Add a touch of the tropics into your home by learning how to care for your Banana Tree, the new must-have indoor plant in 2022.
Banana Tree as an indoor plant? We must be kidding, but we are serious that it is one of the "it" plants in 2022. If you are fortunate to live in a warm region where you can grow this plant indoors, you will need our guide on how to care for your Banana Tree. The Banana tree, also known as Musa spp., is a huge herbaceous plant, which means it doesn't have a woody stem. It is mainly composed of fleshy, upright stalks of large, oblong, bright green leaves. Of course, since it is a tropical fruiting plant, you will find green or yellow bananas growing.
Fun Fact: Did you know that banana leaves are used for cooking, food-serving, and wrapping? Eating on banana leaves is healthy because it contains natural antioxidants that are also found in green tea.
Banana Tree can get large indoors, so you may want to choose to grow a dwarf variety. Although, you will still need a large container that is deep enough for its roots. We suggest Omysa’s Round Planter. An indoor Banana Tree needs plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil to grow well. It requires bright light for about 12 hours for most Banana Tree varieties.
Here’s everything you need to know on how to care for your Banana Tree.
| Botanical Name | Musa | ||
| Common Name | Banana Plant | ||
| Plant Size | Banana Tree typically reaches 2-30 feet tall and 1-15 feet wide. | ||
| Types of Banana Trees | There are more than 1,000 types of banana plants in the world. They are subdivided into 50 groups, in which the most common is the Cavendish Banana. |
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| Sunlight | Banana Tree does well in bright sunlight or full sun. | ||
| Water | Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. | ||
| Humidity | Humidity of at least 50% or preferably higher. | ||
| Temperature | Banana Tree needs warm humid temperatures to grow. Preferably 80°F to 95°F during daytime. |
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| Toxicity | Non-toxic to kids, people, and pets. | ||
| Food | Feed your Banana Tree regularly to be productive. A mature Banana Tree needs 1 ½ pounds of 8-10-10 per month. A dwarf Banana Tree needs half that amount. |
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| Pests and Problems | Banana Tree is prone to Sigatoka, also known as leaf spot, caused by fungus. | ||
| Omysa Plant Care Tip | Cut off old, dead leaves to stimulate growth. |
Banana Tree Care Tips
Learning how to care for your Banana Tree is pretty easy that even a new plant parent can do it. Follow our guide, from sunlight requirement to common problems and solutions.
Sunlight
First, on our list on how to care for your Banana Tree is to provide it with bright sunlight or full sun for at least six hours every day.
Common Problem: If the color of the leaves of your Banana Tree is turning yellow, this could mean that it's getting too little sun.
Solution: Place your Banana Tree in a sunny spot. If your Banana Tree isn’t getting enough light, it will experience slowed growth, increase the risk of root rot, and yellowing older leaves.
Water
Next on our list on how to care for your Banana Tree is to water it regularly to make sure the soil stays evenly moist but not soggy. Avoid overwatering since it can lead to root rot.
Common Problem: An underwatered Banana Tree looks greyish with brown distorted new growth and curling or wilting leaves.
Solution: Create a watering schedule to avoid watering problems. We also recommend placing a moisture meter.
Some houseplants can be sensitive to salts in tap water, so it’s best to use distilled water or a water filtration system. However, if this is not possible, leave the water in an open container overnight.
Humidity & Temperature
Adding to our list on how to care for your Banana Tree is to put it in a room with a bit more humidity since it will grow best in a humid environment. In case you want to increase the humidity, we suggest that you mist it often, place it near a humidifier, or use a pebble tray.
Banana Tree prefers room temperature, between 80°F to 95°F during daytime.
Toxicity
Non-toxic to kids, people, and pets.
Food
Another on our list on how to care for your Banana Tree is to feed it regularly to be productive during the growing season. A mature Banana Tree needs 1 ½ pounds of 8-10-10 per month, while a dwarf Banana Tree needs half that amount. Avoid over-fertilization since it can lead to brown leaf tips. Make sure the soil is damp before applying fertilizer.
It’s important to follow the prescribed amount of fertilizer and schedule to avoid fertilizer burn or plant burn.
Pests & Other Problems
Aside from the Banana Tree is prone to Sigatoka, also known as leaf spot, caused by fungus. It is also sensitive to different pests such as:
- Aphids: Aphids cause curled and shriveled leaves. They can also transmit other diseases.
- Black weevils: A sign of black weevils are jelly-like sap oozing from your Banana Tree. Use pesticides to eliminate these pests.
- Nematodes: This pest will rot the plant and fruit.
- Sap-sucking insects: Mealybugs and red spider mites are some of the common pests of the Banana Tree.
- Scarring beetle: This pest targets the plant’s fruit, but it can be eliminated with pesticides.
- Thrips: Thrips will stain and split the peel of the Banana Tree’s fruit.
Treat your Banana Tree with commercial fungicides and pesticides to eliminate these pests.
UP NEXT: How to Care for Your Elephant Ear
Check out our Plant Care blog to learn more about different houseplants and tips on how to keep your plants alive and healthy.
Whatever houseplant you choose to transform your home into a lively oasis, you’ll definitely need a stylish planter to display your plant baby in. No matter what your style, there’s an Omysa planter that will be perfect with your garden and home’s décor. From ceramics to fiberstone, check out Omysa’s Shop and add it to your cart!
