Going Potty For Bananas

Matt Matt | January 29, 2016 | Fruit, Organic Gardening

With the possible extinction of the commercial Cavendish banana in the next decade or so, as the Gros Michel banana almost went extinct before it in the ’50s due to Panama disease, it might be a great project to grow your own bananas at home. The up side to this, is that you aren’t restricted to just one banana, and if you don’t have thousands of acres on a tropical island to grow them, they can be grown in a pot, in your own back garden!

There are a few varieties of banana plants that can be grown in pots or containers, perfect if you live in colder climates, and let’s face it, who wouldn’t want a banana tree in their house, ready to eat fruit a walk away.

“But what about the height of the tree?” There are many dwarf banana trees that can be grown safely in doors, on balconies or on porches, and yes, they do bare fruit! If planted from seeds it may take 3 to 5 years, but they will eventually bare fruit. There are also a few ornamental banana trees (that can also be grown in pots), that produce no fruit, but if you love tropical plants, then these beauties are for you.

If this has kept your interest thus far, read on for a guide on growing your own banana trees at home, in pots or outside, as well as a small list of the dwarf trees you can grow!

Growing Banana Trees in Pots

Banana is a lush green, fast-growing plant that can give any place a tropical look and feel. Many varieties become excellent houseplants that don’t need much care and grow up very quickly.

Dwarf varieties of banana trees can grow anywhere between 2 to 4 meters.

Growing Banana Trees in Pots in Tropics

Growing banana tree in pot in tropical climate is extremely easy, with little to no care banana tree grows in container. If you’re living under USDA Zones 9 to 11, keep your banana tree in shade in afternoon in summer, when plant is young. All the other requirements are similar as given below in the article for temperate zones.

Banana Varieties you can Grow in Pots and Indoors

These dwarf varieties of banana tree restrict up to only 1.5 m to 4 m. (4 to 12 feet) tall and are suitable to grow 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’

Requirements for Growing Banana Trees in Pots

Sun

Banana trees grow in tropical and subtropical parts of the world and therefore they love full sun, heat and humidity. If you’re growing banana tree you should keep it in a spot that receives sun most of the day, but preferably sheltered from wind.

Soil

Growing Banana tree requires well draining soil, sandy soil that is rich in organic matters and compost. Buy good quality potting mix for your banana tree. If you are making it at home make sure to mix sand, perlite and compost or manure.

Banana needs slightly acidic to neutral soil to produce those potassium rich nutritious bananas. The soil pH should be around 6 – 7. If your soil is alkaline mix sulfur to decrease the pH.

Watering

Banana loves moisture. Water it regularly and deeply but care not to overwater. In summer, water it every day. It may needs water even two times a day in hot weather or when it is root bound. Soil for growing banana plants should be kept uniformly moist. Reduce watering in winter.