Banana plant (Musa)

Tropical Banana Plant for your home

The Banana Plant, also known as Musa, is a true tropical eye-catcher for indoors. With its lush, large leaves, this houseplant adds an exotic touch to any interior.

Is the Banana Plant poisonous?

Good news, the banana plant is not poisonous! Therefore, it is the ideal houseplant that you can confidently place anywhere in your home. Enjoy this green gem without the worry of possible toxicity.

Is the Banana Plant air-purifying?

Besides its enchanting tropical look, the Banana Plant also stands out as an effective air purifier. The plant contributes to improving the air quality in your room. So a win-win situation!

Where does the Musa come from?

The Musa has its origins in tropical regions around the equator. This houseplant is native to Southeast Asia, with specific origins in countries such as India, Malaysia, the Philippines and parts of northern Australia. Here, the Banana Plant thrives in warm, humid climates. Here, the plant can grow up to 10 metres tall! But, no worries. In your living room, the Banana Plant will keep somewhat low profile.

Do bananas grow on my Banana Plant?

A Musa bears the name ‘Banana Plant’ for a reason. The bananas you find in the supermarket also simply come from a Banana Plant with real bananas. It is possible in exceptional cases that your flowering houseplant will actually produce bananas, but this requires exceptionally good care and an abundance of love. Patience is also an essential factor, as it takes about five years on average for the Musa plant to start flowering. Moreover, the Banana tree needs to reach a certain height, at least 3 metres, before it could produce flowers.
Besides, the banana plant blooms only when it gets enough light and water. So, with five years of loving care, you might just find bananas growing on your plant. The banana then actually turns out to be the flower of the banana plant.
An extra tip: planting a banana will not result in a new banana tree. Rather, the end result is a disappointing brown pile.

Caring for the Banana Plant

The Banana Plant requires fairly dedicated care, it is not a plant for beginners. Make sure you are aware of the right tips and give your plant plenty of love and attention to enjoy it for as long as possible.

The best location for the Musa plant

A well-considered location is crucial for the Banana plant. The ideal location for the Banana plant is in a sunny spot. This tropical houseplant thrives well with sufficient light. If your Musa receives too little sunlight, old leaves will not be replaced by new ones, which can reduce the aesthetics of the plant.
In short, the banana tree is a true sun lover and thrives best in sunny temperatures.

Watering the banana plant

Originating from the tropics, the Banana Plant is an avid lover of water. Give your banana plant enough water at least once a week, but make sure the roots are not constantly in the water. This could lead to discolouration and eventually even root rot.

Make sure the soil around the roots of the banana plant remains moist to prevent dehydration. Exactly how much water to give varies from plant to plant. A handy method to check whether your banana plant needs water is to stick your finger into the soil. That way you can feel whether the soil near the roots is still sufficiently moist. If not, water your banana plant a little. Has your plant already been repotted? Then measuring with your fingers is no longer sufficient and we recommend using a moisture meter.
The Musa also appreciates regular watering. In the tropics, humidity is high, so the Banana Plant enjoys being misted once or twice a month. This is easily done with a normal plant sprayer. The tiny water droplets help to maintain the fresh, green look of the Banana Plant. Spraying under the leaves also reduces the risk of pests.

Nutrition for the Banana Plant

In the initial phase, the current potting soil provides the Banana Plant with sufficient nutrients, but after a few months, it is advisable to administer additional plant nutrition. Nutrition is particularly relevant in spring, when the Banana Tree uses some extra energy! In winter, the Musa does not need any additional nutrition as it is dormant.

Repotting the Banana Plant

Are you considering repotting your banana plant? If the Banana Plant is growing fast and getting too big for its current pot, it is a good idea to give it some more space. Preferably do this in spring, during this time the plant will recover itself fastest. Read more about repotting your houseplant.

Pruning and cutting the Banana plant

Pruning the Musa is a fairly simple task. It is normal for a living Banana plant to show some yellow and brown spots here and there. In such cases, however, it is not immediately necessary to prune the leaves, as this contributes to the natural, lush character of the Banana plant.
The growth of the Musa takes place from inside the trunk, revealing older leaves on the side. These old leaves can be pruned without hesitation. Cut them off as close to the trunk as possible, which will promote the health of the plant and maintain its attractive appearance.
When it comes to cutting the Banana Plant, it is beneficial to do this mainly in spring. When there are many baby plants growing alongside the ‘mother plant’, they can absorb considerable energy. It is essential to remove these cuttings at a size of about 25 cm. To do this, use sharp secateurs or a knife and cut the cutting completely out of the ground. Place the new cutting in a pot with fresh soil and make sure you keep it moist while in a sunny spot. This will give the cutting the best chance to grow up healthy.

What to do in case of diseases and pests?

Unfortunately, a Banana plant, like all houseplants, can also suffer from a disease or pest. Below are the most common pests and the best tips to use.
Root rot
Root rot can occur when too much water is given, leaving excess moisture around the roots. The plant is unable to absorb this, causing the roots to soften and rot. Unfortunately, it is a challenge to reverse root rot, which is why it is very important to be careful with excessive watering. Avoid excessive watering to maintain the health of the plant.
Mealybug
Mealybug is one of the most common pests and unfortunately, even your tropical Banana plant can be affected by it. Mealybug spreads easily via clothing and the wind, making plants located near doors or windows particularly vulnerable to this pest.
Fortunately, mealybugs are relatively easy to control by simply wiping them away with a damp cloth. However, it is crucial to ensure that you remove all small fluffy plants. If mealybug is not removed immediately, it can affect the plant, which of course must be avoided at all times. A quick response to this pest can preserve the health of your Musa.
Spider mites
Spider mites are small, red or brown mites that give the illusion of mini spiders. They can be recognised by the tiny webs they weave on the leaves of your plant. If your Musa is infested by spider mites, it is advisable to rinse it thoroughly in the shower and use a specific pesticide. This will help remove the spider mites effectively and prevent further spread. This will keep your plant healthy and free from these pesky mites.

The range of Banana plants at Green Bubble

When you buy a Banana plant, you always aim for the healthiest and most beautiful options. At Green Bubble, we make a daily commitment to providing only the highest quality plants. All the plants we sell come straight from the grower and are therefore always fresh. For the best quality Banana plants, Green Bubble is the ideal choice!
Nothing makes us happier than a happy customer with a healthy plant. Want to buy a banana plant but don't feel like going all the way to the shop? At Green Bubble you can effortlessly order all your houseplants online. That way, you never have to lug heavy plants around again. Moreover, we offer the possibility to use our Personal Plantshopper, which allows you to choose your ideal plant via WhatsApp. This makes buying your Musa a breeze!