DIFFICULTY Easy

A forgiving choice for newer planted tanks.

LIGHT Moderate

Around 9 hours is a useful starting point.

CO₂ Optional

Injection is not normally necessary.

GROWTH Slow

Low trimming needs.

PLANT OVERVIEW

About Banana Plant

A novelty plant with banana-like tubers and heart-shaped leaves.

The Banana Plant stores energy in a cluster of banana-shaped tubers that should sit on the substrate, not buried. It sends up long-stemmed heart-shaped leaves that can reach the surface, and is an easy, fun low-tech novelty that even shrimp appreciate.
Shrimp friendly Nano suitable Low-tech suitable High-tech suitable
CARE PROFILE

What this plant needs.

The useful numbers and practical notes, grouped around how you actually keep the plant.

TANK FIT

Placement + size

Primary placementForeground
Typical height2–8 in
Typical width6 in
Suggested minimum tank20 gal
Suggested tank height14 in+
LIGHT + CO₂

Energy demand

Ideal lightModerate
Photoperiod range8–11 hr
Approx. PAR20–55
Injected CO₂Optional
CO₂ benefitLow
NUTRITION

Where it feeds

Root feedingModerate
Water-column feedingModerate
Overall fertilizer demandModerate
Iron demandModerate
MicronutrientsModerate
WATER

Useful parameter range

Temperature72–82°F
pH6–7.5
GH3–15 dGH
KH2–12 dKH
PLANTING

How to plant it.

Substrate: Rest banana tubers on the surface; do not bury them

Set the banana-like tubers on top of the substrate; burying them causes rot.

GROWTH + PROPAGATION

What to expect after planting.

Propagation

Daughter plants from leaves

Acclimation

May drop emersed leaves and regrow submersed ones after planting.

COMMON PROBLEMS

What usually goes wrong.

Nutrient-hungry; pale or holey leaves signal a lack of root feeding or potassium.