Ever dreamed of creating a tropical paradise in your living room but don’t have space for a massive banana tree? You’re not alone! Many plant lovers crave that distinctive broad-leaved tropical look without dedicating an entire corner to a towering plant.
I’ve experimented with several banana tree lookalikes in my apartment, and found plenty that deliver those island vibes while staying manageable on windowsills and plant stands. Some even fooled my plant-savvy friends into thinking I’d somehow squeezed a banana tree into my modest space.
These 16 indoor plants capture the essence of banana trees—with their dramatic leaves and tropical appeal—while remaining perfectly suited to indoor growing conditions. From miniature varieties to clever imposters, each brings a touch of the tropics without overwhelming your space.
1. Bird Of Paradise
Often mistaken for a banana plant by casual observers, the Bird of Paradise features those same dramatic paddle-shaped leaves that create instant tropical appeal. Unlike its larger outdoor relatives, houseplant varieties stay relatively compact.
The leaves grow in a fan-like pattern rather than spiraling like true banana plants. When mature, they produce stunning bird-shaped flowers that give them their name—though flowering indoors is rare.
Place yours in bright indirect light and maintain moderate humidity. The architectural quality of this plant makes it perfect for statement corners where you might have wanted a banana tree.
2. Canna Lily
Bringing dramatic flair to indoor spaces, canna lilies sport large paddle-shaped leaves reminiscent of banana plants but with added color variation. Some varieties feature stunning striped or burgundy foliage that adds extra visual interest.
Unlike true bananas, cannas produce showy flowers in red, orange, or yellow when given enough light. The compact varieties stay under 3 feet tall, making them suitable for bright indoor spots.
Grow these tropical beauties in rich, moist soil and provide as much light as possible. They’ll reward you with that banana-like foliage plus the bonus of exotic blooms that banana plants rarely produce indoors.
3. Chinese Fan Palm
Looking for something with tropical appeal but more architectural form? Chinese fan palms offer broad, pleated leaves that create that island vibe while remaining relatively compact for indoor growing.
Young plants particularly resemble banana seedlings with their undivided fronds. As they mature, the leaves develop their distinctive fan shape while maintaining that lush, tropical character that makes banana trees so appealing.
These slow-growing palms tolerate average indoor conditions better than many tropical plants. They prefer bright, indirect light but adapt to medium light, making them more versatile than true banana plants for less-than-ideal indoor situations.
4. Alocasia ‘Regal Shields’
Commanding attention with its dramatic foliage, ‘Regal Shields’ features enormous heart-shaped leaves held aloft on sturdy stems. The dark green upper surface contrasts beautifully with burgundy undersides, creating dimension banana plants can’t match.
The upright growth habit mimics the vertical presence of banana trees while staying more manageable at 3-4 feet tall indoors. Each new leaf emerges tightly rolled, unfurling slowly just like banana leaves do.
Keep this statement plant in bright indirect light and maintain higher humidity for best results. The bold leaf size delivers banana-tree drama while the compact form fits comfortably in average-sized rooms.
5. Travelers Palm
Despite its name, this isn’t actually a palm at all—it’s closely related to bird of paradise and bananas! The dramatic fan arrangement of enormous paddle-shaped leaves creates an unmistakable tropical statement that rivals any banana tree.
Indoor specimens typically reach 6-8 feet when mature, making this one of the larger options on our list. The symmetrical leaf arrangement is what sets it apart, with leaves emerging in a flat plane rather than the spiral of banana plants.
Give this beauty as much bright light as possible and consistent moisture. While it’s larger than some alternatives, its striking appearance makes it worth considering for spaces with high ceilings.
6. Calathea Orbifolia
Calathea orbifolia brings banana-like vibes in a much smaller package, perfect for tabletops and shelves. The rounded, striped leaves might be smaller than banana foliage, but their broad, simple shape and tropical appearance capture that same exotic feeling.
Silver-green striping adds visual interest that banana plants can’t match. Unlike the upright growth of banana trees, this beauty stays low and full, rarely exceeding 2-3 feet in height and width.
Thriving in medium indirect light and higher humidity, it’s less demanding of ceiling height and light than true bananas. The distinctive leaf movement—leaves folding up at night and opening during day—adds another fascinating dimension to this tropical lookalike.
7. Philodendron ‘Xanadu’
Creating a lush tropical understory feel, ‘Xanadu’ features deeply lobed leaves that bring banana-like texture without the size issues. The compact growth habit forms a dense, attractive clump rarely exceeding 3 feet in height.
Each glossy green leaf emerges tightly rolled before unfurling to reveal its distinctive shape. While not exact banana mimics, the overall effect creates that same tropical jungle atmosphere that makes banana trees so appealing.
Adaptable to medium light conditions and average humidity, this philodendron is one of the easiest banana alternatives to grow indoors. Its naturally full shape requires minimal maintenance while delivering maximum tropical impact in smaller spaces.
8. Elephant Ear ‘Frydek’
Nicknamed the Green Velvet Alocasia, this stunner features velvety, arrow-shaped leaves with prominent white veins that create dramatic tropical appeal. Though the leaf shape differs from bananas, the size and impact are comparable.
Each leaf can reach 18 inches long when grown in ideal conditions, creating that same sense of lush abundance. The compact growth habit keeps this plant at a manageable 2-3 feet tall indoors.
Position in bright indirect light and maintain higher humidity for best results. The contrasting leaf veins add a designer touch that basic banana plants can’t match, making this a sophisticated alternative for style-conscious plant lovers.
9. Prayer Plant
For smaller spaces where a full-sized banana lookalike won’t fit, prayer plants deliver tropical vibes in a compact package. The broad, patterned leaves create that jungle feel while staying small enough for tabletops and shelves.
The fascinating leaf movements—leaves folding upward at night like hands in prayer—add an interactive element that banana plants don’t offer. Various cultivars feature different patterns, from striking red veins to intricate variegation.
These adaptable plants thrive in medium to bright indirect light and average humidity. Their trailing growth habit makes them perfect for hanging displays or cascading from shelves, bringing banana-inspired tropical flair to even the tiniest spaces.
10. Dieffenbachia ‘Camille’
Sporting creamy-centered, broad leaves that create instant tropical appeal, ‘Camille’ delivers banana-like vibes without excessive height. The upright growth and paddle-shaped foliage mimic the look of young banana plants while staying more manageable.
Unlike the solid green of most banana leaves, the variegated pattern adds visual interest and brightness to indoor spaces. Mature plants typically reach 3-5 feet tall, creating presence without overwhelming average rooms.
Adaptable to medium light conditions and average humidity, this is one of the more forgiving banana alternatives. Just be aware that all parts contain calcium oxalate crystals that can irritate skin and mouths—something to consider in homes with pets or children.
11. Split-Leaf Philodendron
Perhaps the most Instagram-famous plant on our list, the Monstera delivers dramatic tropical impact with its huge, perforated leaves. Young plants start with solid heart-shaped leaves before developing their characteristic splits and holes as they mature.
The broad leaf surface and substantial size (potentially 6+ feet tall indoors) create that same jungle canopy feel that makes banana trees so appealing. The climbing growth habit can be trained up a support or allowed to spread horizontally.
Thriving in bright indirect light with moderate humidity, Monsteras are generally less finicky than true banana plants. Their adaptability to average home conditions makes them perfect for plant lovers seeking low-maintenance tropical drama.
12. Cast Iron Plant
Don’t let the common name fool you—this tough plant brings subtle banana-like elegance to low-light situations where other tropical lookalikes would fail. The long, lance-shaped leaves emerge directly from the soil, creating a fountain-like display reminiscent of young banana plants.
What this plant lacks in exact banana resemblance, it makes up for in adaptability. It thrives in conditions that would kill true tropical plants, tolerating low light, inconsistent watering, and temperature fluctuations.
Growing slowly to about 2 feet tall and wide, it’s perfect for corners where you want tropical texture without maintenance headaches. The deep green, glossy leaves stay attractive year-round with minimal care.
13. Peace Lily
Bringing glossy, lance-shaped leaves and elegant white blooms, peace lilies offer banana-inspired tropical texture with added flowering appeal. The arching foliage creates a fountain-like effect similar to smaller banana varieties.
Unlike true bananas, these adaptable plants thrive in medium to low light conditions, making them suitable for less bright indoor spaces. The classic white “flowers” (actually modified leaves called spathes) emerge periodically throughout the year.
Most varieties stay between 1-4 feet tall, making them appropriate for various indoor locations. Their ability to communicate water needs by drooping (then quickly recovering when watered) makes them particularly beginner-friendly compared to more demanding tropical plants.
14. Heliconia
Closely related to bananas botanically, heliconias bring that authentic tropical look in a more manageable package. The lance-shaped leaves emerge from a central stalk just like banana plants, creating that classic tropical silhouette.
The compact varieties stay under 5 feet indoors, making them suitable for homes with some ceiling clearance. The real showstoppers are the colorful, exotic bracts that appear when the plant blooms—something rarely seen with indoor banana plants.
Provide bright, indirect light and consistent moisture for best results. While not the easiest plant on our list, the authentic banana-family appearance makes the extra care worthwhile for dedicated tropical plant enthusiasts.
15. Never Never Plant
Featuring broad, striped leaves with distinctive yellow variegation, the Never Never Plant brings banana-like tropical flair in a compact form. The paddle-shaped foliage grows in an attractive upright pattern that creates visual impact without excessive height.
Related to prayer plants, this beauty shares their fascinating leaf movements—leaves folding slightly at night and reopening during the day. Most plants stay under 3 feet tall and wide, making them suitable for tabletops and plant stands.
Thriving in medium indirect light with higher humidity, they’re somewhat less demanding than some tropical options. The striking leaf pattern adds designer appeal that solid-green banana leaves can’t match, making this a stylish alternative for contemporary spaces.
16. Banana Croton
With a name that directly references its banana-like appearance, this croton variety features long, slightly curved yellow-green leaves that truly resemble small banana fruits. The distinctive coloration and shape create a whimsical tropical touch unlike anything else on our list.
Unlike the broad leaves of actual banana plants, this croton offers a more interpretive take on the banana theme. Most plants stay under 3 feet tall indoors, making them appropriate for various spaces.
Position in bright, indirect light to maintain the vibrant leaf coloration. Like other crotons, it appreciates consistent moisture and higher humidity. The unique leaf shape makes this a conversation starter for plant enthusiasts looking for something beyond typical tropical foliage.