How to Grow a Banana Plant as a Houseplant

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:

Light Requirements

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.

Water

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.

Temperature & Humidity

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.