If you want a large, tropical houseplant that will survive in any climate, consider a banana plant. There are dozens of varieties of banana plant, including some smaller varieties perfect for indoor pots. Here are the basics of caring for a banana plant indoors:
Most types of banana plant want at least 6 hours of full sunlight per day. However, some of the more cold-hardy varieties are more sensitive to sunburn and prefer partial shade. Because there is such a wide range of light requirements, it's crucial to know what type of banana plant will work best in your home.
To keep a banana plant thriving even without a perfect window spot, consider using grow lights. You can use LED grow light bulbs in your existing fixtures or try a dedicated full-spectrum kit for high-powered artificial sunlight.
Being tropical plants, bananas need a lot of water to thrive. In the wild, they do best grouped closely together to share ambient moisture. As a houseplant, a banana plant will need daily watering during the growing season to keep its soil evenly moist. They'll require less water in the winter, but are not tolerant of complete neglect--make sure not to let them dry out completely.
A banana plant will be happiest in an environment similar to its tropical rainforest habitat. For houseplant owners, this typically means placing the plant near a humidifier, or misting regularly with a spray bottle.
Banana plant also prefer warmer temperatures. Keeping the environment between 75 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit will protect it from rapid decline. If you place your banana plant beside a glass door or window, consider moving it further away from the glass when the temperature outside drops.
Is a banana plant right for you? Consider these tips if you're planning to add one of these stunning tropical plants to your home jungle.
I’m Mike Manning, founder of Manning Realty Services. I’m a California native who grew up in the Blossom Valley. I attended Oak Grove High School and graduated from San Jose State with a degree in Industrial Technology, emphasizing Design and Technical Drawing. My professional journey began at National Semiconductor, where I worked for 15 years as a Mask Layout Design Specialist.
In 2006, I earned my Real Estate Broker's license and found my true passion in helping people find their dream homes and securing contracts for my clients. Since then, I've been dedicated to making the home buying process as smooth and satisfying as possible.