If you are unable to grow bananas either because of lack of planting space or cold climate conditions, then opt for growing them in pots. Learn how to grow banana trees in pots in this article. Some banana varieties can withstand temperature drops and grow well in containers too. They are especially popular with the fans of exotic tropical plants in the garden and backyards.
The first question that you may ask certainly is this one:
– Will a banana tree growing in a pot bear fruit?
– The answer is YES, Why Not? It is possible. A banana tree can bear fruits in a pot as prolifically as a banana tree on the ground. Only, it may take up to 3-5 years to fruit if grown from seeds.
About Growing Banana Trees In Pots…
The banana is a fast-growing plant with lush green leaves that can give any place a tropical look and feel. Many varieties of the banana become excellent houseplants that don’t need too much care and grow up as quickly as a beanstalk.
The so-called “dwarf varieties” of banana trees can grow anywhere between 2 – 4 meters, compared with the ordinary banana tree variety that can reach up to 15 meters height.
Growing Banana Trees In Pots In Tropical Climates…
Growing a banana tree in a container in tropical climate is extremely easy since it takes little-to-no care. If you live in USDA Zones 9 to 11, keep your young banana tree in shade in afternoon in summer. All the other requirements are similar to the requirements for temperate zones.
These Are The Varieties You Can Grow In Pots Or Indoors…
These dwarf varieties of banana tree reach only 1.5 – 4 m (4 – 12 feet) which makes them suitable for growing in containers. You can also grow these banana varieties indoors:
- Dwarf Red
- Dwarf Cavendish
- Dwarf Brazilian
- Dwarf Jamaican
- Rajapuri
- Williams Hybrid
- Gran Nain
- Dwarf ‘Lady Finger’
But if you prefer to grow ornamental varieties of banana, check out these ones:
- Ensete ventricosum
- Musa sikkimensis – ‘Red Tiger’
- Musa ornata
Requirements For Growing A Banana Tree In A Pot…
1. Soil…
Growing a banana tree requires a well-drained, sandy soil that is rich in organic matters and compost. So, first buy high quality potting mix for your banana tree. If you are making it at home, make sure to mix sand, perlite and compost or manure.
The banana needs slightly acidic to neutral soil to produce tasty and potassium-rich nutritious bananas. The soil pH should be around 6 – 7. But, if your soil is too alkaline, you should mix it with sulfur to decrease the soil pH value.
2. Watering…
Bananas love good moisture. So, water the banana plant regularly and deeply, but care not to overdo it.
Stick to these requirements:
– Water the banana plant every day in summer.
– It may need watering even twice daily in hot weather or when it is root bound.
– The soil for growing banana plants should be kept uniformly moist ( that is don’t let it dry out and then overwater it!).
– Reduce the plant watering in winter to avoid diseases.
3. Sun Exposure…
It is known that banana trees grow in tropical and subtropical belts of the world and therefore they love full sunlight, heat and humidity. If you are growing a banana tree, you should keep it in a spot that receives sun for the most part of the day, but preferably sheltered from strong wind.
Taking Additional Care Of A Banana Plant In A Pot…
Humidity…
The banana plant ‘prefers’ humidity levels above 50 percent. In order to increase humidity level around the plant, mist the plant and place it on a layer of pebbles in a tray filled with water.
Overwintering The Banana Tree…
Banana plants stop growing when temperature level drops below 10°C (equals 50° Fahrenheit). So, before the onset of winter, do some heavy mulching and pruning of the leaves. Put it in a warm, bright room till the spring.
Fertilizing…
Since the banana is a fast-growing plant, it requires heavy feeding to grow at its full size. Fertilize a young plant when it establishes well with nitrogen-rich fertilizer to help it grow faster. Once your banana tree is in the pot, fertilize it with 15:5:30 fertilizer regularly until it becomes mature enough to produce fruit.
Pests & Diseases…
Bananas are naturally resistant to diseases. Still, when you see the leaves turning brown and drying at the edges it means you are overwatering it. If the leaves turn yellow, it signals that the banana plant is having lack of nutrients.
Some pests that might attack your banana plant are banana aphids, banana weevil and coconut scale. But don’t worry – these pests can be easily repelled using organic pesticides! (Via Diet Of Life)
If you like this idea, be sure to share it with your friends and inspire someone you know. Anything becomes possible with just a little inspiration…
