Banana plant care tips

The Musa, better known as the banana plant or banana tree, is a gorgeous tropical houseplant that no home should be without these days. The banana plant comes straight from the tropics especially for you, and brings that vibe along with it, turning your living room into a true tropical paradise! Admit it: no plant creates a more tropical atmosphere than this banana plant. Because the stems of the Musa overlap one another, it looks as if the banana plant has a big, thick trunk. That's why the banana plant is also called the 'banana tree', but secretly this tropical gem is pulling our leg.

For the origin of the very, very first banana plants we go a long way back in time. The Musa dates back to the sixth century, making it one of the oldest commercially cultivated plants. Say what?! Back then the first banana plantation was found in Costa Rica, but today the banana plant grows all over the world.

Banana plant care

The Musa isn't the most difficult houseplant, but it does need a bit of extra attention. If you tend to forget about your plants, the banana plant isn't the best choice for you. Caring for a banana plant takes a little plant love and a sprinkle of Musa knowledge here and there. So how do you best care for a banana plant?

It's important to know that the banana plant likes a bright spot with as much sunlight as possible. A spot in front of a south-facing window would be perfect for the Musa. The banana tree also likes its soil to be slightly moist at all times. Just make sure you don't overwater. That can leave the roots sitting in water, which in turn can lead to root rot. Believe us, root rot is something you absolutely want to avoid.

Watering the banana plant

The banana plant's soil may stay slightly moist at all times, and in summer especially the Musa can take plenty of water when it's in full sun.
The Musa simply uses more water then. How much water does the banana plant need exactly? The best way to tell is by feeling the soil with your fingers. If the soil has dried out deeper down too, the plant can have some more water. If the soil is still moist, it's better to wait a little before watering the Musa. Too much water can linger around the roots and cause root rot. Root rot is hard to reverse and can quickly mean the end of your beautiful banana plant.

Light and warmth for the Musa

The Musa is a true sun worshipper. The banana plant and sunshine go together well. Put the banana plant in a bright spot with as much sunlight as possible.
This is where this tropical houseplant is happiest and stays at its most beautiful. In a spot without sunlight the banana plant will soon let you know it isn't happy. Leaves will discolour and new ones will develop little or not at all.

Banana plant food

Every month from March to September, the banana plant appreciates some extra nutrients. Just make sure you use suitable banana plant food and that you give it at the right time of year. Many plants go into a winter dormancy and have no need for extra nutrients then. If you've only just repotted your banana plant, banana plant food isn't needed yet.

Repotting the banana plant

If you're going to repot your banana plant, we recommend always doing so with a waterproof inner liner, vulcastrat and a moisture meter. The best time to repot the banana plant is in spring. That's when the Musa has enough energy to recover.

Banana plant cuttings

When the banana plant is happy and growing well, there's a good chance extra offshoots will grow next to the mother plant. How lovely! That way you can expand your plant collection completely free of charge. In fact, you have to. From a certain size, the baby banana plant offshoots draw a lot of energy from the mother plant, so it's a good idea to remove them at around 10 cm. You can do this with sharp scissors or a sharp knife. You can now pot up the baby plant in a decorative pot with fresh soil and vulcastrat, and the plant will do the rest itself. Two for the price of one!

Pruning the banana plant

We prune the banana plant when the leaves have become old and unsightly. In most cases these are the lowest leaves of the Musa. They're often a bit darker in colour or even brown already. Cut the leaf as close to the trunk as possible with a sharp knife or sharp scissors.

Banana plant pests and problems

Unfortunately every plant can suffer from a pest now and then, and your banana plant is no exception. This has nothing to do with the health of the Musa; think of it as the way people catch a cold. It's annoying, but fortunately easy to fix. Natural potting soil is home to several organisms. Given a nice temperature and moist soil, these organisms can come to life and turn into insects.

Mealybugs

Mealybug is a very common pest on houseplants. These little white balls travel on clothing and can get in on the wind or a draught and settle on the banana plant. You'll usually recognise mealybugs straight away: they're fluffy white balls. Fortunately they're quick and easy to deal with. Spray the leaves wet and wipe the fluff away with a cloth. If that doesn't help, you can always try the tougher approach: dab the mealybugs with a cotton bud soaked in methylated spirits.

Banana plant brown leaves and yellow leaves

Yellow or brown leaves can point to the wrong amount of water, but they may also simply be old leaves on your banana tree. If it's old leaves, they're usually the lowest leaves of the Musa. The plant sheds these itself. If it's the upper leaves that are discolouring, it's worth paying attention. These are the newest leaves and shouldn't discolour. This can be an early sign of too much or too little water.