How to Grow a Banana Plant Indoors
Banana plants are often thought of as landscape additions for warm, tropical regions, but they also can be grown indoors. The large, vibrant green leaves of the banana plant add an exotic touch to any room and some types even produce fruit. Dwarf varieties are especially suited as houseplants because they do well in containers and do not outgrow available space. Banana plants require abundant light and warmth, rich soil and frequent watering. They also appreciate regular applications of fertilizer. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- 6- to 8-inch growing container
- Quality potting soil
- Perlite
- 5-5-5 water-soluble fertilizer
- Spray bottle
- Cloth
- Pruning shears
Instructions
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1
Fill a 6- to 8-inch growing container with 3 parts quality potting soil and 1 part perlite. The container must have several drainage holes to prevent overwatering.
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Plant the banana corm, which is the bulb-like root, with the top 1/2 inch above soil level. Water until the soil feels very moist.
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Move the container to a warm location that receives 12 hours of bright sunlight each day. Provide supplemental light if your growing location isn't bright enough. Grow the banana in a spot where temperatures are around or a little above 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and near 67 degrees Fahrenheit during the night.
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4
Check the growing mixture daily and add moisture only when the top 1/2-inch feels dry.
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5
Feed the banana plant once each month with 5-5-5 water-soluble fertilizer mixed at half the recommended strength.
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6
Fill a spray bottle with water and spray the foliage lightly each day. Wipe the leaves with a moist cloth once or twice each month to clean away dust.
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7
Clip off old leaves with pruning shears after they have turned brown. Remove damaged foliage as necessary.
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8
Transplant your banana plant to a larger container when it starts becoming root-bound.
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Tips & Warnings
Propagate banana plants by dividing the suckers that develop at the plant's base.
Folding, drooping leaves are a sign that the banana plant needs water.
