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Plant care guide - Banana plants
Banana plants (Musa) bring instant tropical vibes indoors with their broad, lush green leaves. While they don’t produce edible bananas indoors, they are fast-growing statement plants that thrive with the right care. They need bright light, steady moisture, and space to spread. Perfect for plant lovers who want a bold, dramatic centerpiece with a tropical feel.
Safe for cats
Safe for dogs
At a glance
Light
Bright, indirect to partial sun; needs strong light to thrive.
Water
Generous; keep soil consistently moist but never soggy.
Temperature
20–28 °C; dislikes cold or drafts.
Humidity
High (≥ 60%); loves steamy rooms.
Difficulty
Moderate
Detailed care instructions
Light needs
Banana plants need bright light to thrive; insufficient light leads to slow growth and smaller leaves.
- Place near a south or west window with filtered sun.
- Give several hours of morning or late-afternoon sun if possible.
- Do not keep it in low light (growth weakens and leaves stay small).
Watering
Musa are thirsty plants and like soil that stays evenly moist, but they hate waterlogging.
- Keep the soil evenly moist
- Water thoroughly until excess drains away.
- Use rainwater if possible; tap water is fine if it is not too hard.
- Reduce watering slightly in winter, but never let the soil fully dry out.
- Do not let the pot sit in waterlogged soil.
Humidity & temperature
Banana plants thrive in high humidity; dry air causes crispy leaf edges. They also prefer warm temperatures and dislike cold and drafts.
- Aim for 60 percent humidity or higher.
- Use a humidifier or pebble tray.
- Mist occasionally with distilled water as extra support.
- Use naturally steamy rooms like bathrooms or kitchens if the light is good.
- Keep temperatures between 20 and 28 degrees Celsius.
- Keep it away from drafts from windows or doors.
- Do not rely on misting as the only humidity solution.
- Do not let temperatures fall below 15 degrees Celsius.
Fertilizer
Feed regularly in the growing season for strong, fast growth.
- Feed every 2 weeks in spring and summer with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer.
- Do not fertilize in autumn and winter (pause feeding).
Soil & repotting
Banana plants grow fast and need a rich but well-draining mix.
- Use a peat-free, rich, well-draining houseplant mix with compost or perlite added.
- Repot annually in spring.
- Always use pots with drainage holes.
- Do not use a pot without drainage holes.
Common problems
| Symptom | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Brown leaf edges (dry, crispy edges) | Low humidity or inconsistent watering | Raise humidity and water regularly |
| Yellowing leaves (older leaves yellow from the bottom) | Natural aging, or overwatering | Remove old leaves and adjust watering |
| Small, weak new leaves (new leaves emerge smaller than usual) | Insufficient light or not enough nutrients | Move to a brighter spot and fertilize more consistently |
| Pests (spider mites, aphids, mealybugs) | Pest infestation, often encouraged by dry air | Wipe leaves with a damp cloth, rinse the plant, or apply a mild soap solution; isolate if needed. Avoid chemical pesticides and let leaves dry fully before pets return |
