Nymphoides aquatica facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nymphoides aquatica |
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| Scientific classification | |
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Nymphoides
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| Species: |
aquatica
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The banana plant (scientific name: Nymphoides aquatica) is a cool water plant. It grows naturally in the southeastern United States. You can find it from Texas all the way to Maryland. People also call it the banana lily or big floatingheart. It gets its main name, 'banana plant,' from its unique roots. These roots look just like tiny bananas! They are special because they store food for the plant.
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Where Does the Banana Plant Grow?
This plant loves calm, slow-moving rivers and lakes. You can often find it in Florida. It also grows in other southern U.S. states. These include Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia. In the state of Maryland, the banana plant is considered an endangered species. This means it is rare and needs protection there.
What Does the Banana Plant Look Like?
The banana plant has a bunch of thick, banana-shaped roots. These roots are usually close to the leaves. The leaves float near the water's surface. Its rounded leaves have a small notch at the bottom. They look a lot like tiny water lily leaves. These leaves can grow quite a bit in just a week or two.
Colors of the Leaves
The top of the leaves is green. The underside can be a dull purple if the plant gets a lot of light. If there isn't much light, the leaves might be light green or yellow. The plant also grows small white flowers. Each flower has five petals. These flowers grow from under the leaves.
How to Grow Banana Plants
It's pretty cool that you can grow this plant in two ways. You can plant its roots in the soil. Or, you can let it float freely in the water. This plant likes bright light. It also prefers warm, tropical temperatures.
Planting and Care Tips
You can grow new banana plants from "runners." These are like little stems that grow off the main plant. You can also divide the root parts. Even though it's a perennial (meaning it lives for many years), it's best to get new plants every 4 or 5 years. When you plant it, don't bury all of the banana-shaped roots. Leave about a third of them uncovered. In winter or in shady spots, the plant might grow leaves that stay underwater.
Banana Plants in Aquariums
Banana plants are very popular for home aquariums. People often use them as filler plants. They also make great "specimen" plants. This is because of their unique banana-shaped roots. When you put them in an aquarium, bury about one-third of the larger banana roots in the gravel. The plant will also grow normal-looking roots.
Growth in a Fish Tank
The lower leaves can grow 6 to 18 inches tall. Often, the plant will grow a floating lily-like leaf at the water's surface. If the conditions are just right, the plant might even flower in your tank! It doesn't need super bright light, but it does best with good lighting. To make new plants in an aquarium, you can cut off a mature leaf. Then, replant it once new roots start to grow from it.
