Banana plant
Nymphoides aquatica
easy careOverview
The banana plant (Nymphoides aquatica) is an unmistakable novelty and a genuinely easy plant, named for the cluster of thick, curved, banana-shaped tubers at its base. Those tubers are energy stores that make the plant remarkably resilient — it can coast on them while it settles in. Above them sit round, heart-shaped submerged leaves, and given the chance it will also float long-stemmed leaves up to the surface. Small, characterful and undemanding, it is a great conversation-piece plant for the front of a low-tech tank.
Planting & placement
The key rule: do not bury the bananas. Rest the tuber cluster on top of the substrate so the “bananas” stay exposed, and let only the thin white roots grow down into the substrate to anchor it — burying the tubers rots them. It stays low (around 10–15 cm of submerged leaves) and suits the foreground or midground. See how to plant aquarium plants for handling it and aquascaping for beginners for placing a small feature plant.
Light, CO2 & ferts
The banana plant is easy and low-tech. Low to medium light is fine; brighter light keeps it more compact and discourages it from racing to the surface, while dim light encourages tall surface stems. It needs no CO2. Because it stores energy in its tubers and feeds through modest roots, it is not demanding, but a light liquid fertilizer — see our best plant fertilizer picks — keeps the leaves green and growth steady.
Propagation & problems
Banana plants propagate by producing daughter plants — new plantlets form on the surface leaves or from the base, and once they have roots you can detach and replant them. You can also cut a surface leaf with its stem and float or plant it to root. The main “problems” are really habits: surface-bound leaves (trim them or add light) and rotted tubers from planting too deep. Keep the bananas on top, give it modest light, and this quirky little plant looks after itself.
Banana plant — frequently asked questions
Should I bury the banana-shaped tubers?
No. The 'bananas' are energy-storing tubers and should sit on top of the substrate, with only the fine roots anchored below. Burying the tubers causes them to rot. Rest them on the surface and let the roots take hold on their own.
Why is my banana plant sending leaves to the surface?
Banana plants naturally grow long-stemmed leaves that float on the surface, especially in lower light. If you prefer the low, round submerged leaves, trim the tall surface stems, and consider a bit more light so it stays compact.
Does a banana plant need CO2 or special care?
No. It is an easy, slow-growing plant that does fine in low to medium light without CO2. It stores energy in its tubers, so it is very forgiving — just keep the tubers unburied and give it a little liquid fertilizer.
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