Banana plant
Nymphoides aquatica
Also known asBanana lily · Big floating heart
Water parameters
Light and nutrients
Substrate type: inert ok. Propagation: plantlets on stems.
Substrate compatibility
| Substrate | pH effect | Nutrient load |
|---|---|---|
| Inert sand (Pool filter sand) | neutral / inert | none |
| Inert gravel (Aquarium gravel) | neutral / inert | none |
| Aquasoil (ADA Amazonia) | lowers pH | very high |
| Mineralized clay substrate (Seachem Fluorite) | neutral / inert | moderate |
With fish
Origin and habitat
Native to the southeastern United States, from Florida through the Gulf Coast states. The species (Nymphoides aquatica) is found in shallow ponds, slow streams, and lake margins. The common name comes from the thick, green, banana-shaped tubers at the base of the plant that store nutrients and anchor it to the substrate. These tubers are not true roots; they're modified leaf structures that serve as energy reserves. The plant produces round, lily-pad-like floating leaves on long petioles (stems) and small white flowers above the water surface. Submerged leaves are smaller and heart-shaped. In aquarium culture, the plant is often sold as a novelty for its unusual tuber appearance.
Outdoor pond use
- USDA zones
- 8–11 (winter low around -12°C or warmer)
Care notes
Place the banana tubers on top of the substrate or lightly press them into it; don't bury them fully. The tubers should remain mostly visible. Roots develop from the base and anchor the plant. Under moderate light, the plant produces submerged heart-shaped leaves. Under strong light or in shallow water, it sends up long petioles to the surface and develops floating lily-pad leaves and eventually flowers. In aquariums, most keepers prefer the submerged form and trim any floating leaves at the petiole base to keep the plant compact. Left unchecked, the floating leaves shade out the tank. Low to moderate light keeps the plant in its submerged form naturally. CO2 is not required; this is a low-tech plant. The tubers contain stored energy, so newly planted banana plants often grow vigorously for the first month even without great conditions, then slow down as the tuber reserves deplete. Long-term health requires moderate light and basic fertilization. Propagation: the plant produces daughter plantlets on runners. The tubers themselves don't divide. A healthy plant in good conditions is moderately paced in growth and undemanding. A good choice for beginners and for adding visual interest to a community tank. Water chemistry tolerance is broad: pH 6.0-7.5, soft to moderately hard water, temperature 20–28°C. Compatible with all fish that don't eat plants. The banana tubers are occasionally nibbled by bottom-dwelling catfish or snails but rarely damaged seriously. An interesting conversation-starter plant that looks different from the typical stem and rosette species in most planted tanks.