Have you ever considered growing a banana plant indoors? Most people recognize the Cavendish variety found in supermarkets, but bananas come in many types. In tropical regions, these towering plants can reach 20–40 feet (6–12 m), which is not ideal for indoors.
However, you can successfully grow a banana plant indoors by choosing a dwarf variety. These compact options bring the beauty of banana plants into your home without the massive height. Keep reading to learn about indoor banana plant care.
Can You Grow a Banana Tree Indoors?
You can grow a banana plant indoors, but choose a dwarf variety that stays under 10 feet (3 m).
Best Banana Varieties to Grow Indoors
You’re probably most familiar with the Cavendish banana, the classic yellow variety found in supermarkets. It’s a heart-healthy snack and a smoothie favorite. But not all bananas have yellow skin—Blue Java bananas sport a turquoise peel, while red bananas have a deep burgundy hue. In the wild, banana trees can grow 20–40 feet tall, with red or purple flowers that produce the familiar fruit seen in stores.
Best Dwarf Banana Varieties for Indoors
If you’re growing a banana plant indoors, consider your available space. Standard Cavendish bananas grow too tall, so opt for dwarf varieties from the following:
- Dwarf Cavendish (Tropicana): 8–10 feet tall
- Dwarf Red: 6 feet tall
- Veranda: Up to 10 feet tall
These compact varieties make excellent houseplants while still providing a full-sized banana tree’s lush, tropical look.
Indoor Banana Plant Care
Indoor banana plants don’t produce fruits. While it’s still possible, it may take 3–4 years. If conditions aren’t ideal or the variety is purely ornamental, it may never bear fruit.
Like all plants, banana trees need the right balance of light, water, temperature, humidity, and soil. If you can replicate these conditions at home, you’ll enjoy a stunning tropical plant that adds elegance to your space.
Light
Banana plants thrive in bright light. They need 12 or more hours daily, just like in their natural habitat. Replicating this indoors can be challenging, so consider using grow lights to keep your banana tree healthy and thriving.
Water
Banana plants need plenty of water and aren’t drought-hardy. Avoid overwatering but keep the soil consistently moist. If the leaves start to droop, it’s a sign your plant needs water. However, don’t let it sit in a wet saucer, as banana plants dislike soggy roots.
Temperature & Humidity
Growing banana plants indoors can be tricky because they thrive in heat and humidity. They prefer daytime temperatures of 80–89°F (27–32°C) and no lower than 69°F (20°C) at night.
To maintain humidity, place a humidifier nearby, group banana plants with other tropical plants, or mist the leaves daily. These steps help create the warm, moist environment banana plants love.
Soil
Banana plants love water but are prone to root rot, so well-draining soil is essential. To improve drainage, use high-quality potting soil rich in organic matter mixed with perlite. It keeps roots healthy while retaining the moisture the plant needs.
Fertilizer
Banana plants are heavy feeders and need weekly fertilization (spring to fall) during their growing season. Use a liquid fertilizer, but dilute it to half strength to prevent over-fertilization, which can harm the plant.
Problems, Pests & Diseases
Excess moisture can lead to fungal diseases, including anthracnose, wilt, and mosaic virus. Over-fertilization may cause burned leaf tips, so be cautious when feeding.
Outdoor banana plants attract pests like banana weevils, borers, root nematodes, and grasshoppers. For indoors, watch for red spider mites, aphids, scales, and mealybugs, which can damage the plant if left unchecked.
Pruning an Indoor Banana Plant
Pruning is essential for indoor banana care, as it helps your plant look good. Occasionally, prune damaged or unsightly leaves. Due to pests or diseases, leaves may turn yellow or brown, develop holes, or show lesions.
Use sterile shears or a knife to remove dead or diseased leaves, cutting the stalk about an inch from the trunk. Also, remove any suckers emerging from the rhizomes to direct the plant’s energy toward healthy growth.
Propagating Indoor Banana Plant
Your indoor banana plant will likely produce suckers, or “pups,” which grow from the rhizomes near the main stem. You can propagate these by carefully digging up the rhizome and separating the pup with a sharp knife.
Ensure the pup has its roots before transplanting. Let the rhizome dry for 48 hours before planting it in well-draining soil.
