Banana plants are a real eye-catcher. Some varieties can even tolerate moderate frost. Here you can find out everything you need to know about the banana plant.
Banana plants (Musa) are a genus of the banana family (Musaceae), which includes around 70 different species. The exotic plants, which were also known as paradise figs in the past, are becoming increasingly popular in our house or even planted out in the garden. But there are a few things to consider when buying, because the demands of the species on their location differ significantly. What they have in common, however, is their love of the sun. We'll tell you what else needs to be considered when caring for the evergreen perennials.
Buying banana plants: what to look out for
Bananas are often advertised as trees, but appearances are deceptive. Like palm trees, the perennials only have a false trunk, which consists of massive non-woody leaf stalks or sheaths. This can reach heights between half a meter and ten meters. However, the differences do not stop at the growth height. The 70 different species of the genus have very different requirements that must be considered when choosing a suitable banana for the house or garden. You should ask yourself these questions before you buy:
- Do you want to plant the plant out or keep it in a container?
- Should the plant overwinter outside or inside?
- How much space do you have for the plant?
When you buy it, be sure to ask about the exact variety. Of course, you should also make sure that the plant makes a he althy impression. For more information to consider when buying banana plants, click here.
Banana Varieties: "Hardy" Banana Plants
As already mentioned, the needs of your banana vary considerably depending on the variety. But that doesn't just mean that you have to think carefully about your choice. The great variety also means that there is a suitable variety for almost every household and taste.
Bananas can easily grow to over ten feet tall. Even the highest ceilings in old buildings are no longer of much use. That's why you meetwith us more and more planted bananas. Since the exotics originally come mainly from tropical to subtropical Asia and the western Pacific region, our weather conditions make most banana varieties very difficult. But there are a few hardy varieties that will sprout again in spring with additional winter protection. The currently most hardy banana varieties belong to the species of Japanese fiber banana (Musa basjoo). Here, several varieties such as 'Nana' and 'Saporro' have improved frost resistance (down to -12°C). They are also called "garden bananas". The varieties are easy to care for and grow up to three meters high. The plants also score with magnificent flowers, large leaves and small ornamental fruits. A few other species are also conditionally hardy, since they come from the Japanese high mountains and are therefore used to occasional snow and light frost. They can be planted out in regions with mild winters with an uncertain outcome. Of course, the appropriate winter protection is also important here.
- Musa sikkimensis
- Musa itinerans
- Musa balbisiana
- Musa cheesmanii
- Musa yunnanensis
Propagate banana plants yourself
Bananas are very easy to propagate yourself. Either to increase their stock or to compensate for losses. Because the banana trees die after a few years.
Sowing Banana Seeds
In their original range, banana flowers are pollinated by hummingbirds and bats. We rarely come across these. But even without pollination, fruits are formed which, as long as they have not been bred away, contain seeds. These commercially available fruits or seeds can be used to propagate exotic perennials. Just do the following:
- Gently roughen the seeds with sandpaper or a file
- Soak seeds in water overnight for up to three days
- Fill small pots with a mixture of peat and sand
- Sow Seeds
- Cover the vessel with a foil cover
- Germination temperature: Over 25°C to max. 30°C
- Always keep the substrate slightly moist
- Germination time: 2 - 4 weeks
It is easiest to raise the seeds in summer. At this time, the required germination temperature can be better ensured. The Black Seedsare lens-shaped to irregularly spherical and vary in size depending on the variety. Varieties that form seeds include:
- Ensete glaucum (snow banana)
- Ensete ventricosum (ornamental banana)
- Musa coccinea (Red Dwarf Banana)
- Musa ornata (ornamental, ornamental or magnificent banana)
- Musa velutina (Pink Dwarf Banana)
- Musella lasiocarpa (Yunnan dwarf banana)
Propagate banana plants via offshoots
Propagation via offshoots is faster than raising from seeds. In the case of the sweet plantain that we all know from the supermarket, the seeds that interfere with consumption were bred away. Such seedless bananas can only be propagated vegetatively. From a botanical point of view, however, the term offshoot is not appropriate here. They are actually runners that sprout from the underground rhizomes. These runners are simply removed and placed in their own pot with soil. Using a sharp knife, cut the baby banana perpendicular to the mother plant. The little plant doesn't just look like its mom, it's also cared for like that.
Plant bananas
Most banana species come from subtropical to tropical latitudes. They are used to warmth and lots of sunlight. You should definitely consider these two aspects when choosing a suitable location. It does not matter whether the plant is to grow indoors or in the garden. Both locations offer both advantages and disadvantages that must be considered when choosing a suitable spot. Choosing the right floor is easier. There aren't many demands made on them: they just need to be loose and permeable to water.
The plants are extremely sensitive to waterlogging, which can quickly become a problem, especially when planting in containers. Otherwise, just about anything is suitable as a substrate, from garden soil to commercial potting soil. However, a slightly loamy soil made of coarse sand and gravel is optimal.
Banana plants in the house
If you want a banana to bring the tropics into your living room, there are a few things to consider. This way you can enjoy your banana plant for a long time:
- Sunny, but no blazing summer sun
- Airy, but no draughts
- Humidity at least 50%
- Temperature at least 15°C; 20°C are optimal
A window seat with a tilt option is ideal. Only in summer does the blazing sun at the window become too intense andcan cause sunburn in plants. However, the plants will thank you anyway if they can spend the summer outside in a sheltered spot. Slowly get the plant used to the sun when moving outside, otherwise there is a risk of sunburn here too. Also keep in mind that bananas cannot really be cut back and can reach extreme heights very quickly, even in a bucket. You can avoid the problem by using varieties that stay small, such as dwarf bananas. However, these are already about two meters tall.
Note: If the banana sheds leaves, it is a clear sign that it is too cold, wet or dark.
Banana plants in a pot: The ideal plant pot
Due to its ability to store water, a clay pot is ideal for your banana plant. It is best to lay a drainage layer of potsherds or gravel at the bottom of the vessel. There should also be a drainage hole, because your banana will quickly wither if it gets waterlogged. Bananas usually grow between three and ten meters high. Where a pot is enough at first, a large planter will soon be necessary.
Planting bananas in the garden: location & procedure
Banana trees are becoming increasingly popular when planted in the garden. The location is:
- As much sun as possible, but no direct sunlight
- Protect from strong winds on all sides
Bananas are mostly part of rainforests in their homeland and rarely stand alone. Young banana plants in particular are sensitive and therefore do not tolerate direct sunlight. Therefore, only put your bananas outside when they are about one meter high. In addition, the flat leaves quickly tear in wind or heavy rain. This slightly frayed look is a defense against adverse weather conditions. In the garden, however, this appearance is usually undesirable, which makes it necessary to look for a nice, sheltered place.
When planting in the garden, make sure you choose a hardy variety. These will sprout again the following year. Bananas that are to be overwintered outside are planted out in August at the latest. Please note the following when planting out:
- Planting hole: 1 m x 1 m, 60 cm deep
- Do not plant the banana too deep and loosen the soil well beforehand
- Banana must have onehave a firm footing
Note: If the banana plant is to be overwintered indoors in winter but you still want to plant the plant outside, we recommend using a root barrier. This makes digging up easier in the fall.
You can find more information about planting banana trees here.
Water and fertilize banana plants properly
Plants grow up to 1 cm per day and produce about 1 leaf per week. Such a vigor needs a correspondingly large amount of nutrients and water. However, too much watering or fertilizing of the banana is not well tolerated. Therefore, there are a few things to consider:
- Watering: Neither too much nor too little; no waterlogging; Never let the soil dry out completely
- Water: as soft as possible and not too cold
- Fertilize: All year round, regularly & in moderation; Spring to Fall: Weekly; Winter: Monthly
Fertilize with liquid fertilizer in the irrigation water. Use an organic fertilizer because bananas are sensitive to over-fertilization. These fertilizers are not available in the soil as quickly as mineral variants and are easier to dose. An excellent choice for your banana tree is our Plantura Organic Citrus & Mediterranean Fertilizer. This is simply administered via the irrigation water and ensures strengthened and he althy roots.
If the perennial is too dry or the humidity is too low, dry and brown leaf edges or spots can form. The following also applies to potted plants:
- Spray regularly with water to ensure the necessary humidity
- Pour from above
Planted specimens are watered heavily several times a week during long periods of drought in summer. Keep in mind that the large leaves represent an enormous evaporation surface and the plants therefore dry out very quickly.
Repot banana plants
Banana trees grow at an impressive rate, so time flies by so quickly until a larger pot is due. It's time for that about every year or two. But don't use a container that is too big. Otherwise it will take too long for your banana to take root and gain the necessary stability in the pot. Note the following:
- It is best to use a clay pot/bucket with a drainage hole
- Lay drainage layer on the ground
- Fill pot with substrate
- Do not plant too deep
- Press the earth properly,so that the banana sits firmly in the bucket
Banana plants have a very short life span. After a few years, the leaves turn yellow, then brown, and finally the plant dies. This time can be used to remove the dying mother plant, separate off any runners that have formed and place them in a new pot. But offshoots do not only appear on the deathbed of your banana tree. Do not let the developing baby bananas get too big, but remove them in good time and give them a home of their own. Plants don't want to live with mum forever either, they want to stand on their own roots. You can find more information about repotting banana plants here.
Successfully overwinter banana plants"
There are only a few hardy varieties that survive the winter when planted in our climate. With these, the part above ground dies off in winter and the plant hibernates in the form of an underground rhizome. But this enduring form also needs nice, warm winter protection. How to successfully overwinter your garden banana and other valuable tips for overwintering can be found here. You can also dig up your banana in autumn, put it in a bucket and store it in a sheltered, frost-free winter quarters. The following applies here: The warmer the plants are, the more light they need. An unheated adjoining room, conservatory or a bright basement are therefore best suited. When it comes to potted bananas that are kept in a heated house, our short winter days often become a problem. When there is a lack of light, they shed their leaves. Unfortunately, even a nice, bright window seat is often not enough. You should therefore think about an additional, artificial light source. The dry heating air also makes things difficult for the exotics. Therefore spray the plants several times a day with a water sprayer.
Pruning banana plants
A cut is not necessary. Unless the fast-growing perennial takes up too much space in the apartment or in the winter quarters. Most banana varieties do well with a slight pruning of the leaves if the wound surfaces are sprinkled with a little ash. Leaves affected by pests or diseases are simply removed entirely. If the plant is completely infested with pests, it should be severely cut back. Here the tribe grows to about twocut back to 3 cm. However, this is only an emergency measure. The banana plant usually sprout again in spring.
Cutting off yellow leaves on banana plants
In autumn, when the days are getting shorter, it is quite normal for a few leaves on your banana to turn yellow. However, yellow leaves in young plants are also a sign of a lack of nutrients, lack of light or drought. Adjust fertilization, lighting or the watering rhythm so that other leaves don't change color. The already discolored leaves will die sooner or later, even under optimal conditions. So that the plant does not unnecessarily invest energy in the leaves, whose fate is already sealed, they are cut off.
Pruning back shoots of banana plants
The shoots are cut back outside before wintering. If necessary, you can also shorten the shoots if the plant has grown too big, but the banana will only sprout again in the following spring.
Did you know that banana skins can be used as fertilizer? You can read about how this works in our special article.