This unusual plant is native to the southern and southeastern United States and is commonly found in lakes, lake swamps, and slow-moving rivers. The thick tubers are the part of the plant where nutrients are stored. Many beginners confuse the tubers for the plant's roots. However, if you plant the tubers below your substrate, they will soon rot. The roots of the aquarium banana plant actually grow from the plant's stem and appear more root-like. The thin roots grow downward, toward the substrate, and are either white or light green in color.

The leaves of the banana plant are particularly interesting. While it will produce many leaves that remain underwater, the plant will shoot a runner toward the surface of your aquarium. Within about a week, you will have a lily pad sitting on top of your aquarium.