Banana (Musa spp.)

Banana Plant Features

Bananas are popular indoors and out. These gorgeous tropical plants make excellent houseplants if you have a bright spot for them. Commonly called banana trees because of their thick stems, the best varieties to grow as houseplants stay about 3-4 feet tall. Other varieties can grow much taller! 

Their bold, tropical look makes them an excellent focal point next to large windows or patio doors. Bigger varieties grow leaves that can stretch to 6 feet long, so they're not houseplants for the timid!

Banana Growing Instructions

Grow bananas as houseplants in the brightest spot you have. These plants like plenty of light. They respond well to both natural and artificial light, so if you don't have the right windows at home, consider a banana for the office. 

Water them enough to keep the soil moist, but not wet. That's often once or twice a week, but will vary because of factors such as plant size, pot size, temperature, and light. 

Being true tropical plants, bananas appreciate abundant relative humidity. In homes with dry indoor air, boost humidity levels around the plant to keep the leaf edges from turning brown and crispy. 

Fertilize banana houseplants monthly with a balanced houseplant fertilizer to keep them happiest. You can fertilize less frequently, but they'll grow more slowly. 

Note: Banana plants are not intended for human or animal consumption. 

  • Water

    Medium water needs

    Moist

  • Light

    Indoors: High light

    Outside: Sun

  • Colors

    Green

    Variegated

  • Special Features

    Purifies the air

Complement your Banana

Spider Plant
Give banana a skirt of lovely, grassy, spider plant for a finished look in any container.

Purple Passion Plant
Add color to a banana plant's green foliage by pairing it with fuzzy purple passion plant.

Palm, Houseplant
Accent banana's bold tropical foliage with the lacy look of houseplant palms.