How to Pot a Banana Plant

Although it's often mistaken for a tree, bananas actually grow on a plant -- the largest flowering plant in the herb family. Banana plants prefer the heat and humidity of USDA hardiness zones 9 and 10 but some varieties are capable of sustaining the cold winters of zone 5 with proper protection. Even if your climate doesn't favor banana plants, all is not lost. Pot a banana plant and grow it indoors.

8-inch pot
Organic potting soil
Perlite
Humidifier

Instructions

- 1
  Fill an 8-inch pot, 1 inch from the rim, with a combination of organic soil and perlite. A mix of 80 percent organic soil and 20 percent perlite will create an airy planting medium for the banana plant to grow.
- 2
  Plant the banana plant in the center of the pot with the main stem pointing upward. Cover the roots with soil and the bottom 1/2 inch of the rhizome as well. The remainder of the rhizome should be above the soil line along with the main stem.
- 3
  Give the banana plant a deep watering after planting. The water should flow through the soil and out the drainage holes underneath the pot. All future waterings should only commence when the top 1/2-inch layer of soil is dry.
- 4
  Set the banana plant in an indoor area where the sunlight is bright, but filtered. At least 12 hours of sunlight is necessary for the banana rhizome to thrive. Maintain an indoor temperature between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, turning the thermostat down to 67 degrees Fahrenheit in the evening.

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