The banana plant (Musa) is a fast-growing houseplant with large, light green leaves. We sell it from around 80 cm to almost 1.5 metres tall; give it plenty of light and water generously in summer.
The collection has three banana plants, all Musa, from 80 to 160 cm tall and priced from €29.95 to €49.95. The smallest one, 80 cm in a ø19 cm pot, sits nicely on a low cabinet or next to a chair. The 140 cm version in a ø27 cm pot is already a sizeable plant that fills a corner by itself. We measure height from the bottom of the pot to the tallest leaf. A banana plant also grows outwards, because the leaves arch away from the stem, so allow some room around it.
Looking for something taller? Browse the large plants from 150 to 200 cm. The Strelitzia also has big, paddle-shaped leaves and is often mistaken for a banana plant.
Light and position
A banana plant needs plenty of light. Put it close to a large window, ideally facing south or west. It copes well with morning and evening sun. With too little light, new leaves come out smaller and floppier. In summer the plant can go outside on a sheltered patio. Let it get used to the outdoors in partial shade for a few days first, or the leaves will scorch. Treat the banana plants in this collection as houseplants and bring them back in before the nights turn cold.
Watering and care
With leaves that size, a banana plant loses a lot of water. Keep the compost lightly moist in spring and summer and water as soon as the top few centimetres feel dry. Make sure no water is left standing in the bottom of the decorative pot. In winter the plant grows more slowly, so water less. From April to September you can add houseplant feed every two weeks. Brown edges are usually caused by dry air or a root ball that has dried out too much. Splits in the leaves are normal for this plant. You will find more tips in the banana plant care guide.
Delivery and pot
Your banana plant comes in a nursery pot, and you choose a decorative pot separately. We ship it upright in a sturdy plant box. In the Netherlands it arrives within 4 to 5 working days, with free delivery in the Netherlands on orders from €99. If anything gets damaged in transit, send us a photo and we will replace the plant free of charge.
Frequently asked questions
Is a banana plant hardy?
Treat the banana plants in this collection as houseplants. They can stand outside in summer, but they should come back indoors before the first cold nights. Some species can overwinter outdoors, such as Musa basjoo, but even those need their roots protected in winter.
How long does a banana plant live?
A banana plant is a perennial. A stem that flowers and fruits dies back afterwards, but new shoots grow from the base. Indoors a banana plant rarely flowers, so one stem can last for years. With enough light and water you will enjoy the same plant for a long time.
Will a banana plant grow bananas indoors?
Almost never. To flower and fruit, a banana plant needs far more light, warmth and space than a living room offers. You buy it for the big, tropical leaves, and with enough light it produces plenty of those, especially in spring and summer.
Why is my banana plant getting brown leaves?
Brown edges usually come from dry air, a root ball that has dried out too far, or too little light. Water regularly and keep the plant away from radiators. It is normal for the oldest leaves at the bottom to turn brown and die off. Cut them away close to the stem.
Is a banana plant toxic to cats and dogs?
The banana plant (Musa) is known to be non-toxic to cats and dogs. All three plants in this collection are marked as pet-friendly on our site. That makes it a good choice for a home with pets that like to nibble on leaves.
How often should I water my banana plant?
A banana plant needs a lot of water. In the growing season you will often water several times a week so the compost stays evenly moist. Never let the top layer dry out completely, but avoid standing water in the pot as well.
Is the banana plant toxic to dogs and cats?
No, the banana plant is not toxic to dogs and cats. It is a pet-friendly plant you can safely keep at home with animals around. Chewing on the leaves can cause a mild upset stomach, simply because of the fibres.
What is the difference between Musa acuminata and Musa basjoo?
Musa acuminata is the classic edible banana plant and has to overwinter indoors. Musa basjoo is a hardy fibre banana that, with a good layer of mulch, survives a Dutch winter planted outside in the ground.
How old can a banana plant get?
A banana plant lives on for a long time, even though the main stem dies back after flowering. It keeps producing new shoots from the roots, so the plant renews itself year after year.
Why are the leaves of my banana plant splitting?
Split leaves on a banana plant are usually completely normal. It happens naturally because of wind and the large leaf surface, and the splits actually protect the plant from wind damage. Brown edges, on the other hand, point to air that is too dry or too little water.
