Banana plant (Musa)

Tropical banana plant for the home

The banana plant, also known as Musa, is a beautiful tropical houseplant which gives your interior an exotic touch. Its large, lush leaves make it a real eye-catcher in any room.

How do you choose the perfect Musa?

When choosing the perfect banana plant, it is important to pay attention to the health of the plant. Check the color and condition of the leaves: it is normal for some dark spots or small cracks to appear on the leaves, as this is part of the plant's natural growth process. Snapped stems are also not uncommon in the Musa, this happens when the leaves become top-heavy. Furthermore, the size of the plant plays an important role: the larger the plant, the more space it needs to grow properly.

Fortunately, there is a simple and fun way to find the perfect banana plant: our Personal Plantshopper! Choose an XL plant on our website and get live photos from our greenhouse within seconds via WhatsApp This way you get your self-selected plant into your home quickly and without stress, which will not only make your living room greener, but also cozier.

Is the banana plant poisonous?

Fortunately, the Musa is non-toxic, making it a safe choice for households with children or pets. You can confidently place your banana plant anywhere in your home. View our full animal friendly range also agree!

Is the Musa air-purifying?

The banana plant is air-purifying! Besides having a tropical look, the Musa helps improve the air quality in your home. This will give you a healthy and cozy environment.

Where does the banana plant come from?

Musa is native to tropical regions around the equator. In countries such as India, Malaysia and the Philippines, it grows in warm, humid climates. In the home it often remains smaller than in its natural habitat, but with proper care it can still reach an impressive height.

Are bananas growing on my banana plant?

The chances of actually seeing bananas growing on your banana plant are slim. Although the plant has its name for a reason, it blooms only under ideal conditions. This can take up to five years! And even then, the plant must be at least three feet tall before it blooms. In most cases, however, your Musa will remain an ornamental plant without fruit.

Taking care of the Musa

The banana plant requires regular care, but with proper attention it can thrive for years. Here are the most important care tips:

• Watering: water the plant weekly. The soil should remain slightly moist, but not too wet. Check regularly to make sure the soil is dry before watering again.
• Light: the Musa prefers to stand in as much sunlight as possible; it is used to this by nature.
• Pruning: prune dead or damaged leaves to keep the plant healthy and promote growth. Pruning also helps maintain the desired shape.
• Humidity: banana plants like high humidity. If the air in your home is dry, you can spray the plant regularly with a plant sprayer or use a humidifier.

You can read the full care tips at the care page of the banana plant.

Pruning and cuttings of the Banana plant

Prune the old, brown leaves regularly to keep the plant looking neat. Cuttings are best done in spring, when there are new shoots. Cut the cuttings 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?

Your banana plant, like any houseplant, can suffer from pests or diseases. The most common are:

• Root rot: this results from too much watering. Make sure the roots are not in the water to prevent rot.
• Mealybug: this is a common pest that is easily controlled by cleaning the plant with a damp cloth.
• Spider mites: small red mites that can damage the plant. Wash the plant well and use pesticides to prevent further damage.

The range of banana plants at Green Bubble

At Green Bubble, you'll find the healthiest banana plants direct from the grower. We offer different sizes, from small specimens to larger plants, so you can choose the perfect Musa for your space.

Don't feel like lugging heavy plants around? Simply order your Musa online and have it carefully delivered to your doorstep in perfect condition.