The banana plant is an impressive houseplant that brings a touch of the tropics into the house and is actually very easy to care for. With its large green leaves and rapid growth, the perennial is a real eye-catcher. Here you can find out everything you need to know about the correct care of the banana plant (Musa).
Bananas (Musa) as houseplants
The banana plant, scientifically known as Musa, belongs to the banana family (Musaceae), which includes around 70 species worldwide. These plants originally come from the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Australia. In their natural environment they often reach an impressive height, but they also have their own special charm as houseplants.
Caring for banana plants
Caring for a banana plant is not as complicated as you might think. The most important thing is that you meet a few basic needs of the plant:
Light: Banana plants love light. Place your plant in a bright location, ideally with direct sunlight for several hours a day. A south-facing window is ideal.
Temperature: These tropical plants prefer warm temperatures between 20 and 28 degrees Celsius. Avoid drafts and cold temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius.
Humidity: Banana plants like high humidity. Spray the leaves of the banana plant regularly with water or place a humidifier nearby.
Watering banana plants correctly
Proper watering is crucial for the well-being of your banana plant. It has a high water requirement, but the soil should never be completely soaked. Waterlogging can lead to root rot.
In summer, you should water your banana plant regularly so that the soil is always slightly moist. In winter, the soil can be a little drier. Water the plant thoroughly until the water runs out of the drainage holes in the pot. Then wait until the top layer of soil is dry again before watering it again. It is best to use water at room temperature that is low in lime. Rainwater is ideal because it does not leave any mineral deposits.
Repotting banana plant
Since banana plants grow quickly, they should be regularly planted in a larger pot so that the roots have enough space. Here's how to do it:
- The best time to repot is in spring when growth begins.
- Choose a pot that is about 20% larger than the old one. Make sure the new pot has drainage holes.
- Use high-quality, peat-free and well-drained soil. A mixture with substrates such as sand or perlite ensures good drainage.
- Carefully remove the plant from the old pot without damaging the roots.
- Place it in the new pot, fill it with soil and press the soil down lightly. Then water it well.
Fertilizing banana plants: This is the right fertilizer
Your banana plant needs regular nutrient supply through fertilization so that it grows strongly. Organic liquid fertilizers are particularly suitable for this.
Fertilize the plant about every two weeks during the growing season from spring to fall. In winter, fertilizing once a month is sufficient.
A balanced liquid fertilizer is ideal for your banana plant. Our organic liquid fertilizers offer the perfect nutrient mix for strong growth and healthy leaves.
Propagating banana plants
Banana plants form so-called offshoots, small offshoots that grow sideways out of the ground. These can be carefully separated from the mother plant with a sharp knife.
Finally, plant the cuttings in a small pot with fresh soil and keep it evenly moist.
Place the pots in a bright, warm place and make sure that the humidity is high. After a few weeks, the first new leaves and roots should appear. Voila, you have more bananas as houseplants at home!
How to overwinter your banana plant
Most banana plants do not tolerate cold and are not winter hardy. Proper wintering is therefore very important.
Location: Place the plant in a bright but cool place, for example in an unheated room or conservatory with temperatures between 15 and 18 degrees Celsius.
Watering: Reduce the amount of water. Keep the soil slightly moist, but not wet. In winter, the plant needs less water.
Light: The plant needs sufficient light even in winter. If the location is not bright enough, a plant lamp can help.
Prevent, identify and treat pests on your plant
Unfortunately, banana plants are not safe from pests. However, with the right care of the banana plant, you can prevent many problems.
- Make sure the humidity is high and avoid dry heating air. Keep the plant dust-free by wiping the leaves regularly. This will also ensure that it is not infested with pests.
- The most common pests include spider mites, aphids and scale insects. Symptoms include yellow leaves, sticky deposits or fine webs.
- Regular care and fertilization are the key to a healthy and lush plant. Use a high-quality organic liquid fertilizer to ensure your plant gets all the nutrients it needs to be resilient and grow strong.
- If your banana plant is being attacked by pests, you can use neem oil: a natural, organic remedy obtained from the seeds of the neem tree. To do this, mix a few drops of neem oil with water and spray the affected parts of the plant thoroughly. Repeat the treatment every seven to ten days until the infestation subsides.
You can learn more about natural pest and disease control in plants in this video!
