Everything you need to know about the banana plant

Sadly, the holiday is over and it's time to get back to work. But don't despair: at Green Bubble we have all sorts of tropical houseplants that let you stretch that holiday feeling out a little longer at home. And there's no better way to bring those exotic holiday vibes indoors than with a banana plant. While we can already picture ourselves under the big green leaves of this exotic plant, sunglasses on and cocktail in hand, this green beauty is far more than a decorative addition to the room. Read on and discover eight fun facts about this popular tropical houseplant. Who knows, you might fall for its charms too and soon be enjoying the ultimate tropical holiday feeling, right there at home.

How did it get its name?

Many plant names come from Latin, but not this tropical plant's. The official name of the banana plant, 'Musa', comes from the Arabic word "Mauz". That in turn stems from the word "Muz", which means fruit in Old Persian. Quite a fitting name for this tropical plant. A banana plant is often called a banana tree. It isn't a tree, but the stalks of the Musa overlap to form a false trunk, and that false trunk makes it look like one. With the emphasis on look. It is and remains a tropical plant. Really, the best thing is to simply call the banana plant Musa. Because the banana plant isn't a fruit plant at all. We tend to assume the Musa must be a fruit plant because of its tasty bananas, but nothing could be further from the truth. The banana plant is in fact the largest herbaceous plant in the world!

Origin of the banana plant

For the very first banana plants we have to go a long way back in time. This tropical plant is one of the oldest commercially grown houseplants and dates back to the 6^th century! Back then the first official banana plantation was found in Costa Rica, but today this green beauty can be found all over the world. Everyone wants to enjoy those delicious yellow fruits, after all.

The banana plant

The plant is popular worldwide for its yellow fruit, and bananas really can grow on your own banana plant too. You'll just need a bit of patience, as it can take more than 3 years! One small letdown: the bananas that grow on your own banana tree aren't recommended for eating. Because this tropical houseplant needs a bit of attention, you may end up using chemical pesticides or certain plant foods to keep this green beauty looking its best. As those products are meant purely for the plant and our bodies don't appreciate them, you're better off leaving the bananas hanging as decoration. So sorry, if you're really craving banana in your morning yoghurt or as a snack, you'll still have to pop to the supermarket first. By the way, did you know the banana is the second most eaten fruit in the Netherlands?

What the banana plant is used for

Besides the fact that this trendy plant is so popular around the world for its yellow fruit, its leaves are also highly valued in some countries. In East Asia, for instance, the huge, sturdy leaves are used to cover roofs or to serve food on. A truly multifunctional plant.

Air-purifying effect

We may not use the banana plant to cover our roofs or serve food on, but the decorative leaves of the Musa do have a real function for us too. The large leaves of the banana plant have a strong air-purifying effect. That means the Musa produces extra oxygen and breaks down harmful substances. Did you know that this reduces stress and boosts your productivity and creativity? The ideal colleague for working from home.

The banana plant and your health

The banana plant doesn't only contribute to our health with its air-purifying qualities: the leaves of the Musa also contain a natural antioxidant (EGCG). That means the leaves of this houseplant can soothe an irritated patch of skin, and adding the antioxidant to your food can make for an extra healthy meal. Steaming, baking or grilling the leaf releases the EGCG and gives you that extra healthy meal. Not quite a Gordon Ramsay, or simply think it's a shame to sacrifice your plant? You can also just buy the leaves at a supermarket.

A rugged look

Do you prefer a perfectly flawless houseplant? Then the Musa may not be quite what you're looking for. Character comes with the banana plant: frayed leaves with little tears and kinks. It's a truly lively plant and it wants to show it. A rugged plant that fits perfectly in an industrial-style home.

The banana plant and pets

What's better than enjoying a tropical holiday feeling in your own home? Enjoying that tropical holiday feeling together. And the banana plant happens to be the perfect tropical houseplant for that. The Musa isn't toxic and so isn't harmful to your pet. If your faithful four-legged friend does take a bite, all they'll be left with is a nasty taste in their mouth.

Fallen for the banana plant too?

With its rugged leaves and exotic look, this tropical plant is growing more popular by the day. Have you fallen for the charms of this exotic houseplant too and want to bring that tropical vibe into your home? Then order it easily online at Green Bubble and give it a lovely spot in your home. Swimming trunks on, cocktail at the ready, and working from home has never felt so much like a holiday.