Description
The Banana Plant (Nymphoides aquatica) is an aquatic oddball that aquarists can’t help but love. Its signature banana-shaped tubers rest at the base like a little bunch of fruit, anchoring a rosette of round green leaves that grow upward and sometimes reach the surface like mini lily pads.
Despite its playful appearance, it’s no gimmick—it’s a hardy, beginner-friendly plant that adds charm, shade, and a pop of character to your aquascape. The tubers store nutrients, so it’s resilient even in low-tech tanks.
Care and Planting Directions
Place the tubers directly on top of the substrate—don't bury them completely. Light to moderate flow is fine, and medium to high lighting will encourage lush growth and even surface-reaching leaves. Occasional root tabs will help, but it’s not a heavy feeder. It grows steadily once settled in and may produce delicate yellow flowers in open-top tanks.
Specs
Name: Nymphoides aquatica
Common Name: Banana Plant
Difficulty: Easy
Light: Medium to High
CO₂: Not required
Height: 4–16 inches
Substrate: Not required (set tubers on substrate, do not bury)
Growth Rate: Moderate
Propagation: Offshoots / Runners
Aquarium Placement: Foreground / Midground
