Banana plant care

The Musa, or banana plant, is relatively easy to care for, provided you take a few important aspects into account. This tropical beauty loves warmth, filtered light and regularly moist soil. The plant is perfect for anyone looking for a green housemate that doesn't make too many demands. In short, with the right care, the Musa will grow quickly and enrich your interior with its exotic appearance.

Best location for the banana plant

The Musa is a sun worshipper and needs plenty of light to thrive. The ideal location for your banana plant is somewhere where it will get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Preferably place the plant near a south-facing window. The more light the plant gets, the healthier it will be and the faster new leaves will develop.

If Musa does not receive enough sunlight, the plant will struggle to produce new leaves and old leaves may wilt. This can affect the health of your plant. Therefore, a sunny location is essential for healthy growth!

Watering banana plants

Since Musa originates from tropical climates, it likes constant humidity. It is important to keep the soil slightly moist, but avoid letting the roots stand in water. Excess water can lead to root rot, which is harmful to the plant.

During the growing season (spring and summer), Musa needs watering about 2-3 times a week, depending on the temperature and humidity. In autumn and winter, you can limit watering to 1-2 times a week. It is advisable to check the soil regularly for moisture, for example by sticking your finger in the soil. If the soil feels dry, it is time to water.

Tip: Use a moisture meter to measure soil moisture more accurately, especially if your plant has recently been repotted.

Humidity and temperature

The Musa is native to tropical climates, where humidity is often high. This plant thrives best at a humidity level of 60% or higher. In a normal household, especially in winter when the heating is on, humidity can be quite low. This can affect the health of your plant and cause the leaves to turn brown or wilt.

There are several ways to increase the humidity around your Musa so that it feels more at home:

• Spray the leaves regularly. You can spray the banana plant once or twice a week, depending on the humidity in your home. In summer, when the humidity is naturally higher, you can do this less often. In winter, when the air is often drier, it may be useful to spray more often.
• Use a humidifier. If you notice that your plant needs more moisture than you can provide by spraying it, consider using a humidifier in the room. This is especially useful in winter, when the heating in your home often makes the air very dry. A humidifier keeps the humidity at a constant level that your banana plant will love.
• Place a saucer with water and granules under the plant. If you do not have a humidifier, you can also place a saucer with water and hydro granules under the plant. The water will evaporate slowly, increasing the humidity around the plant. Ensure that the pot is not standing in the water, but that evaporation does take place.
• Place the plant in a group with other plants. Plants tend to help each other increase humidity. By placing several plants close together, you create a microclimate in which the humidity around the plants increases. This is especially useful for tropical plants such as the banana plant.

Banana plant soil and pot

The Musa needs well-drained, airy soil. A mixture of potting soil and vulcastrat works very well. This combination ensures that the roots get enough oxygen and prevents too much water from accumulating in the pot, which can cause root rot.

As for the pot, choose a spacious decorative pot with sufficient drainage holes. The banana plant needs plenty of room to grow, and a pot that is too small can hinder the roots. Make sure the pot is at least 2-3 cm wider than the plant's root ball.

Feeding banana plants

During the growing season (March to September), Musa needs extra nutrition to stay healthy. Give your banana plant a well-balanced liquid fertiliser every month. In winter, when the plant is dormant, it does not need any extra nutrition. Over-fertilisation can even damage the plant, so always follow the recommended dosage.

Temperature for the banana plant

The Musa thrives best in a warm environment, with temperatures between 20 and 30°C. Ensure that the plant is not placed near draughty areas or cold air currents, such as those from air conditioning or dry air from heating.

Repotting a banana plant

The Musa grows quickly and sometimes needs more space. It is a good idea to repot your banana plant every 1-2 years, especially if you notice that the roots are starting to fill the pot.
Read our blog about repotting your plant for a detailed explanation.

Make sure the new decorative pot is always at least 20% larger than the previous pot. This will ensure that the roots have enough space.

Pruning and propagating banana plants

Pruning Musa is easy. Remove dead or damaged leaves to keep the plant looking neat and promote its health. You can cut the leaves close to the stem, but be careful not to cut healthy leaves.

Would you like to propagate your banana plant? You can do this by separating the baby plants, which often grow at the base of the plant. Carefully cut them away from the mother plant when they are about 25 cm tall, and plant them in a new pot with fresh soil. Place the cutting in a sunny spot and keep the soil moist for the best chance of healthy growth.

Common problems with Musa

Like all other houseplants, Musa can suffer from diseases and pests. The most common problems are:

• Root rot: this is often caused by overwatering. Ensure that the pot is well-drained and that the roots are not left standing in stagnant water for too long.
• Mealybugs: These bugs resemble small balls of wool, but can be easily removed by wiping them off with a damp cloth. Check the plant regularly to prevent the infestation from spreading. Stubborn case? Try dabbing it with a cotton bud dipped in methylated spirits.
• Spider mites: Spider mites can damage the leaves. Rinse the plant under the shower or use a specific pesticide to remove the mites.