Originally Posted by microfarmer

I suggested those not because they grow easily under low light or humidity, but because they are usually grown in some shade. They'll burn in bright sun. The white areas won't photosynthesize. Plus, they're just cool looking!

Thank you for this input.
I'll think I'll try one in a special area of the family room that is especially 'visable', but not apt to get as much light.

Now the question is are you going to truly go 'arid' and purposely going to withold water from the plant, or will it get regular watering? I'm sure most of us try to supply all the water the plant can handle, the indoor growers probably less so, Jason seems like he's got it going on, but I think you can (with proper soils or water holding crystals/gel, etc.) cut watering down and, maybe, still get a couple of bananas to ripen... Do you want fruit production? If so, then more light, water, and nutrients are going to be required.

No, my intention is not to necessarily withhold water from the indoor trees.
When I spoke of 'arid' I was referring to the RELATIVE HUMIDITY levels of the air surrounding the plant, and that had nothing to do with the actual soil moisture level.
(The separate control of those two factors is one of the FEW advantages of having an indoor environment)

But since you brought up soil... what have you traditionally used soil % wise?
Do you use Perlite and /or the crystals you mentioned?


If they will get regular and deep waterings, and the soil holds water well, you may not have humidity and heat related problems and grow a lovely houseplant. I grew 1/2 a dozen different bananas last winter in my livingroom with no humidity related problems. They were in a very gloomy room with little light. I only watered them once a month, but they were in oversized containers and the soil held water well. Now, my intentions were only to keep them alive, but they grew and looked good. If your oil will deter mites, now you may be on to something. I'll bet an oiled plant looks muy sexy!