Why is my Banana Plant sending long stems to the surface?

This is a natural behaviour for the Banana Plant. When it senses it is not getting enough light at the bottom, or if it wishes to flower, it will send leaves up to float on the surface like lily pads. To encourage submerged growth, provide brighter lighting and trim surface-reaching leaves.

How do I plant a Banana Plant in the aquarium?

Gently press only the bottom third or quarter of the banana-shaped tubers into the substrate. The plant will eventually send out thin white roots to anchor itself securely. Never bury the tubers completely, as they will rot.

Why are the tubers on my Banana Plant rotting or turning mushy?

Tuber rot is almost always caused by burying the thick 'bananas' entirely under the substrate. They need to be exposed to the water column. If a tuber is fully mushy, carefully trim it away to prevent the rot from spreading.

Do Banana Plants need CO2 injection?

No, they do not require supplemental CO2 to survive or grow, making them great for low-tech setups. However, adding CO2 and a comprehensive liquid fertiliser will speed up their growth and improve leaf colour.

Can I grow the Banana Plant in a gravel substrate?

Yes, Banana Plants can grow in gravel, sand, or specialized plant soils. Since they should not be deeply buried anyway, the type of substrate matters less than the availability of nutrients in the water column.

FreshwaterPlantsBeginner

Banana Plant

Nymphoides aquatica

The Banana Plant is a distinctive and charming aquatic specimen named for the thick, cluster-like tubers at its base that strongly resemble a bunch of unripe bananas.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 20 – 27 °C
pH range: 6 – 7.2
Hardness: 2 – 12 dGH
Adult size: 10 – 45 cm
Nano tank: 30 litres+
Lifespan: 1 – 3 years
Diet: Photosynthesis and water column nutrients
Water flow: Low to moderate
Preferred setup: Provide a sandy or fine gravel substrate. Do not bury the banana-like tubers completely, as they may rot.

About the Banana Plant

Nymphoides aquatica is a highly unusual but popular plant in the aquarium hobby. Its most famous feature is the cluster of fleshy green tubers that act as nutrient storage organs, allowing the plant to survive through periods of poor conditions. From this base, slender stems rise up, eventually terminating in rounded, heart-shaped leaves that can either stay submerged or float on the surface like miniature lily pads. It is an excellent focal point for the foreground or midground of a planted aquarium.

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Where Banana Plant comes from

Native range

Southeastern United States

Countries / regions

United States

Habitat

Slow-moving rivers, calm lakes, swamps, and ponds with muddy or sandy substrates.

Primarily found in Florida, Georgia, and surrounding southeastern states.

Similar species

Tiger Lotus
Nymphaea zenkeri
Dwarf Aquarium Lily
Nymphaea stellata
Taiwan Lily
Nymphoides sp. 'Taiwan'

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
Small, peaceful fish that will not disturb the delicate leaves or uproot the tubers.
Great
Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
Excellent for keeping the broad leaves and tubers free from algae without damaging the plant itself.
Great
Mystery Snail
Pomacea bridgesii
Large, heavy snails may bulldoze or accidentally uproot lightly planted tubers, and might nibble decaying leaves.
Compatible with caution
Silver Dollar
Metynnis argenteus
Highly herbivorous species that will eagerly consume the leaves and completely destroy the plant.
Not recommended
Common Pleco
Hypostomus plecostomus
Large, clumsy bottom-dwellers that will easily uproot the loosely anchored tubers during their nightly foraging.
Not recommended

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