Nymphoides aquatica, the banana plant, is one of the most distinctive and unusual aquarium plants available. It takes its common name from the cluster of curved, banana-shaped storage tubers at its base — swollen green structures arranged like a bunch of miniature bananas that sit on or just below the substrate surface. From this extraordinary base, the plant produces circular lily-pad-like leaves and can eventually grow floating leaves and small white flowers above the waterline.The banana plant is easy and adaptable. It grows in low to medium light without CO2 injection and tolerates a wide range of water conditions. The banana-shaped tubers are storage organs that must not be buried in substrate — the plant is placed on the substrate surface with roots anchoring naturally over time. It is one of the most frequently conversation-starting aquarium plants there is.Do not bury the banana tubers. Simply place the plant on the substrate surface or rest it gently on a small stone — the roots will anchor naturally within a few weeks. Suited to aquariums of 30 litres and above. The banana cluster also makes this plant a great choice for tanks seen by non-hobbyists who want something genuinely unusual to look at.
