Banana Plant care: the best tips and tricks

How much light does Banana Plant need?

Place a Banana Plant in a very bright spot, but not in direct sunlight. For example, put the plant a few metres away from a south-facing window, or close to an east- or west-facing window. Avoid placing it somewhere with lots of cold draughts. Banana Plant also loves warmth, so ideally keep it at a temperature between 18 and 27°C. Avoid temperatures below 15°C.

Does Banana Plant need a lot of water?

Yes. Banana Plant needs a lot of water, especially during the growing season (spring and summer), when the plant is growing at full speed. In summer, the plant may even need watering every day! In winter, twice a week is often enough.

• Make sure the potting soil of Banana Plant stays slightly moist at all times.
• Water the plant when the top layer of potting soil feels dry.
• It is better to give small amounts of water more often than a lot all at once.
• Never leave a layer of water sitting at the bottom of the pot, make sure there is good drainage.

More tips for caring for Banana Plant

Caring for a Banana Plant is not difficult. And if you keep the factors below in mind, your Banana Plant will grow and glow like never before!

• Because of its tropical origins, Banana Plant loves high humidity. So mist Banana Plant regularly with water from a spray bottle.
• Feed Banana Plant every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with plant food.
• The leaves of Banana Plant can break or snap relatively easily, so handle this green housemate with care.
• Banana Plant grows quickly, so repot the plant every 1-2 years into a pot that is 20% larger. Use airy, nutrient-rich potting soil.
• Is your Banana Plant getting too big? Remove some of the lower stems so the plant can produce fresh side shoots.
• Gently dust the leaves of Banana Plant every now and then with a damp cloth.
• Plants grow towards the light. Turn Banana Plant occasionally for even growth.

Banana Plant brown leaves: what now?

First check whether you are dealing with brown leaves at the bottom of the Banana Plant or at the top of the Banana Plant. The location of the brown leaves determines what is best to do.

Brown leaves at the bottom of Banana Plant

Don’t worry if the lower leaves of your Banana Plant slowly develop brown edges or turn brown, as this almost always happens and it is normal for the lower, older leaves to die off. Cut completely brown leaves away from the stem so the plant keeps looking fresh. This gives old leaves room to make way for new ones.

Brown leaves at the top of Banana Plant

Are the upper leaves turning brown? Then it may be a sign that your Banana Plant is not getting enough light or water. Low humidity can also cause brown leaves. In that case, change its position and/or watering routine and/or humidity level. Don’t get enough sun at home? During warm, dry summer months, you can place the plant outside every now and then for a short while.

Banana Plant yellow leaves? Here’s how to fix it

Is your Banana Plant getting yellow leaves and/or a yellowish glow? This may mean the plant is getting too much light and/or too much water. A lack of plant food can also be the cause. Check what applies in your situation.

For example, give the Banana Plant less water or water it less frequently (check that the potting soil is not too wet) and/or move the plant further away from the window. Make sure you feed your Banana Plant with plant food once every 2 weeks in spring and summer.

Increasing humidity: how do you do it?

Banana Plant loves a humid environment. Here’s how to increase humidity:

• Place other houseplants around Banana Plant to create an ideal microclimate with a kind of jungle effect.
• Mist the leaves regularly with a spray bottle.
• Place a small bowl of water next to the plant and/or hang water trays on the radiator.

Cutting off the Banana Plant stem: yes or no?

Cutting off the entire stem of Banana Plant is a radical but effective way to give the plant a new lease of life. Often, cutting off the stem is not necessary, because removing brown or dead leaves is enough to give the plant a fresh look again. Sometimes, however, it may be necessary to cut off the stem. This is often the case when the plant has flowered, or if the stem has died due to frost. If this is the case, you can prune the stem back to just above the soil. The root bulb will often produce new shoots on its own afterwards. Always use sharp, clean secateurs when pruning. After this radical pruning, temporarily give the short stem a little less water.

Want to know more about Banana Plant?

Now that you know everything about caring for Banana Plant, you’re probably also curious about other aspects of this exotic plant, such as its symbolism, varieties, origins and how to propagate it. In this plant guide, you’ll discover everything about Banana Plant!