How to Grow and Care for a Banana Tree

Banana Tree Care

While banana species vary greatly in appearance and size, the main care requirements are very similar:

• If planting it outdoors, select a location in full sun to partial shade (depending on the variety) and sheltered from strong winds, as the leaves are susceptible to damage.
• Prepare your planting site by mixing some fresh compost into the soil.
• Make sure you have enough space for the height and spread of your particular species.
• Maintain adequate soil moisture by watering daily if necessary, especially during hot weather.
• Apply fertilizer monthly throughout the growing season.
• If growing edible bananas harvest the clusters (hands) in the late summer when the fruit is green and plumped up. Cut it off the stalk and place it in a cool, dry space to finish ripening.

Light

Most types of banana plants prefer to grow in full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight on most days. However, the leaves of some varieties scorch easily and the plant will do better in partial shade.

Indoors, place them near a south- or west-facing window for maximum sun exposure.

Soil

These plants love organically rich, deep soil with good drainage and a slightly acidic soil pH between 5.0 and 6.5. They typically have a poor tolerance for salt in the soil.

Water

Banana trees are tropical plants that originated in rainforests, so they need a lot of water and plenty of moisture in the air. They do best when planted in groups fairly close together, as this helps to retain moisture in the leaves.

Water regularly to make sure the soil stays evenly moist but not soggy. Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot.

Temperature and Humidity

These plants thrive in warm, humid conditions, but they don’t like temperature extremes. Even the hardy, cold-tolerant banana tree species prefer consistent temperatures ranging between 75 and 95 degrees F. Temperatures below 60 degrees F slow down the growth and frost causes the plants to die back to the ground.

The plants thrive in high humidity. To increase the level of humidity, mist the leaves daily.

Fertilizer

Banana trees are heavy feeders. Apply a complete fertilizer such as 8-10-8 monthly throughout the growing season, following label instructions. Spread the fertilizer evenly around the plant, making sure that no fertilizer touches the base. Also, mix compost into the soil every year in the spring to increase the level of organic matter.

Fertilize potted banana plants monthly with a fertilizer diluted to half-strength.

Types of Banana Trees

There are roughly 70 species and even more varieties of banana trees, including:

• Musa acuminata: This species reaches around 12 to 20 feet tall and is often grown for its ornamental foliage. Its paddle-shaped leaves grow 6 to 10 inches long. A popular variety for indoor growing is the self-pollinating ‘Dwarf Cavendish’.
• Musa ornata: Commonly referred to as the flowering banana tree, this species is mostly grown for its ornamental value.
• Musa basjoo: Known as the Japanese banana, this species has fairly good cold tolerance. It grows 6 to 14 feet tall.

Pruning

If growing a banana for its fruit, before the banana tree fruits, prune it so there is only one main stem. After it has been growing for six to eight months, leave one sucker (small shoot at the base of the stem). This plant will replace the main stem in the next growing season.

After the fruit is removed, cut the main stem down to 2.5 feet. Remove the rest of the stem after a few weeks, leaving the replacement sucker intact.

Propagating Banana Trees

The best method of propagation is division. Wait until the suckers are at least 12 inches tall and have developed their own roots.

1. Separate the suckers from the rhizome using a sharp spade.
2. Let the surface of the cut rhizome dry for about a day.
3. Replant it in a suitable location or a pot at the same depth as the original plant. Water it immediately and keep it moist.

Potting and Repotting Banana Trees

A benefit to potting your banana tree is that you will be able to bring it indoors to shelter it from cold weather and overwinter it indoors. Banana trees need at least a 15-gallon container for optimal growth. Ensure that the pot has large drainage holes, and use a loose, organically rich potting mix.

Potted banana trees have higher watering and feeding needs, as they will use up what is in their limited soil faster than banana trees in the ground. In addition, they likely won’t reach their maximum size and might not bear fruit. Still, many people grow them for their foliage.

You typically will need to divide and repot container banana trees every three years, separating any suckers from the parent plant.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Owners of banana trees need to stay vigilant of the many pests and diseases that afflict a banana tree. In banana plantations, they are frequently treated with commercial fungicides and pesticides. Potential pests you might find on your outdoor banana plants include:

• Aphids cause curled and shriveled foliage. They also transmit other diseases that affect the fruit production.
• Black banana weevils are one of the most serious banana pests. A sign of these nocturnal root borers is jelly-like sap oozing from the plant.
• Nematodes feed inside the roots, causing the plant and fruit to rot.
• Mealybugs and red spider mites sap the suck from the plant.
• Scarring beetles cause spotting or severe scarring of the fruit skin and young leaves.
• Thrips stain and split the peel of the plant’s fruit.

As for indoor potted banana trees, be on the lookout for root rot, leaf-spot disease, wilt, and powdery mildew.