Musa
Banana, Plantain, Manila hemp
- Height × spread
- 1.5m – 3m × 1m – 3.5m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
Bananas are actually giant herbaceous plants that don't have any woody growth. They all develop very large and handsome foliage. Their leaves are very susceptible to wind damage which tatters them, so they need to be positioned in places that provide shelter. There are a number or varieties and these include some comparatively dwarf forms such as Musa velutina that only stands around 1.5 metres high. The 'Dwarf Cavendish' can be as small as 1.4 metres high. There are forms with red or purple flushed foliage, and Musa velutina which delights with its red bananas. The genus Ensete contains another range of bananas. The banana can be brought indoors for the winter, can be wrapped up, or it can be cut to the ground and its base protected so that it can regrow the next year.
- Flower colour
- Orange, Pink, Red, Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green, Red
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Cone, Cube, Fan
- Height
- 1.5m – 3m
- Spread
- 1m – 3.5m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Exotic garden, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are not hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Indoor light
- bright spot, no direct sun
- Indoor temperature
- genus houseplant temperature varies
- Use for
- Architectural
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Indoors
Feed with houseplant food monthly
Give the plant a balanced houseplant feed monthly while in growth.
Where food elements are listed as three numeric values on the label representing in order Nitrogen(N)-Phosphorus(P)-Potassium(K), with percentage values for each, choose one where the values are more or less equal.
Spring-Autumn · Indoors
Water regularly during growth
Water regularly while in growth.
Adopt a regime that means the plants are thoroughly watered every week so that they do not become dessicated. In hot weather watering may need to be more frequent, but less often in cool or moist conditions.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Feed a general fertiliser
Give a general purpose feed two or three times during the growing season, preferably not within a month of its end so the plant isn't encouraged to make fresh young growth.
Where food elements are listed as three numeric values on the label representing in order Nitrogen(N)-Phosphorus(P)-Potassium(K), with percentage values for each, choose one where the values are more or less equal.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Winter
Winter · Indoors
Water sparingly during dormancy
In its dormant period give very little water, keeping the soil barely moist. Dormancy is likely to be during the winter and the plant recommences growth in early to mid spring.
When a plant enters dormancy the leaves fade, go yellow and then brown. Eventually the whole plant may 'disappear' or unadorned stems may remain.
Winter · Planting
Divide plant to maintain size every 5 years
Rhizomes can be divided, or clumps separated, discarding any weak or diseased parts and replanting the remainder. The rhizome sits below the soil.
Planting & general
Compost · Planting
Loam based houseplant compost for repotting
Buy container or house plant compost that is loam based if possible (i.e. is based on John Innes compost number 2 or 3. This contains more fertiliser and is better suited to established plants.
John Innes no. 1 has the lowest level of fertiliser and is used for seedlings and young plants, so is generally used where plants will be 'potted on' after a number of weeks.
Indoor temperature · Planting
Minimum temperatures vary
Plant varieties within this genus have differing requirements for minimum temperature. It is best to look up your specific plant for guidance, and/or check the label.
Indoor plant · Planting
Position in a bright spot, no direct sun
Give this a bright position away from the direct sun, especially direct sun at the height of the day. (Direct sunshine is too hot and can burn the leaves.) Move the plant to a brighter position in the room during winter and early spring.