How to Grow and Care for a Banana Tree

Banana trees are one of more than 80 species of flowering plants in the Musa genus. Bananas are huge herbaceous plants with fleshy, upright stalks from which large, oblong, bright green leaves grow. Showy flowers appear typically in the spring, giving way to fleshy, elongated, green or yellow fruit.

No matter the size of your yard or home, there is a type of edible or ornamental banana plant that fits. Bananas also make good houseplants provided they get sufficient light, though they rarely flower or bear fruit indoors. They are generally fast-growing and as garden plants are planted in the spring.

Common Names	Banana tree, plantain tree
Botanical Name	Musa spp.
Family	Musaceae
Plant Type	Perennial, herbaceous
Mature Size	2–30 ft. tall, 1–15 ft. wide
Sun Exposure	Full
Soil Type	Loamy, well-drained
Soil pH	Acidic
Bloom Time	Spring
Hardiness Zones	9–11 (USDA)
Native Area	Asia, Africa, Australia

Banana Tree Tips for Beginners

• Where to Put It: If you're planting your banana tree outdoors, choose a location with full sun to partial shade. If you're planting your tree indoors, choose a spot near a south- or west-facing window for maximum sun exposure.
• How to Water It: Banana trees need to be watered frequently, so make sure to water regularly so the soil stays evenly moist but not soggy.
• Soil Type: Choose a soil that's loamy and well-drained.

Banana Tree Care

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

• If planting 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.

Splitting Banana Tree Leaves

Are the leaves on your banana tree splitting? While some splitting can be normal, a lot of splitting is a sign that your banana tree isn't getting enough humidity. Consider placing some trays full of water around your plant, or invest in a plant humidifier to keep it happy and healthy.

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 rainforest plants that need a lot of water and plenty of moisture in the air. Water regularly to make sure the soil stays evenly moist without getting soggy. Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot.

Planting Multiple Trees

Banana plants do best when planted in groups fairly close together, as this helps to retain moisture in the leaves.

Temperature and Humidity

These plants thrive in warm, humid conditions. Try to keep temperatures consistently between 75°F and 95°F as they don't like temperature extremes. Temperatures below 60°F slow down growth, and frost causes the plants to die back to the ground.

Banana plants thrive in high humidity. To increase the level of humidity, place a plant (or regular) humidifier nearby.

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.

Pruning Tip

Looking for the best pruners for your banana trees? We tested 10 top-rated pruners in our Lab to make sure your plants stay happy and healthy.

Propagating Banana Trees

The best method of propagating banana trees is by 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.

Clean Your Cutting Tools

Plants are highly sensitive to bacteria that are transmitted to the plant via pruning tools, pots, and potting medium. Make sure todisinfect your pruning shears, spades,and containers, and only purchase potting medium from a reputable source.

Potting and Repotting Banana Trees

If your banana tree lives outside, potting it allows you 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.

Pests to Watch

Look out for mealybugs which will look like small, white, and fuzzy globs on the plant's stems and leaves. To remove them, spray some insecticidal soap on all the plant parts and repeat this process biweekly or weekly until the infestation is gone.

From: thespruce