Banana plant
Nymphoides aquatica
Also known as banana lily, banana floatingheart, big floatingheart, Nymphoides lacunosa
FreshwaterBulb / tuberPlantletsRunners
Care at a glance
- Light
- Medium light
- CO2
- No CO₂ needed
- Temperature
- 68–82°F
- 20–28°C
- Max height
- 5.9 in
- 15 cm
- Growth rate
- Medium
- Placement
- Foreground
- Type
- Bulb / tuber
- pH
- 6.0–7.5
- Hardness
- 4–12 dGH
- Spread
- 5.9 in (15 cm)
- Nutrient uptake
- Root + water column
- Growth region
- Submersed or emersed
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Family
- Menyanthaceae
- Origin
- Southeastern United States (Texas to Maryland, especially Florida)
Overview
Banana plant is an easy foreground plant named for the cluster of thick, banana-shaped tubers at its base.
Did you know
The banana-shaped "roots" of banana plant are not roots at all. They are swollen storage tubers.
Caring for banana plant
Push the roots into the substrate and rest the cluster of banana tubers on top, or bury only their bottom third. Burying the tubers fully makes them rot. New roots grow from the stem and anchor the plant on their own.
Banana plant is undemanding and grows without added CO2. It wants medium light, and brighter light speeds its growth. It feeds through its roots and its leaves, so root tabs and a liquid fertilizer both help. Keep it at 68 to 82°F (20 to 28°C).
It grows at a moderate pace. Under strong light it sends long stalks to the surface and forms floating lily pads. Some aquarists trim these back to keep it compact in the foreground.
Small plantlets form on the plant and along its runners. Cut one free once it has a few roots and plant it.
Good to know
Banana plant is a member of the bogbean family Menyanthaceae, not the true water lilies. It also goes by big floatingheart and banana lily. Its actual feeding roots are thin and grow from the stem base. In the wild it bears small white five-petaled flowers at the surface.
In the wild
Banana plant is native to the southeastern United States, from Texas up to Maryland, and is especially common in Florida. It grows in calm, slow-moving rivers, lakes and ponds.
Common questions
Does banana plant need to be planted in the substrate?
Yes, but only partly. Push the roots into the substrate and rest the banana-shaped tubers on top so they don't smother.
Does banana plant need CO2?
No. Banana plant grows well without added CO2.
How much light does banana plant need?
Banana plant wants medium light. A light sold for planted tanks covers it.
Does banana plant need root tabs?
They help. Banana plant takes nutrients through both its roots and its leaves. Root tabs near its roots and a liquid fertilizer cover both.
How do you propagate banana plant?
Banana plant propagates by plantlets and runners. Small plantlets form on the plant and can be detached once they have a few roots. New plants grow along its runners. Cut one free once it has roots and plant it.
How tall does banana plant grow?
Banana plant grows to about 5.9 in (15 cm) tall. It grows at a moderate pace.
