Do you want to learn how to grow bananas indoors? Are you up for the project? Bananas are a delicious fruit that many enjoy, but some people feel it’s hard to grow them indoors. But what if we told you it is possible? It’s true! You don’t need much space, and it’s a fun project with the kids. You only need a pot, some soil, and a banana plant. This article, “How To Grow Bananas Indoors,” will show you everything you need to know to get started.
Banana Varieties to Grow Indoors
Many banana varieties can be grown indoors for those with a green thumb and a penchant for tropical fruits. While it is certainly not as easy as plucking a banana from the grocery store, the results can be gratifying. These varieties include;
Dwarf Cavendish
As its name suggests, the Dwarf Cavendish is a smaller variety well-suited for growing in containers. It produces sweet, flavorful fruit that is perfect for eating fresh or using recipes.
The Red Banana
The Red Banana plants are slightly larger than the Dwarf Cavendish and have deep red skin. Its flavor is more intense than other varieties, making it a good choice for cooking and baking.
The Ice Cream Banana
If you are looking for an unusual indoor banana variety, consider the Ice Cream Banana. These have yellow skin with light green streaks. They are named for their creamy texture and sweet flavor, which tastes like vanilla ice cream.
No matter which indoor banana variety you choose to grow, you must provide plenty of sunlight and warmth. Bananas are tropical fruits that will not thrive in cold or shade. With proper care, your indoor banana plant will produce delicious fruit you can enjoy all year round.
How to Grow Bananas Indoors
Now that you know which varieties of bananas can be grown indoors, it’s time to learn how to do it. Let’s get started.
Choose the Right Banana Variety
As we mentioned earlier, not all banana varieties are suitable for growing indoors. You’ll need to choose a variety that is smaller in size and can tolerate the limited space of a pot or container. The three varieties we mentioned earlier – Dwarf Cavendish, Red Banana, and Ice Cream Banana – are all excellent choices for indoor growers.
Pick the Right Size Pot
The next step is to choose the right size pot for your indoor banana plant. For example, if you are growing a Dwarf Cavendish, you will need a pot at least 18 inches wide and 18 inches deep. For the Red Banana, you will need a 24 inches wide and 24 inches deep pot. And for the Ice Cream Banana, you will need a 30 inches wide and 30 inches deep pot.
Fill the Pot with Soil
Once you have chosen the right pot, it’s time to fill it with soil. Bananas prefer rich, well-drained soil. You can use a commercial potting mix or make your own by mixing equal parts sand, compost, and peat moss. The suitable soil will determine whether your banana plant thrives or fails, so be sure to choose carefully. Leave space at the top for watering.
Plant the Banana Plant
Now it’s time to plant your banana plant. If starting with a dwarf variety, you must purchase a young plant from a nursery or garden center. After that, you can start with a cutting from an existing plant for the other varieties.
To plant your banana plant, dig a hole in the center of the pot twice the size of the root ball. Then, gently remove the plant from the pot and place it in the hole. Fill in the hole with soil, and firm it around the plant. Ideally, this applies to other plants like pea plants and more.
Water Regularly
Bananas need plenty of water to thrive. Water your indoor banana plants regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy to avoid root rot. Keep an eye on the leaves – if they start to droop, that’s a sign that the plant needs more water.
Fertilize Monthly
Bananas are heavy feeders and will need to be fertilized regularly. Use a balanced fertilizer and apply it monthly according to the package directions. It’s very essential to use high-quality banana plant fertilizer. Make use of Epsom Salt rarely since it can burn the roots.
Provide Plenty of Sunlight
Bananas are tropical plants and need bright light to grow. Place your indoor banana plant in a sunny spot where it will get at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. If you do not have a sunny spot in your home, you can use grow lights to provide the necessary light. Ensure you give good care to a banana.
Give Your Banana Plant Room to Grow
As your banana plant grows, it will need more room. So be sure to repot it into a larger pot every year or two. This will give the roots room to spread and ensure that the plant has enough soil to support its growth and produce fruit.
Also check: How To Grow Parsley Indoors
How to Propagate Indoor Banana Trees
You can propagate an indoor banana through root cuttings or division.
Propagating by Division
For this method, carefully remove the banana plant from its pot and gently pull it apart into two or more pieces. Each piece should have a good root system and at least one shoot. Replant each piece in its pot filled with fresh soil.
Propagating by Root Cuttings
To propagate by rooting cuttings, take a 6-inch cutting from an existing banana plant. The cutting should have at least two leaves and no flowers or fruit. Remove the bottom leaf and dip the cut end in the rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with fresh soil and water well. Keep the soil moist but not soggy and provide plenty of indirect light.
Indoor Banana Plant Temperature and Humidity Requirements
Banana plants prefer warm, humid conditions. The ideal temperature for an indoor banana plant is between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature drops below 50 degrees, the leaves will start to turn brown and die.
To increase humidity, you can mist the leaves of your banana plant with water or place the pot on a tray of pebbles filled with water. Be sure to keep the water level below the bottom of the pot so that the roots are not sitting in water.
You can also use a humidifier to raise the humidity in your home. Just be sure to keep it away from the banana plant to prevent leaf damage.
Wrapping Up
There you have it, a comprehensive guide on how to grow bananas indoors. Following these simple tips, you can enjoy fresh bananas all year. Just be sure to give your plant the care it needs, and you’ll be rewarded with a healthy, nutritious, good-looking houseplant.
