Musa | Banana Plant

When you buy a banana plant such as Musa Dwarf Cavendish or Musa Acuminata there is no better way to bring the jungle home! Musa's enormous leaves instantly bring a unique character to your home. But buyer beware, the Musa likes mucha light and lots of water. You'll have to be a real good plant parent to make sure your banana plant thrives.

  • Safe for pets and children
  • Repot once every 2 years
  • Fertilize every every other week
  • Bright, direct light
  • Requires frequent watering

About the Banana Plant

Origin

The Banana Plant has been cultivated since the sixth century, making it one of the oldest commercially grown houseplants. The first official banana farm has emerged in Costa Rica, but they originally come from Southeast Asia and Australia. You can now find them all over the world!

Air Purification

The Banana plant is only slightly air purifying. This is quite a surprise given the large leaves that this beauty possesses. Can't have it all!

Toxicity

Fortunately for you, and fido, Musa's are non-toxic.

Caring for a Banana Plant

Watering

This plant is comprised of 80% water, so it's no surprise it enjoys regular watering. Keep the soil consistently moist, watering at least twice a week during summer. Ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot, a common issue. Additionally, mist the leaves once or twice a week for a boost of humidity!

Lighting and Placement

This jungle plant craves sunlight like Cookie Monster craves cookies. Place your Musa by a sunny window, preferably facing south for optimal light exposure. During intense summer months, consider moving it slightly away from the window to prevent sunburn. If it's new to your home, gradually acclimate it to direct sunlight by slowly moving it closer to the window over time.

Nutrition

Feed your Banana Plant a balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks during the growing season, typically from spring to early fall, and apply it to moist soil for best absorption. Avoid fertilizing during winter when growth slows down.

Repotting

Though banana plants grow quick, you'll only want to repot them every two years. Aim for a pot that's about 20% larger to accommodate growth. Avoid repotting more frequently to prevent stress on the plant!

Pruning and Flowering

Musa's tend to get some browning on the bottom set of leaves rather quickly. This doesn't look insta-worthy of course and you can cut these bits away but eventually the entire leaf will have to go. In that case, cut it a few cm from the stem for the best results. When leaves turn yellow-ish, your Musa is getting a little too much light. Place it a bit further from the window and it will recover. Musa banana plants can produce fruit, but it typically requires specific conditions, including adequate sunlight, warmth, and humidity. When these conditions are met, mature banana plants may develop flowers that eventually turn into bananas.

Banana Plant SOS

Illness

Musa's aren't very susceptible to diseases. Give it the odd check-up to make sure there are no bugs or aphids present. You should be fine!

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