Banana plant houseplant? That's right. If you are not fortunate enough to live in a warm region where you can grow this tropical plant outdoors, then why not grow an indoor banana plant (Musa oriana) instead. With enough light and water, an indoor banana tree makes an excellent houseplant. A banana plant houseplant offers interesting foliage and white flowers emerging from purple buds. Keep in mind that while some banana tree varieties produce edible fruit, others do not—like that of Musa basjoo. Therefore, be sure to look into the type of indoor banana tree you have or want to ensure that it will accommodate your needs and vice versa. Below you will find some tips for taking care of a banana tree inside.
How to Grow Banana Inside
Since an indoor banana tree can get rather large, you may opt for growing a dwarf variety. Even still, you'll need a large container that is deep enough to accommodate all of its roots. It should also provide adequate drainage. Like outdoor banana plants, an indoor banana plant needs rich, humus-like and well-draining soil as well as plenty of sunlight. In fact, indoor banana trees require bright light for about 12 hours or so for most varieties. However, you need to protect the banana plant from getting too hot to prevent scorching. Banana plants also do best in soils with pH levels between 5.5 and 7.0. Plant the banana rhizome upright and be sure the roots are well covered with soil.
Taking Care of a Banana Tree Inside
Banana plant houseplants require frequent feeding, especially during their active growth in warm weather. Therefore, you'll want to give them a balanced soluble fertilizer each month. Apply this evenly throughout the container. These plants also like hot and humid conditions. Indoor bananas need warm temperatures; night temperatures around 67 degrees F. (19 C.) are ideal and day temperatures in the 80s (26 C.). While an indoor banana tree needs more water than those grown outside, it should never be allowed to sit in water, which inevitably leads to root rot. Allow the plant to dry out some between waterings. Misting their foliage can help keep them hydrated and happy. In addition, an indoor banana plant should have its leaves wiped down occasionally with a damp rag or sponge to collect any accumulated dust. Indoor banana plants can spend summers outdoors in warmer regions. However, they need to be protected from wind and cold. Make sure to acclimate plants both before bringing them back inside once it cools and just after setting them out in warm weather. To make moving plants easier, use rolling platforms. Taking care of a banana tree inside is just that easy. When you grow a banana inside, it is like you are bringing a little of the tropics into your home.
-
Elegant Exotics: 8 Beautiful Amaryllis Varieties That Will Brighten Any Holiday DisplayWhether red, pink, white or variegated, the right amaryllis varieties can enhance any living space, especially during the holidays. We round up eight of the most exquisite
-
Forage For Herbs: 7 Tasty And Safe Wild Herbs To Pick Close To Your Own BackyardIn addition to growing your own herbal staples, did you know there are several wild options out there that are safe and tasty – and free? Try foraging these 7 wild herbs
-
Japanese Banana Plant – Caring For A Musa Basjoo Hardy Banana VarietyThe Japanese banana plant lends that tropical island flair to gardens as far north as zone 5. If that sounds too good to be true, read on!
-
Banana Tree Fruit Issues: Why Do Banana Trees Die After FruitingBanana trees not only are beautiful tropical specimens, but most of them bear edible banana tree fruit. If you have ever seen or grown banana plants then you may have noticed banana trees dying after bearing fruit. Click this article to learn more.
-
Growing Ornamental Bananas – How To Grow A Red Banana PlantThere are many types of banana which produce copious amounts of fruit. But did you know there are also various types of the ornamental red banana plant too, specifically grown for their attractive red foliage color? Learn more about them here.
-
Thai Banana Fruit – How To Grow Thai Banana TreesIn Thailand, bananas are everywhere and synonymous with the tropical region they thrive in. If you're yearning to introduce a more tropical look to your landscape, try growing Thai bananas. What are Thai bananas? Click here to find out about Thai banana care.
-
Common Diseases Of Banana: What Causes Black Spots On Banana FruitBanana plants are prone to a number of diseases, many of which result in black spots on banana fruit. What causes black spot disease in bananas and are there any methods for treating black spots on banana fruit? Click this article to learn more.
-
Banana Tree Problems: What Causes Bananas With Cracked SkinIt takes some work to grow bananas and, even so, they are susceptible to their share of diseases and other banana tree problems. One such issue is bananas with cracked skin. Why do bananas split on the bunch? Find out about banana fruit cracking here.
-
Fusarium Wilt Of Banana: Managing Of Fusarium Wilt In BananasAlso known as Panama disease, fusarium wilt of banana is difficult to control and severe infections are often deadly. Click on this article to learn more about banana fusarium wilt disease, including management and control.
-
Banana Plant Diseases And Pests: Troubleshooting Problems Affecting BananasBanana plant problems can derail a successful plantation, and any of the problems affecting bananas may afflict the home gardener as well, so it's important to learn to identify banana pests and diseases to nip them in the bud. Click here to learn more.
