How do I propagate my banana plant?

The banana plant is a gorgeous eye-catcher for the home, and how lovely is it to see a small banana plant standing next to a big one? Growing cuttings does take the right care, because you propagate a banana plant mainly through its baby plants, also known as pups. If your mother plant doesn't produce pups, getting cuttings of your own becomes a good deal harder. With the right care and attention, though, you can encourage your banana plant to make new baby plants!

What do you need to propagate a banana plant?

Propagating a banana plant from baby plants is not especially difficult, but you do need a few things to hand to make it a success. First of all a banana plant, of course, and then a sharp, clean knife or scissors. Next you need to choose whether the cutting goes into water or into soil. If you put the cutting in water, use a clear glass of lukewarm water if you can. If you go for soil, you need a small pot of your choice with some potting soil.

The banana plant cutting

Propagating from the small, natural offsets that grow on the roots of the banana plant is the easiest way. These offsets grow from the roots of the mother plant and do not form a new plant on their own. It is important to disinfect the knife or scissors properly, because the banana plant is rather sensitive to bacteria. You can then carefully dig the cutting out and slice it away, as low down as possible but above the roots. If the little plant does not have many roots yet, let it develop in water first before you put it in soil. Make sure you cover the mother plant well with potting soil again and that the wound stays properly sealed.

Propagating the banana plant

If your banana plant doesn't make any offsets, propagating it can indeed be tricky, but it is certainly not impossible. Carefully lift the plant out of its pot and gently dig loose the separate shoots that have started to root. Then cut a section of the shoot away without damaging either of the two houseplants. This way you have essentially split the banana plant in two, so it is no longer a small cutting. It is important to treat the wounds on both parts with rooting powder. This helps prevent mould and other infections, which improves the survival chances of both houseplants.

Caring for the cutting

Getting hold of a cutting is one thing, but making sure it develops well takes a little extra attention. The cutting needs a bright spot to grow properly, and the same goes for a larger cutting. In the first few days or weeks the cutting may look a bit limp, which is completely normal. It has been taken out of its original surroundings and its roots have been disturbed. Give the houseplant some time, make sure it gets enough light and water, and it will recover and grow stronger all by itself.