If you want a large, tropical houseplant that will survive in any climate, consider a banana plant. There are dozens of varieties of banana plant, including some smaller varieties perfect for indoor pots. Here are the basics of caring for a banana plant indoors:
Light Requirements
Most types of banana plant want at least 6 hours of full sunlight per day. However, some of the more cold-hardy varieties are more sensitive to sunburn and prefer partial shade. Because there is such a wide range of light requirements, it's crucial to know what type of banana plant will work best in your home.
To keep a banana plant thriving even without a perfect window spot, consider using grow lights. You can use LED grow light bulbs in your existing fixtures or try a dedicated full-spectrum kit for high-powered artificial sunlight.
Water
Being tropical plants, bananas need a lot of water to thrive. In the wild, they do best grouped closely together to share ambient moisture. As a houseplant, a banana plant will need daily watering during the growing season to keep its soil evenly moist. They'll require less water in the winter, but are not tolerant of complete neglect--make sure not to let them dry out completely.
Temperature & Humidity
A banana plant will be happiest in an environment similar to its tropical rainforest habitat. For houseplant owners, this typically means placing the plant near a humidifier, or misting regularly with a spray bottle.
Banana plant also prefer warmer temperatures. Keeping the environment between 75 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit will protect it from rapid decline. If you place your banana plant beside a glass door or window, consider moving it further away from the glass when the temperature outside drops.
Is a banana plant right for you? Consider these tips if you're planning to add one of these stunning tropical plants to your home jungle.
About the Author
Richard Powers
Born and raised in Lynn, Massachusetts, Richard has been a successful Real Estate Agent, specializing in the Greater Lynn area for 28 years. He was awarded the prestigious Centurion Award for 19 years in honor of his outstanding number of listings and sales and was the recipient of numerous Diamond Awards for exceptional sales and service.
In his spare time, Rich enjoys golfing, hiking with his dogs and practicing Karate, in which he holds a second-degree black belt. He also enjoys volunteering for various animal rescue groups with his wife of 33 years and is especially dedicated to supporting Faithful Companions, a local non-profit group that helps families in need receive life saving veterinary treatment for their cherished pets.
The next time you need an experienced Real Estate Agent, be sure to give Rich a call. His professionalism and knowledge of the Real Estate Industry are unrivaled.
