So, you want to know, can you root a banana tree in water?
I’ll hazard a guess that you’re looking to grow an indoor banana tree, and therefore you wish to know about rooting in water.
Will this encourage your banana tree to grow more efficiently?
Or are you asking for trouble with excessive water conditions?
In this article, I’ll explain what you need to know about growing a banana tree, its roots, and its exposure to water.
You should never root a banana tree in water, as this can lead to root rot. When banana tree roots are exposed to excessive water conditions, this decreases the amount of oxygen they receive. Eventually, the roots will rot, decay, and die. Unfortunately, this rot and decay can spread to healthy roots, thereby killing them as well.
1. Can Banana Plants Grow in Water?
Firstly, I think it’s important to state that banana trees are not, in fact, trees; they are plants.
This is because they grow from either suckers or corms.
This also means that you can’t propagate a banana tree/plant from a banana, leaves, stalks, or anything else that isn’t a sucker or corm.
Now, the reason I mention this is that we all know (hopefully) that plants require water to grow.
In fact, if you’re growing a banana plant inside, it will require more water than an outdoor plant.
So, these simple facts may lead you to believe that banana plants can grow in water.
But unfortunately, nothing could be further from the truth.
In fact, the roots of a banana tree/plant are susceptible to root rot.
Basically, if the roots are left for a prolonged period in excessive water conditions, they will come to harm.
Typically, the roots start to rot and decay before eventually dying.
And to make matters worse, a rotting root can spread this decay to healthy roots, which may eventually die.
Basically, if you want to kill off your banana plant before it’s even had a chance to start growing, then expose the roots to excessive water conditions for a prolonged period.
2. Can a Banana Plant Get Too Much Water?
Okay, I may have made it sound as though water is a banana plant’s worst enemy.
However, once more, nothing could be further from the truth.
In fact, bananas love water, and lots of it, but only when applied in the right way.
But yes, banana plants can definitely get too much water.
So, simply overwatering your plants can once more lead to root rot.
Therefore, it’s all about finding that fine line between the perfect amount of water and under or overwatering your banana plants.
It’s actually fairly easy to spot when a banana plant has been underwatered.
You’ll typically notice that the leaves begin to droop and wilt.
You can also check the soil to indicate whether it’s time to water your banana plant or not.
If you find that the top 0.5-1 inch of soil is dry, then it’s time to water that plant.
Additionally, don’t forget that the plant’s large leaves require water just as much as the soil.
Plus, obviously, the warmer the temperature, the more frequently you’ll need to water your banana plant.
Realistically, during warmer weather conditions, you should water your banana plant every 2-3 days.
Plus, the ideal amount of water is typically around 1-1.5 inches per week or 4-6 inches per month.
If you stick to these parameters, you won’t have to worry about root rot or wilting leaves.
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Final Thoughts
So, I hope you understand that it isn’t advisable to root a banana tree in water.
Yes, banana plants and trees love water, although their roots are susceptible to root rot.
Therefore, if you leave the roots sitting directly in water, then it’s likely they will rot, decay, and eventually die.
Furthermore, the decayed roots are also likely to infect healthy roots, thus meaning that these healthy roots could also die.
I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you how bad this will be for your tree in general.
Realistically, you’ll want your banana plant or tree planted in well-aerated soil, which you must keep moist.
Additionally, you should provide your banana plants with approximately 4-6 inches of water on a monthly basis.
If you are keen on growing your own fruit, here’s some advice on what to do if your banana stalk breaks.