Growing an indoor banana plant is the perfect way to add tropical beauty. While these plants rarely fruit indoors, they can be very unique houseplants!
Indoor banana plant basics
Banana plants require minimal maintenance and can add a unique tropical touch to your home. Give them lots of light and lots of water, and you’ll have lovely tropical foliage in a matter of months. Buy a plant light and some water-soluble fertilizer, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a happy houseplant grower.
Banana plants need plenty of light in order to thrive indoors. Place the plant near an east- or south-facing window where it will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. If possible, rotate the pot occasionally so that all sides of the plant get equal amounts of light exposure.
If ample natural light isn’t available, supplement with artificial lighting such as fluorescent bulbs or LED grow lights placed within 12 inches from the top of the plant canopy for best results. Unless you live in a very sunny climate and have older windows without UV filtering, you’ll most likely need to supplement with artificial light to have a happy plant in the long term.
Bananas prefer warm temperatures ranging from 65°F (18°C) to 85°F (29°C). Avoid exposing them directly to cold drafts or air conditioning vents, as this could damage their leaves and stunt their growth rate significantly.
Planting your banana plant in a container
A good potting mix is essential for optimal growth. Lok for one that has plenty of composted plant matter and hopefully some air-entraining material like perlite.
Additionally, make sure the container you choose is large enough to accommodate the size of your banana plant. Most indoor-grown mini varieties will require at least an 8-inch pot with drainage holes in the bottom. You can cover the drainage hole with a coffee filter if the hole is large enough for potting mix to fall through.
Take the banana plant out of its pot and examine the roots. Gently massage any thick, circling, white roots away from the soil ball. It is ok to carefully untangle the roots, as this will let the plant know that new space is now available.
Place the plant in the pot. You will likely have to place potting mix under the root mass to get the base of the plant at the proper level. The base of the plant should be about an inch below the top rim of the pot (or 2 inches for larger pots). This empty space will make watering easier down the road.
Watering houseplant bananas
When watering your banana plant, be sure not to overdo it. Too much water can cause root rot and other issues that could harm your plant’s health. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy – check by sticking your finger into the soil up to knuckle depth; if it feels dry then give it a good drink. Also, if the pot feels extra light, it probably needs to be watered.
Water until the excess liquid begins draining out from the bottom drainage holes in the pot and discards this runoff immediately after each watering session. During periods when growth is slower (such as winter), reduce watering frequency slightly but still make sure not to let the soil become completely dry between sessions.
Bananas are used to humid climates. Humidity levels should remain relatively high, around 50%—70%. A humidifier is usually the best option to help maintain proper humidity levels in a home environment. Avoid spraying directly onto foliage on a regular basis because this may cause leaf spotting or fungal diseases.
Light requirements for indoor-grown bananas
Light is essential for any plant to grow and thrive, including the banana plant. The amount of light a banana plant needs depends on the variety you have chosen. Most varieties require bright indirect sunlight or full sun for at least six hours each day. If your home does not get enough natural light, then you may need to supplement with artificial lighting, such as fluorescent bulbs or LED lights placed close to the plants.
When choosing a spot in your home for your banana plant, make sure it gets plenty of direct sunlight during the morning and early afternoon hours when possible. Avoid placing them near windows that face south or west since they can be too hot during these times of day and could cause damage to the leaves. Also, avoid spots that are drafty since this can dry out their soil quickly, leading to wilting leaves and stunted growth.
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