Banana plant (Musa)
The banana plant or banana tree, also known as the Musa, is a real tropical houseplant. This popular houseplant can be found everywhere these days and is a real eye-catcher in your home with its large leaves. The banana plant or banana tree, also known as the Musa, is a real ...
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Tropical banana plant for your home
The banana plant, also known as Musa, is a gorgeous tropical houseplant that brings an exotic touch to your home. Its large, lush leaves make it a real eye-catcher in any room.
How do you choose the perfect Musa?
When you are choosing the perfect banana plant, it is important to look at the health of the plant. Check the colour and condition of the leaves: it is normal for a few dark marks or small tears to appear, as this is part of the plant's natural growth process. Bent stalks are not unusual on a Musa either, and happen when a leaf becomes top-heavy. The size of the plant matters too: the bigger the plant, the more room it needs to grow well.
Happily, there is an easy and rather fun way to find the perfect banana plant: our Personal Plantshopper! Pick an XL plant on our website and within seconds you will get live photos from our greenhouse via WhatsApp. That way you bring home the plant you chose yourself, quickly and without any fuss, and make your living room greener and more welcoming at the same time.
Is the banana plant toxic?
Good news: the Musa is not toxic, which makes it a safe choice for households with children or pets. You can put your banana plant anywhere in your home with complete peace of mind. Have a look at our full pet-friendly range as well.
Is the Musa air-purifying?
The banana plant is air-purifying! As well as its tropical looks, the Musa helps improve the air quality in your home, so you get a healthy and welcoming space.
Where does the banana plant come from?
The Musa originally comes from tropical regions around the equator. In countries such as India, Malaysia and the Philippines it grows in warm, humid climates. Indoors it usually stays smaller than in its natural surroundings, but with the right care it can still reach an impressive height.
Will bananas grow on my banana plant?
The chance of actually seeing bananas on your banana plant is small. The plant has its name for a reason, but it only flowers in ideal conditions, and that can take five years! Even then, the plant needs to be at least three metres tall before it flowers. In most cases your Musa will stay an ornamental plant without fruit.
Caring for the Musa
The banana plant asks for regular care, but with the right attention it will thrive for years. Here are the most important care tips:
- Watering: water the plant weekly. The soil should stay slightly moist, but never soggy. Check that the soil has dried out before you water again.
- Light: the Musa likes as much sunlight as possible, which is what it is used to in the wild.
- Pruning: prune dead or damaged leaves to keep the plant healthy and encourage growth. Pruning also helps it keep its shape.
- Humidity: banana plants love high humidity. If the air in your home is dry, mist the plant regularly with a plant mister or use a humidifier.
You will find the full care tips on the banana plant care page.
Pruning and propagating the banana plant
Prune the old, brown leaves regularly to keep the plant looking neat. Spring is the best time to take cuttings, when new shoots appear. Cut the shoots off and plant them in fresh soil in a sunny spot.
We explain step by step how to do this in our blog.
What to do about diseases and pests?
Like any houseplant, your banana plant can pick up pests or diseases. The most common are:
- Root rot: this comes from watering too much. Make sure the roots never stand in water and rot will not get a chance.
- Mealybug: a common pest that is easy to tackle by cleaning the plant with a damp cloth.
- Spider mite: tiny red mites that can damage the plant. Wash the plant down thoroughly and use a pesticide to prevent further damage.
The banana plant range at Green Bubble
At Green Bubble you will find the healthiest banana plants, straight from the grower. We offer several sizes, from small specimens to larger plants, so you can pick the perfect Musa for your space.
Not keen on lugging heavy plants around? Simply order your Musa online and we will deliver it carefully to your front door, in perfect condition.
