What To Plant Under Banana Trees [8 Awesome Suggestions!]

When it comes to tropical landscaping, few plants are as iconic as the banana tree. With their towering height and lush leaves, banana trees make a bold statement in any garden. But what should you plant under them? Luckily, we did some research to give you ideas.

Bananas are a popular fruit that can be homegrown in your backyard. While a banana tree will grow well in almost any soil, some plants you can plant under a banana tree will help the tree thrive. Here is a list of what to plant under banana trees to get the most out of your harvest!

1. Sweet Potatoes
2. Lemongrass
3. Taro
4. Comfrey
5. Yuca
6. Birds of Paradise
7. Ginger and Turmeric
8. Asparagus

In this blog,  we will explore these eight plants in more detail to better understand how they can benefit your banana tree!

What to Plant under Banana Trees?

Banana trees need a lot of space to grow and produce fruit, so choosing the right plants to accompany them in the garden is important.

Plants that grow under banana trees need to tolerate a lot of shade and be drought-resistant, as bananas require very little water once they are established. Additionally, the plant should not compete with the banana tree for nutrients.

Here are the top eight plants you can plant under your banana tree.

1. Sweet Potatoes

One of the best places to grow sweet potatoes is under banana trees. The banana tree's large leaves provide shade and protection from the hot sun, and the tree's roots help to aerate the soil, which is essential for sweet potato growth.

In addition, the banana tree's trunk helps to support the climbing vines of the sweet potato plants. As a result, growing sweet potatoes under banana trees is an ideal way to maximize space in the garden and produce an abundance of tasty and nutritious vegetables.

2. Lemongrass

The strong scent of lemongrass also helps to deter insects, keeping banana trees healthy and free from pests. In addition, lemongrass is a highly aromatic herb, and the oil from its leaves can be used in many different ways.

As a result, planting lemongrass under banana trees effectively creates a fragrant, pest-free environment that provides plenty of shade.

3. Taro

Taro is a hearty plant that can tolerate shade and partial sun, making it ideal for growing under banana trees. In addition, taro is a drought-tolerant plant, so it doesn't require much watering.

Taro also has edible roots, which makes it a popular food crop. When grown under banana trees, taro benefits from the extra fertilizer the bananas provide. 

4. Comfrey

Comfrey is often used as an herbal remedy and a popular choice for companion planting. When planted under banana trees, comfrey helps improve the soil quality and protects the roots from pests and diseases. The deep-rooting plant also helps to prevent soil erosion and provides a source of nutrients for the banana trees.

In addition, comfrey attracts beneficial insects such as bees and ladybugs, which help to pollinate the flowers and control garden pests. For these reasons, comfrey is an excellent plant to grow under banana trees.

5. Yuca

Yuca, also known as cassava or manioc, is a woody shrub native to South America. The starchy root of the plant is a staple food in many regions of the world, and it is also used to make flour, starch, and alcohol.

While yuca can be grown in various climates, it prefers hot, humid conditions and sandy soil. Banana trees are often found in regions that meet these conditions, making them an ideal host for yucca plants.

Yuca is often grown as a companion plant to bananas, as the two crops share many of the same growing requirements. In addition, yuca provides beneficial shade for banana trees and helps to protect them from wind damage.

As a result, planting yuca under banana trees is a common practice in many tropical regions.

6. Birds of Paradise

In addition to their striking beauty, birds of paradise (Strelitzia spp.) offer many benefits when planted beneath banana trees.

For one, they help to increase pollination by providing a landing pad for bees and other pollinators. They also help to improve the soil quality by adding organic matter and preventing erosion. In addition, birds of paradise can provide valuable ground cover, helping to keep the area beneath the banana trees cool and moist.

As a result, these plants offer a wide range of benefits and should be considered when planning a banana tree planting.

7. Ginger and Turmeric

Planting ginger and turmeric under banana trees is a great way to get the most out of your garden space. Not only do these plants provide essential nutrients for the bananas, but they also help to keep the soil healthy and free from pests.

Ginger and turmeric are both known for their strong antifungal and antibacterial properties, making them ideal for preventing diseases in banana trees. In addition, the roots of these plants help to aerate the soil and encourage drainage, which is essential for healthy banana tree growth.

If you have the space, planting ginger and turmeric under your banana trees is an excellent way to boost your tree's health and yield.

8. Asparagus

Asparagus is a perennial vegetable that is commonly associated with springtime. But did you know that asparagus can also be grown in tropical climates?

Asparagus gets the shade it needs to prosper when planted under banana trees. The asparagus plant's roots help stabilize the soil, preventing erosion and providing valuable nutrients.

As a bonus, the leaves of the asparagus plant act as a living mulch, helping keep the banana tree's roots cool and moist. If you're looking for a unique way to add some greens to your tropical garden, consider planting asparagus beneath your banana trees.

How to Plant Plants under Banana Trees

Bananas are one of the most popular fruits in the world. Not only are they delicious, but they are also packed with nutrients. While banana trees require much care and attention, they can greatly add to any garden. If you're thinking about planting plants under banana trees, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

First, choosing plants that thrive in the shady environment beneath the banana tree is important.

Second, clean the plants regularly, as they will not receive as much moisture from the tree itself.

Lastly, fertilize the plants regularly to ensure they receive all the nutrients they need to grow.

With a little care, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden beneath your banana tree.

What Are the Benefits of Plants Under Banana Trees?

Banana trees are grown in tropical and subtropical regions for their sweet fruits. But then, these fast-growing perennial plants have many other uses.

In addition to providing shade and beauty, plants growing under banana trees play an essential role in the ecosystem's overall health. For example, they help to stabilize the soil, prevent erosion, and provide a habitat for wildlife.

Besides that, they can provide a valuable source of food and shelter for people and animals. Consequently, plants growing under banana trees can profoundly impact the environment and living creatures.

Conclusion

Bananas grow well with plants that have similar water and nutrient needs, so it’s important to choose companion plants that can thrive in the same environment. By planting these complementary plants under your banana tree, you can create an oasis of lush greenery and enjoy even more benefits from your beloved tree!

To get more tips on making your landscape extra stylish, see our posts below:

How To Vacuum Leaves From Rocks

What Ground Cover For Shade Under Rhododendrons?

11 Big Rocks Landscaping Ideas