Banana Plant

Banana Plant Care Guide

🌞 Light

Big sun lover. Needs bright, direct light to thrive.

  • Best spot: A sunny south or west-facing window. Outdoors in summer is even better!

  • Indoor goal: At least 6 hours of bright light daily.

  • Not enough light? Growth slows, leaves droop or yellow, and it may get leggy.

✨ If you can’t give it full sun, a grow light is your best friend.

πŸ’§ Water

Banana plants are thirsty, but they hate wet feet.

  • Water when: Top 2–5cm (1–2 inches) of soil is dry.

  • Growing season: Water frequently β€” they grow FAST in summer.

  • Winter: Ease up, but don’t let the soil bone-dry completely.

🍌 Keep soil evenly moist but never soggy. Err on the side of under, not over.

🌑️ Temperature & Humidity

Warm + humid = happy banana.

  • Ideal temp: 22–30Β°C (72–86Β°F)

  • Avoid: Temps below 10Β°C (50Β°F) β€” it's not frost-hardy.

  • Humidity: Loves 50% or higher. Use a humidifier or place near other plants.

If the air is dry, you'll see browning tips and crispy edges.

🌱 Soil

Rich and well-draining β€” bananas are hungry!

  • Best mix: Loamy soil with compost, or 2 parts potting mix + 1 part perlite + 1 part coco coir or bark.

  • Drainage is key: Always choose a pot with holes at the bottom.

🌿 Fertiliser

Heavy feeder β€” fuel that leafy growth!

  • Growing season: Every 2 weeks with a balanced fertiliser (e.g. 10-10-10 or even high-nitrogen like 20-10-10).

  • Liquid or slow-release: Either works β€” just keep it consistent.

  • Winter: Pause feeding while growth slows down.

πŸͺ΄ Potting & Repotting

They outgrow pots quickly. Be ready to size up.

  • When: Every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot.

  • Container: Big and sturdy β€” they can get top-heavy!

  • Best time to repot: Spring or early summer.

🍌 Pruning & Maintenance

  • Remove old leaves as they yellow β€” totally normal as new ones come in.

  • Wipe leaves gently to remove dust and help with photosynthesis.

  • Rotate your plant every week or so for even growth.

Some varieties may send up pups (baby plants) β€” you can divide and repot them if you like!

🌱 Propagation

Via pups (aka suckers).

  1. Wait until pups are at least 15–20cm tall.

  2. Gently dig and separate from the main plant.

  3. Replant in fresh soil with good drainage.

  4. Keep warm, humid, and watered β€” it’ll settle in fast.

⚠️ Common Problems

Problem Symptoms Solution
Low light Slowed growth, weak stems Move to brighter spot or add grow light
Overwatering Mushy stem base, yellowing leaves Let dry out, improve drainage
Underwatering Drooping, crispy edges Increase watering, check soil moisture
Low humidity Brown tips or curling leaves Mist, cluster plants, use humidifier
Cold drafts Leaf drop or black patches Move away from windows/doors in winter
Spider mites Webbing, speckled leaves Spray with neem or insecticidal soap

πŸ’‘ Extra Tips

  • Don’t panic if an older leaf dies when a new one unfurls β€” it’s normal.

  • Outdoors for summer? Yes please. Just acclimate it slowly to direct sun.

  • Indoor fruiting? Rare. These are usually grown for foliage, not bananas (especially dwarf types), but it’s possible under perfect conditions.