Banana Tree Care

The name banana is applied to both the herbaceous plant and fruits it produces. Banana tree is native to Southeast Asia, though it was first domesticated in Papua New Guinea. Though often termed as tree, banana is actually a not a tree. Today, bananas are grown in several countries mainly for the fruits. A few banana plants are also grown as ornamental plants, especially because of their spirally arranged, beautiful leaves. However, banana plant requires a lot of attention and care.

Plant Description

Banana is a rapidly growing perennial, with a strong and sturdy stem or stalk. The stalk is actually a pseudostem, formed with concentric layers of leaf sheath. This psuedostem emerges from the underground rhizome or corm. The pseudostem can reach a height of about 20 to 25 feet, with spirally arranged leaves. The leaves are broad and can spread up to 60 cm, while reaching a length of about 2.6 meters. In the flowering season, a cluster of flowers can be found in the stalk, that remain covered with purplish bracts. As the fruiting season arrives, banana fruits grow in a hanging cluster, which is termed as a bunch. Soon after fruiting, the stalk dies and the next year, a new stalk grows from the corm.

How to Care for a Banana Tree

The care begins with the selection of a proper site for planting the tree. The tree prefers bright sunlight, though it can also manage to grow well in a partially shaded area. But, it is better to select a place that receives a lot of sunlight to grow banana tree. The next important point is the soil type. A well-drained, sandy soil, rich in organic matter is best for growing banana. Heavy soil, such as potting soil is not ideal for growing banana plant. A soil that can retain enough moisture, but at the same time, does not stay wet for a long time can be considered as the ideal soil for growing this tree. For indoor tree, place the plant in a site that gets enough sunlight.

The tree needs regular watering, but make sure that it does not sit in water. Standing water can rot the root of the tree. The best way is to check the top soil, before watering the banana tree. If the top soil is dried up to half or one inch, then water the plant. When planted in wet and shady places, it would generally require less water than those grown in sunny places. The water requirement of the tree would also be less during the winter days. So, reduce the frequency of watering during the winter. Indoor banana tree would also require lots of water during the growing season. But, again standing water can rot the root. So, ensure proper drainage for the bananas grown in pots. Do not forget to check the soil before watering your indoor banana plant.

As far as fertilization is concerned, fertilizers can be applied throughout the growing season. Generally, a small amount of fertilizer is applied while watering the plant, and then a heavy dose is given once in a month. You can use a balanced fertilizer for your banana plant, but the amount of nitrogen should be reduced at the time of flowering. Banana fruits are very sensitive to sunlight and hence, excessive intense sunlight during the summer days can burn them. So, if you have planted your banana tree in a place that receives lots of sunlight, protect the fruits by covering them with a light cloth.

During the winter, you have to protect your banana tree from the harsh cold. If your place gets light frost, you can wrap or cover the trunk with a blanket. The trees grown in containers can be easily protected from the extreme cold by bringing them indoor, when the temperature falls below 28 degree Fahrenheit, especially during the nighttime.

Apart from being a beautiful plant, banana tree produces fruits, that not only has a delectable taste, but are also known for their nutritional value. So, you can grow these trees, both as ornamental plants, as well as for their delicious fruits.