Description

Often sold as String of Fishhooks and closely related to String of Bananas (Curio/Senecio radicans), this succulent forms cascading vines lined with slender, blue-green, hook-shaped leaves. The foliage has a slight glaucous bloom that helps it tolerate bright light and dry air. In strong light and with lean watering, the plant grows full and trails impressively from shelves or hanging baskets. Small, tufted, white to cream blooms may appear in the growing season and are lightly cinnamon-scented.

Suggested Uses

Excellent as an indoor hanging plant near a bright window, or outdoors in frost-free climates in covered patios and filtered sun. Combines well with other waterwise succulents in mixed planters, where its trailing vines soften pot edges and add movement.

Plant Details

• Botanical NameSucculent- Senecio Fishhook (commonly sold as String of Fishhooks; related to Curio/Senecio radicans)
• Common NameSucculent- Senecio; also called String of Fishhooks or Fishhook Senecio
• Size & GrowthTrailing vines 2–6 ft (0.6–1.8 m) long; stems 0.1–0.2 in (2–5 mm) thick; naturally cascading, can be looped to fill in.
• Hardiness ZonesUSDA 10–12 (protect from frost); can be summered outdoors in cooler zones and overwintered inside above 50°F (10°C).
• Foliage TypeEvergreen succulent; narrow, curved, blue-green leaves with glaucous coating (“fishhook” shape).
• Bloom TimeTypically late summer to fall indoors; outdoors in warm climates during the main growing season; small white/cream, lightly cinnamon-scented blooms.
• Growth RateModerate to fast with bright light and lean watering; slows in low light or winter dormancy.
• Light RequirementsBright indirect light to gentle morning sun; 4–6+ hours bright light daily. Shield from harsh afternoon sun behind glass to prevent leaf scorch.
• Attracts PollinatorsFlowers may attract small pollinators outdoors; less significant indoors but still beneficial when blooming.
• Indoor FriendlyYes—thrives as a houseplant near a bright east/south window; rotate for even growth and trailing symmetry.
• Container FriendlyExcellent in hanging baskets, wall planters, and shallow, well-drained pots with ample drainage holes.
• Deer ResistantGenerally deer-resistant due to succulent tissues and alkaloids; may still be browsed if food is scarce.
• Pet WarningToxic if ingested (cats, dogs) due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids; may cause vomiting or GI upset. Keep out of reach.
• FragrantFlowers are mildly fragrant with a cinnamon-like scent; foliage is not fragrant.
• Cut FlowerNot ideal as a traditional cut flower; trailing stems can be used in succulent arrangements or craft projects and root easily as cuttings.
• Grows Well WithGrows Well With Other drought-tolerant succulents: String of Pearls (Curio rowleyanus), String of Dolphins, Sedum morganianum (Burro’s Tail), Echeveria, Haworthia, Graptopetalum.

Notes: “Senecio” and “Curio” are both used in trade; care is the same. Flowering is more common with strong light and a slight winter cool-down.

Care Tips

• Planting InstructionsUse a pot with large drainage holes. Set the root ball so the crown sits at soil level; avoid burying stems. Coil a few vines on the surface to encourage nodes to root and fill in the top of the pot.
• Soil MoistureWater thoroughly, then allow 60–80% of the mix to dry before watering again. Reduce frequency in winter; avoid letting the pot sit in a saucer of water.
• Soil TypeFast-draining cactus/succulent mix amended with 30–50% perlite or pumice; optionally add coarse sand for extra drainage in humid climates.
• HumidityPrefers low to average indoor humidity (30–50%). Provide good airflow; avoid persistently damp rooms to prevent rot.
• Pruning InstructionsPinch or trim tips in spring/summer to promote branching and a fuller crown. Re-root healthy cuttings to thicken the pot; sterilize tools before cutting.
• Winter CareKeep at 55–65°F (13–18°C) with the brightest light available. Water sparingly. Protect from drafts and temperatures below 50°F (10°C); absolutely frost-free outdoors.
• Planting DepthPlant at the same depth as in the nursery pot; bury roots only, keeping nodes slightly above the surface. Choose a container just 1–2 in (2.5–5 cm) wider to avoid excess wet soil.
• FertilizationLight feeder. Apply a half-strength, balanced or succulent-specific fertilizer every 4–8 weeks during spring–summer. Do not fertilize in winter dormancy.
• Special CareRotate the pot monthly for even trailing. Acclimate gradually to stronger light. Inspect for mealybugs/aphids; treat early. Avoid overwatering—slightly wrinkled leaves indicate it’s time to water.

Tip: If vines grow sparse at the top, trim and replant healthy tips onto the soil surface to re-root and create a lush, full crown.