Banana House Plants

Banana plants are popular indoor plants.

Banana plants are perennial herbs that can grow indoors or outside, depending on the climate. Like most tropical plants, the banana plants require special care for optimum growth. The dwarf banana plants consist of the Dwarf Cavendish, Super Dwarf Cavendish and the Dwarf Red, all of which make excellent houseplants.

Watering

Leaves turn brown on banana plants when the plant needs water.

Banana houseplants need heavy watering; however, allow the plant to dry in between watering. Use warm water when watering. When watering, allow water to drain out of the pot and empty saucer. Never allow the plant to stay in water. Be careful using rainwater because of its acidic content. When leaves fold under and turn brown, the plant needs water. A good way to tell if the banana plant needs water is to put a finger in the soil, about an inch or two deep, to feel for moisture. If the soil is moist, the plant does not need water.

Pests

Insects can destroy indoor plants.

Scales and spider mites are common pest for the banana plants. Inspect the banana plant when you bring it home, and wash the leaves with soapy water to rid it of pests. Misting the plant with lukewarm water will also help reduce spider mites and scales. Severe spider mites are present when webbing is visible. In mild cases, the mites are visible underneath the leaves of the plant. Spider mites suck the sap from the leaves. Untreated, the spider mites can damage the leaves or destroy the entire plant. Treatment for scales and spider mites consists of spraying with an insecticide. The plant will need to be placed outside for spraying, and then return indoors when the leaves are dry.

Fertilizer

Banana plants need water-soluble fertilizer, high in nitrogen, from late spring until early fall. Fertilizer will help the plant bear fruit. Plant food with a 20-20-20 balance will provide the plant with a good amount of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. Bananas do not need fertilizer in the winter, because the short winter days do not provide enough time to peak. Banana plants bloom during the warmer months

Temperature and Humidity

Banana plants thrive in warm conditions and moderate humidity. Placing small pebbles in water underneath the plant will increase the humidity. Optimum room temperature is between 65 and 75 degrees. Temperatures below 60 degrees may stunt growth. Freezing temperatures will kill the plant.

Soil and Repotting

Repot a banana house plant in a larger container as it grows.

Banana plants need soil that holds moisture and has good drainage. If you purchase soil that is too heavy, add sand and peat moss. Banana plants do not endure salty soils.

Banana plants need to be repotted once they begin to outgrown the pot. All pots should have drainage holes to prevent root rot.

References

• Guide to Houseplants: Growing Banana Plants Indoors
• Gardening Resources: How to Take Care of Indoor Banana Plant
• Banana Tree: Banana Plant Growing Instructions and Care