Today we’ll share best tips how to care for your Banana Tree indoors.
When it comes to planting, one can be as explorative as he/she can be. Sometimes, what you initially think of as an unsuitable plant choice will end up making a striking display at home. Take, for example, a banana plant.
Banana plants are usually cultivated for its fruit. Amazingly, it has also gained a spot in the ornamental plant section as an indoor plant. Though it may sound weird at first, many have successfully grown banana plants inside their homes, and if it intrigues you how they do it, here are the tips on how to care for and maintain such plant.
Overview
Although commonly referred to as a tree, banana plant is botanically classified as an herb. It belongs to the Musaceae family and is native to Southeast Asia. Banana plant surely brings that tropical vibe in your home because its natural habitat is tropical in nature.
The banana plant is characterized by having a fleshy pseudostem that stands upright like a tree trunk. The pseudostem is actually made up of stacked leaf sheaths creating a tree-like appearance and it acts as a support to the leaves and the flower on top. This plant grows fast and it produces suckers right at the base of the plant.
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.
Pests & Diseases
The common problem you’ll encounter with banana plant is banana borer or weevil (Cosmopolites sordidus). This pest targets the base of the stem and the rhizome creating tunnels. This leads to serious damages to the banana plant.
However, there’s a low chance that your banana plant will be infested by this borer if it’s kept inside. Just make it a habit to check the stem of your plant. Whenever you see foreign organisms lurking around, pick them out immediately.
Using sanitized tools when gardening is also a big help in preventing the spread of diseases. Banana borer lay eggs so if you transfer those eggs from one banana plant to another, it will cause real trouble.
Conclusion
Tending a banana plant indoors may seem challenging at first glance but with careful application of what you’ve read here, you’ll most likely surpass the challenge. Remember to provide the basic growing conditions and be faithful to do the care and maintenance practices. In due time, you’ll surely have a flourishing banana plant that will strike that perfect tropical look inside your home.
