How to Grow and Care for String of Fish Hooks

The String of Fish Hooks (Senecio radicans) is a succulent prized for its trailing vines of small, blue-green leaves shaped like fish hooks. Its rapid growth and tolerance for average household conditions make it a popular choice for hanging baskets or for draping over shelves and ledges. This plant adds a unique textural element to any indoor plant collection.

String of Fish Hooks Care

This plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight for at least six hours a day. A location near a south or west-facing window is suitable, but protect the plant from intense afternoon sun, which can scorch its leaves. Some gentle morning sun is well-tolerated and can promote more compact growth.

This succulent is highly susceptible to root rot, so a potting medium with excellent drainage is necessary. Commercial cactus and succulent mixes are specifically formulated for this purpose and work well. You can also amend a standard potting soil with materials like perlite or pumice to increase its aeration and drainage capabilities.

This plant prefers a “drench and dry” approach, where the soil is thoroughly saturated and then allowed to dry out completely before the next watering. You can check the soil’s moisture by inserting a finger an inch or two deep; if it feels dry, it’s time to water. Watering frequency changes with the seasons, requiring more water during spring and summer and less during winter dormancy.

This succulent is suited to average household temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It is not frost-tolerant and must be protected from freezing temperatures. The String of Fish Hooks also does well in low to average humidity, so the air in most homes is sufficient without supplemental misting. Keep the plant away from cold drafts or direct airflow from vents.

The String of Fish Hooks is not a heavy feeder. Providing a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer once or twice during the spring and summer growing season is adequate. Over-fertilizing can lead to weak, spindly growth and should be avoided. During the fall and winter, when growth slows, suspend feeding entirely.

How to Propagate String of Fish Hooks

Propagating a String of Fish Hooks is a straightforward process using stem cuttings. It is best to take cuttings from a healthy, mature plant for a higher success rate. Using clean scissors or shears, cut a section that is at least four to six inches long and has several hook-shaped leaves.

After taking the cutting, allow the cut end to dry and form a callus for a few days. This step helps prevent the stem from rotting when placed in soil. Once callused, lay the cutting directly onto the surface of a well-draining soil mix. Gently press the stem so the nodes, where leaves attach, make contact with the soil, as this is where roots will emerge.

Another method is to root the cutting in water. Place the callused end of the stem into a jar of water, making sure no leaves are submerged, as they can rot. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh. Once a healthy root system has developed, the new plant can be transferred into a pot with a suitable succulent soil mix.

Place new propagations in a location that receives bright, indirect light. If propagating in soil, wait to water until roots have begun to form, which can be checked by a gentle tug on the cutting. For water-propagated cuttings, once transplanted to soil, water lightly and allow the plant to acclimate to its new environment.

Common Problems and Solutions

Mushy stems and yellowing, translucent leaves are classic signs of overwatering, which can lead to root rot. If these symptoms appear, immediately reduce watering frequency and ensure the pot has adequate drainage. Allowing the soil to dry out completely is the primary solution.

If you observe the leaves appearing shriveled, flat, or deflated, it is a sign of underwatering. The hook-shaped leaves store water, and a wrinkled appearance indicates their reserves are depleted. The remedy is to give the plant a deep watering, allowing water to flow through the drainage holes. The leaves should plump back up within a day or two.

Leggy growth, characterized by long, bare sections of stem between the leaves, is a result of insufficient light as the plant stretches for a brighter source. To resolve this, move the plant to a location where it will receive more bright, indirect sunlight. You can also prune the leggy stems to improve the plant’s appearance and encourage new, fuller growth.

Identifying String of Fish Hooks

The String of Fish Hooks is commonly confused with its close relative, the String of Bananas. The primary difference is the leaf shape. The leaves of a String of Fish Hooks have a much more pronounced and sharp curvature, resembling a hook. In contrast, the String of Bananas has leaves that are thicker and more crescent-shaped.

The String of Fish Hooks is toxic to both pets and humans if ingested. Consuming the plant can cause gastrointestinal symptoms. It is advisable to place this plant in a location that is safely out of reach of cats, dogs, and small children to prevent accidental ingestion.