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Bring in the feeling of the tropics with the addition of indoor banana trees in your home. Even if you live in an area with a cooler climate, you can grow these beauties indoors. That means no one has to experience life without the beautiful banana tree!
Banana trees can either be full-sized or a dwarf variety. This diverse growing height allows you to find the ideal plant for your home. While you're undoubtedly familiar with the tree's yellow fruit, its tropical foliage is a showstopper in and of itself. You'll also enjoy seeing the plant's white flowers that emerge from purple buds.
Botanical Background
It is believed that banana trees were first domesticated in southeast Asia. They were so well-loved that their spread to different regions of the world was very quick. Over the years, the banana tree has become a wide variety of cultivars. Hybridization is what has propelled banana trees into their diversity that is so appreciated today. While of course some of the plants produce fruit, others do not and are grown for their ornamental value.
Another amazing fact to mention is that these plants are indeed considered herbaceous perennial herbs. It's classified as an herb rather than a tree due to the fact that they do not have a woody stem like trees do. Its botanical name is Musa acuminata, part of the family Musaceae.
How To Grow Indoor Banana Trees
Now that you know a little bit more about this plant's botanical background, let's get into discussing some growing tips! Follow along to learn how to take the best care of your indoor banana trees.
Where To Grow Them
To grow banana trees indoors, it's important to have an adequate sized pot. As the plant continues to grow, you'll have to increase the size of the pot. Luckily, there are plenty of potting options so that you can pick out the perfect container that matches your style.
Growing banana trees in containers gives you ultimate control over their growing conditions. This helps ensure your plants get what they need when they need it for optimal results.
Size
The size of a banana tree greatly depends on the variety that it is. Since there are both full size and dwarf varieties, you'll have a good selection to choose from. One cultivar only reaches about 1.5 feet in height while other cultivars reach an astounding 25 feet. Of course, you won't be bringing that kind into your home!
Growing Zones And Conditions
Outdoors, banana trees typically grow best in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 and 10. However, there are some varieties that can live through more wintry conditions, down to zone 5. With indoor plantings, your banana trees can thrive regardless of the outdoor weather.
Since banana trees naturally grow in warm weather and humid conditions, try to simulate those conditions as much as possible indoors. You can use a mister bottle to lightly dampen the leaves to meet this need.
Type Of Soil
The best type of soil for this plant should be moist, well-draining, and full of organic nutrients. The pH level should remain slightly acidic, somewhere between 5.5 and 6.5. If needed, amend the soil so that it reaches the necessary acidity.
Light, Water, And Fertilization Needs
In order to best treat your banana tree, position it in a location that receives somewhere around 12 hours of sunlight each day. While the banana tree does enjoy plenty of bright sunlight, ensure that it's not in a location that will cause it to get scorched. Pulling it away from sitting right against a window will help prevent this.
Like all other potted plants, this one needs more frequent waterings. Be mindful of how much water you give it because you don't want the plant to be sitting in it. Let the soil partially dry out before watering it again. Occasionally wipe down its leaves with a damp rag to prevent dust from accumulating. Dust can prevent sunlight from getting to the plant, which isn't what you want.
Frequently feed these indoor plants, especially during its warm weather growing times. Use a well-balanced soluble fertilizer each month to ensure it gets all the nutrients it needs. Spread the fertilizer evenly throughout its container.
Step-by-Step Growing Guide
- Decide on which cultivar of banana tree you'd like to grow indoors.
- Pick out an appropriate sized container for your plant.
- Fill the container with well-draining, nutrient-rich soil.
- Place it in a spot in your home that receives plenty of bright sunlight, ideally around 12 hours each day.
- Water your plant regularly, allowing the top inch or so dry out between waterings.
- Fertilize monthly with a well-balanced (like a 10-10-10 blend), soluble fertilizer.
- Enjoy your lush, tropical banana tree!
Indoor Banana Tree Photo Inspiration
Below you'll find some gorgeous photos of indoor banana trees to help inspire you and decide how you want to incorporate the plant to your interior design.
Accent Chair Companion
Bring in a sense of the tropics with the help of an indoor banana tree. Its large leaves and habit of growth are perfect for filling any corner of a room.
Indoor Plant Jungle
Create an indoor plant jungle with the use of lots of lush, tropical plants. You won't regret how the plants will bring in a beautiful, natural aesthetic.
New Growth
Observe your indoor banana trees as they sprout new growth. It's a rewarding thing to see and to know that you've been taking good care of your plants.
Grow In Pots
Growing your banana trees in pots is the ideal way to grow them indoors. As the trees grow, you can size up the pots in order to fit their needs.
Fresh Color
There's no doubt that indoor plants offer nice, fresh color to the room. The natural hues of plants are all so unique and contribute a lot to the overall aesthetic of a home.
Indoor Focal Point
Create a focal point indoors with your banana tree. As it continues to grow, it will become more and more of a focal point in the room. Good thing it's such an attractive plant!
Tabletop Growth
With dwarf banana tree varieties, it's easy to use them as tabletop decorations. Whether you want to place the plant on an entryway table, side table, kitchen counter, or any other surface, there's a dwarf variety for you.
Natural Textures
If you treat your tree just right, you may be lucky enough to enjoy its fruit. Even if you never get to enjoy a taste of it, it does look amazing.
Ornamental Plant
Indoor banana trees contribute much to the home's design and style. Use these trees as excellent ornamental pieces around the home.
Plant Companions
Banana trees make for great companions for a variety of other plants. You really can't go wrong with any plant you decide to pair with it.
Prolific Foliage
The banana tree's prolific foliage does a fantastic job of filling in space and looking marvelous. If you want a showstopping indoor plant, this is the one for you.
Trio Of Trees
In the world of design, three is a magical number. Organizing things in a group of 3 promotes harmony and is pleasing to the eye. Try out this principle with your indoor banana trees!
Sunny Spot
As you now know, indoor banana trees love a good sunny spot. They thrive in bright light and will thank you by displaying its expanse of lush green leaves.
Online Plant Shop
No doubt that by now you're wondering where you can purchase one of these amazing plants for your home. We've made it easy for you; browse the options below to find the best fit for yourself.
4-Inch Pot Dwarf Banana Tree
This shipment includes a live dwarf banana tree in a 4-inch pot that is ready to plant.
Click here to see more on Amazon.
Set Of 2 Dwarf Banana Trees
You'll receive 2 dwarf banana trees that measure between 6 and 8 inches tall.
Click here to see more on Amazon.
Live Banana Tree
This live banana tree comes in a 3-gallon pot.
Click here to see more on Amazon.
Let us know in the comment section below where you decide to place your indoor banana trees in your home! Before you go, make sure to check out these other great gardening guides: