Growing Banana Plants at Home

In short: Grow banana plants from seed: soak the seeds 48 hours, sow 2 cm deep, germination takes about a month at 23-25°C. Indoors the plant flowers at 3 years of age (2 years in a greenhouse) and only once it has 50-60 leaves; fruits follow up to 4 months after flowering, with bunches around 10 kg.

Banana plant (lat. Musa) is one of the oldest and most important crops in the world. Together with bamboo, it shares the distinction of being the most massive herbaceous plant. It also holds second place - along with coffee, bananas are the best-selling crop in the world. Surprisingly, the banana plant is the most commonly grown exotic plant in our homes.

The homeland of the banana plant is southern and southeastern Asia, from where it spread further into tropical and subtropical regions. Around 3000 BC, Alexander the Great's armies brought it to the Mediterranean. In 600 BC, we find the first written mention of bananas in Buddhist texts. Thanks to the Arabs, the banana plant received its name.

It arrived in America probably through colonizers in 1516. In the 19th century, the British were the largest banana growers, establishing banana plantations in their numerous colonies. Currently, the banana plant is distributed throughout all regions of the subtropical and tropical zones. We can find it on plantations up to the 30th degree of latitude on both sides of the equator and up to an altitude of 1000 meters above sea level.

In their native conditions, banana plants grow wild or on plantations and reach heights of 2-10 meters. However, don't expect such height at home. The largest banana producers include Brazil, India, Indonesia, Ecuador, Thailand, Honduras, Colombia, Costa Rica, Venezuela and other countries. Even in our conditions, we grow the banana plant as a decorative houseplant in a pot indoors, in a conservatory, greenhouse, or frost-resistant varieties even in the garden.

Banana plants thrive even in dark apartments

The banana plant, Latin Musa, is a perennial herb (not a tree) with a false trunk on which leaf sheaths are placed. We classify it in the banana family (lat. Musaceae).

We grow it from seeds. The seed coat of banana plants is hard and must be damaged before sowing. Then we place them in warm water for at least 48 hours. We change the water regularly. We plant seeds to a depth of 2cm, they germinate in about 1 month at a constant temperature of 23-25°C.

For growing banana plants, a well-draining substrate enriched with nutrients is suitable. In the first year, we plant the banana plant in a pot with a diameter of 15cm, then during summer we transplant it into a pot with a 25cm diameter, in the second year into a pot with a diameter of at least 35cm.

When the banana plant reaches the desired size, we stop transplanting it and also stop replacing the top layer of its soil. The banana plant likes plenty of light, fresh air, but doesn't tolerate drafts. We place it indoors in south and southeast-facing locations to prevent sunburn of the plant. During the growing season, the banana plant requires abundant watering with settled water and fertilizing once every two weeks.

We typically water the plant in the evening, but we can also divide the watering into twice daily (morning and evening). We can also mist it. Misting is more suitable for some lesser-known species.

If it's a sunny day, no water droplets should remain on its leaves. Unlike other plants, we fertilize the banana plant until late autumn. If we happen to overwater the banana plant, to prevent it from rotting, we let the substrate dry out completely and only mist the banana plant. We resume watering when the plant produces another leaf. From spring to late autumn, the banana plant grows 3-5 new leaves per month.

TIP: During growth, we regularly rotate the banana plant so it remains symmetrical, as it has a tendency to lean in one direction - towards the sun and light.

If the banana plant starts to flower, we no longer move it or rotate it. The banana plant only flowers when it has produced 50-60 leaves and its trunk has thickened. Leaves gradually mature and conversely gradually dry out from the bottom. We continuously remove dry leaves.

Banana plant flowers grow in whorls and typically have a pink color, depending on the species. They open in the evening, when they also emit an intoxicating fragrance. In a greenhouse, the banana plant flowers at 2 years of age, when grown indoors at 3 years of age. If we want to grow a home harvest, we must provide the banana plant with standard conditions - not change its location, ensure even light, temperature and amount of watering. Its fruits are seedless berries that appear up to 4 months after the flowers bloom. After the harvest ripens, the plant is no longer productive, so we can dispose of it and focus on growing other small plants. A bunch of bananas can reach approximately 10kg in indoor conditions.

For overwintering the banana plant, a temperature of 10-20°C is required; some varieties tolerate temperature drops to 0°C, or even temperatures below freezing point. These frost-resistant banana plants can also be grown in the garden, but we must cover them with tarpaulin for the winter to be safe.

During dormancy, we do not water or fertilize the plant. Overwintering the plant depends on its size; the rule is - the larger the banana plant, the greater the probability of successful overwintering.

Well-known banana plant varieties for our homes

The following banana plant varieties are suitable for growing in our regions:

• Pink Velvet Banana (lat. Musa velutina)

This is a dwarf banana species that only grows to a height of 1.2 m. The leaves are fresh green and slightly waxy. The banana flowers are pink to orange. The banana plant has very decorative fruits that grow to approximately 7 cm in size and are pink in color. The fruits are edible and very sweet. This banana species is very cold-tolerant; you can keep it in a cooler hallway where the temperature doesn't drop below 0°C. If properly protected for winter, it can even survive outdoors during the winter months. It's particularly suitable for indoor cultivation.

• Ornamental Banana (lat. Musa ornata)

This is a dwarf, decorative-looking ornamental banana species. It produces beautiful pink flowers with orange stamens and large variegated leaves. This is a less well-known and rare banana species suitable for growing in any interior.

• Abyssinian Banana (lat. Ensete ventricosum)

This banana species is a true botanical curiosity due to its size. Under our conditions, it only grows to a limited size, about 4m. It grows very well and withstands temperature drops to almost zero, making it ideal for cooler hallways or even the garden, from where we move it indoors for winter. Its fruits are ornamental. This is truly a magnificent banana species with light green leaves and a stem colored reddish.

• Darjeeling Banana (lat. Musa sikkimensis)

A banana cultivar that tolerates lower temperatures quite well. Statistics indicate that the lowest temperature this banana species has survived is -23°C. This is a unique banana that we recommend growing in a pot.

• Scarlet Banana (lat. Musa coccinea)

This is a banana species originating from Vietnam and China. It's called the red banana by local inhabitants. The plant can grow to a height of approximately 3m.

• Japanese Fiber Banana (lat. Musa basjoo)

The Japanese fiber banana is suitable for growing in gardens as it's frost-resistant down to -17°C. Before the first frosts, its leaves need to be trimmed and a wrap of dry leaves or straw should be created around the entire plant.

Enjoy Your Own Bananas

Bananas have been part of the human diet from childhood to old age. They're among the most healing and nutritious fruits today. Right after apples, bananas are the second most consumed fruit in the world. We consume them mainly in their raw state, but we must keep in mind that in countries where they're not grown but imported, they're picked while still unripe. They subsequently ripen during transport or in warehouses, which is why they contain fewer vitamins and minerals than in countries where they're a characteristic fruit.

Bananas are supplied in their peel - in other words, in "hygienic packaging" and therefore can practically be eaten anytime and anywhere. A banana is a healthy treat that provides instant energy because it consists of simple sugars. If possible, do not store them in cold temperatures below 13.5°C, as they will turn brown and lose quality. After removing the peel, consume them immediately, or for short-term storage, sprinkle them with lemon juice to prevent browning.

We prepare fruit salads, cakes from bananas or simply consume them fresh or dried. They can be part of beer, liqueurs, or we can make banana milk from them. Banana powder is used in the cosmetics industry. Fibers from banana leaves are utilized in the paper and textile industries. Whole banana leaves are used to make roofing materials, packaging materials, livestock feed, or even wax.

Who Wouldn't Know the Taste of Bananas

Bananas are creamy, sweet, very tasty and healthy fruit. They contain 75% water, 1.3% protein, 22% carbohydrates, 0.3% acids, provitamin A, vitamin B1, B2, B6, vitamin C, and minerals including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, iron, molybdenum, potassium and other elements and substances. Bananas are particularly notable for their high sugar content, making them a caloric bomb.

Also very significant is the amino acid tryptophan found in bananas, which the human body converts into serotonin - a substance responsible for feelings of satisfaction and good mood. 100g of raw banana contains 22 grams of carbohydrates, 0.30g of fat, 1 gram of protein and 2.5g of fiber. Its total energy value is 90kcal or 380KJ.

Effects of Bananas on the Body

Banana fruits also help with various ailments. Thanks to their high iron content, bananas help with anemia, lower blood pressure values, assist with premenstrual syndrome and act as an antacid for heartburn.

Bananas also have a higher fiber content, so they help with stomach problems, diarrheal diseases and stomach ulcers. It's important to remember that green bananas are a natural remedy for constipation, while ripe to brown bananas stop diarrhea. For acute stomach problems, it is recommended to consume 2-3 bananas during the day, preferably blended with a small amount of water.

Furthermore, they help improve concentration, thanks to B vitamins content they calm nerves and reduce stress. During big celebrations involving alcohol consumption, it's advisable to prepare a banana shake flavored with honey for morning nausea and stomach upset. The drink will calm the stomach and balance sugar levels in the body.

Research in the United Kingdom found that when students ate bananas 3 times a day during exam periods, they were more alert and responsive.

An Essential Part of Cosmetics

The ideal moisturizing and regenerating treatment is a banana face mask. It strengthens the skin thanks to its amino acid content, cleanses and tightens pores. If we combine banana with cottage cheese in a face mask, we get an anti-wrinkle mask that not only revitalizes the skin but also gives it a youthful appearance. For the best results, it's recommended to steam your face before applying the mask.

To prepare the mask itself, mash or blend the banana, add 1 tablespoon of sour cream and an egg yolk. Finally, add 2 tablespoons of cottage cheese and mix all ingredients well before applying to the face. Leave the banana mask on for 20 minutes. Then rinse your face thoroughly and pat dry. After the treatment, finish by applying a face cream to your skin.

To achieve or restore naturally shiny-looking hair, you can prepare a moisturizing banana hair mask once a week.

Prepare it by blending a banana with one egg and 4 tablespoons of olive oil. Apply the mixture along the entire length of your hair, then cover your head with plastic wrap and a heated towel. Leave the mask on for 20 minutes and wash your hair with regular shampoo.

Final Advice

The banana plant is a beautiful decorative plant suitable for any interior, richly scenting and refreshing the space. In our conditions, we grow it mainly from seeds in pots indoors. The banana plant thrives in nutritious soil, bright, warm locations, abundant watering and doesn't tolerate drafts. Although the banana plant is quite undemanding and relatively hardy, you'll need a bit of extra effort for your own bananas. The banana plant starts bearing fruit only when it has 50-60 leaves. At that point, it's important not to move it, ensure sufficient light, standard temperature and watering amount. A home banana bunch can reach up to 10kg of fruit!

We usually consume bananas fresh. Their consumption is recommended if you're experiencing hair loss or have chapped lips. To induce good sleep, it's advisable to drink banana milk before bed, which has a relaxing and calming effect. During summer months, when bitten by a mosquito, we can rub the affected area with the inside of a banana peel, which prevents skin irritation, swelling and itching.

Tip for smokers: If you've decided to quit smoking, for example in the new year, don't forget to add bananas to your diet. Due to their potassium, magnesium and vitamins B6 and B12 content, bananas help overcome withdrawal symptoms.