How to Make Banana Trees Thrive in the House

Choose a banana plant from a local or online nursery. Ask if it is a fruit-producing tree or an ornamental and choose accordingly. If you are in an area below U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 8, purchase a cold hardy variety such as "Ice Cream." Dwarf forms are best for small spaces.

Plant the banana tree in a large, tall container to allow room for root system development. Soil must be well-drained and somewhat acidic for the banana tree to flourish indoors.

Locate the banana plant in a sunny area. Bananas need full sun; 12 hours per day is optimum. For a thriving, indoor banana plant, provide supplemental overhead lighting, such as a double fluorescent light fixture in rooms where 12 hours daily is not possible.

Feed heavily to make the indoor banana flourish. An 8-10-8 NPK, water-soluble fertilizer is suitable. Fertilize monthly and more often, if needed. A deep green leaf color indicates the banana plant is getting enough fertilizer.

Practice good watering habits with the container-grown banana tree. The roots at the bottom of the container are the plant part in need of water. Too much water can cause root rot and create stress. Too little water allows roots to dry out, causing stress. Soil must have appropriate drainage with a saucer underneath that can be emptied to make the plant thrive. Soil should be well-draining but retain moisture. Water when the soil is dry a few inches down, depending on the height of the container.