding movement and texture to your indoor jungle.

Scientific Name
Senecio herreianus ‘Purple Flush’ (herreianus = named after botanist Hans Herre; ‘Purple Flush’ = cultivated variety with purple-toned foliage)

Synonyms
Curio herreanus (currently accepted botanical name), Purple String of Bananas, Trailing Senecio, String of Bananas ‘Purple Flush’

Common Name
Purple String of Bananas, Trailing Senecio, Senecio ‘Purple Flush’

Origin
Species native to South Africa and Namibia, where it grows as a groundcover in dry, rocky environments. ‘Purple Flush’ is a cultivated variety selected for its pigmented foliage.

Light
Thrives in bright, indirect light and will develop more purple colouring with exposure to some gentle direct sun. A south- or west-facing window is ideal indoors. Too little light will cause leggy growth and duller colour.

Water
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Water deeply, then allow excess to drain. Overwatering is the most common issue – err on the dry side, especially in cooler months.

Humidity
Prefers low to average indoor humidity. Avoid overly damp environments – this plant is well suited to dry rooms.

Soil
Use a free-draining cactus or succulent mix. You can also amend regular houseplant compost with extra sand, grit, or perlite to improve drainage.

Food
Feed once every 4–6 weeks in spring and summer with a cactus or balanced liquid fertiliser, diluted to half strength. Do not feed in winter.

Temperature
Prefers warm, stable conditions – ideally 18–26°C. Avoid temperatures below 10°C and protect from cold draughts or windowsills in winter.

Pet-safe
No – Senecio species are toxic if ingested by pets or humans.

Sprouts Top Tips
To keep growth compact and bushy, pinch back long stems and propagate the cuttings – they root easily in water or soil. For the strongest colour, grow in bright light and avoid overwatering.