When you think of banana plants, sprawling tropical gardens might come to mind — but did you know you can grow many banana varieties right at home, both indoors and outdoors? These fast-growing, large-leafed plants are excellent for adding an exotic, jungle-like vibe to any space. Some produce fruit, while others are prized for their ornamental beauty. With the right care and environment, banana plants can thrive in containers on patios, balconies, or as striking indoor focal points.
Let’s explore 7 types of banana plants perfect for indoor and outdoor growing!
1. Musa acuminata (Dwarf Cavendish Banana)
The Dwarf Cavendish is one of the most popular banana plants for home gardeners. This compact variety reaches 6 to 8 feet outdoors and stays around 3 to 5 feet indoors, making it ideal for containers. It features broad, lush green leaves with occasional purple blotches when young. Known for its sweet, edible bananas, it thrives in full sun, high humidity, and rich, well-draining soil. Indoors, place it near a bright window and mist it regularly for that tropical, rainforest effect.
2. Musa basjoo (Hardy Banana)
Often dubbed the hardiest banana plant, Musa basjoo can survive temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F) with proper winter protection, making it a favorite for temperate outdoor gardens. This fast-growing plant boasts large, bright green leaves and can reach heights of 10 to 14 feet outdoors. While it produces small, inedible fruits in colder regions, it’s prized for its bold, tropical foliage. Indoors, it requires a bright, sunny spot and regular watering to thrive, turning any room into a lush paradise.
3. Musa ornata (Ornamental Banana)
Musa ornata is perfect for gardeners looking to add both beauty and exotic flair to their space. This ornamental species produces striking, colorful flowers in shades of pink or orange, followed by small, inedible fruits. Growing up to 6 to 8 feet outdoors and about 4 feet indoors, it loves warmth, humidity, and bright, indirect sunlight. The broad leaves and dramatic blooms make it an eye-catching centerpiece for patios, conservatories, or sunny living rooms, offering a true tropical showstopper.
4. Ensete ventricosum (Abyssinian Banana)
Often mistaken for a traditional banana, Ensete ventricosum is grown purely for its massive, glossy leaves and bold appearance. This plant can grow 10 to 20 feet outdoors in tropical climates but remains a manageable 5 to 7 feet in containers. Its leaves have a beautiful reddish tint along the midrib, making it a standout in decorative gardens or indoor spaces. While it won’t produce edible fruit, its fast growth and striking size make it a favorite for creating a tropical atmosphere.
5. Musa velutina (Pink Banana)
If you’re after a banana plant with a quirky twist, Musa velutina is for you. This small banana plant grows to around 4 to 6 feet and is famous for its fuzzy, bright pink bananas. The fruit is technically edible but filled with hard seeds, so it’s more of a decorative feature. Its charming pink blooms and compact size make it a favorite for indoor spaces and sheltered outdoor patios. It thrives in bright, indirect light with high humidity and regular watering.
6. Musa zebrina (Blood Banana)
A dramatic and eye-catching variety, Musa zebrina earns its nickname Blood Banana from the striking burgundy spots and streaks on its lush green leaves. This ornamental banana grows to about 6 feet outdoors and 3 to 4 feet indoors, making it perfect for small gardens or bright indoor spaces. While it produces small, inedible fruit, it’s mostly grown for its exotic foliage. It loves warmth, humidity, and rich, well-draining soil — making it a fantastic choice for both tropical gardens and sunny rooms.
7. Musa laterita (Orange Flowering Banana)
Musa laterita is a lesser-known, ornamental banana species with stunning, upright orange-red bracts that bloom beautifully against its wide green leaves. Growing up to 8 feet outdoors and 4 to 5 feet indoors, it brings a splash of vibrant color to patios, greenhouses, or bright living areas. It prefers warm temperatures, high humidity, and regular watering. While its small fruits aren’t typically eaten, its bold, architectural form and unique blooms make it a fantastic feature plant in tropical-inspired settings.
Final Thoughts
Banana plants aren’t just for tropical farms — they make outstanding houseplants and outdoor features, offering bold leaves, exotic flowers, and even quirky fruit. From the edible Dwarf Cavendish to the strikingly ornamental Musa zebrina and charming Musa velutina, there’s a banana plant perfect for every home and garden. With the right care, these lush, tropical beauties can thrive in a variety of environments, adding a refreshing, exotic touch wherever you plant them.
Would you like a care and maintenance guide for these banana varieties next? I’d be happy to prepare that too!