Learn how to grow bananas in pots step by step

ŻYCIOWE HISTORIE

Cultivating bananas in pots is very easy and accessible to everyone. And the result is spectacular because even if we do not achieve large harvests, we will have a decorative shrub with large leaves that spreads a tropical atmosphere everywhere. Learn how to plant and care for them in this step-by-step article.

Bananes, Bananiers, Plantation De Bananes

No matter if you live in a tropical climate, you can grow and care for your own bananas in pots. If you start growing the normal variety, the banana tree can reach a height of 10 to 15 meters, but if you have a dwarf banana, it will not exceed 3 meters in height.

Varieties of banana trees to grow in pots. These dwarf banana species are only 1.5 m to 3 m (4 to 12 feet) tall and suitable for container cultivation. You can also grow these banana varieties indoors.

Banane, Bananes, Bush, Fruits, Feuille, Inflorescences

  • Dwarf Red
  • Dwarf Cavendish
  • Dwarf Brazilian
  • Dwarf Jamaican
  • Rajapuri
  • Williams Hybrid
  • Grand Nain
  • Dwarf “Lady Finger”

If you want to grow ornamental bananas, check out these varieties:

  • Ensete ventricosum
  • Musa sikkimensis “Red Tiger”
  • Ornamental banana

Soil requirements for growing bananas in pots. Banana trees need sandy, well-drained, highly fertile soil rich in organic matter. Enrich the soil with organic or natural compost. It is recommended to use good-quality commercial pots instead of regular garden pots. Choose flower pots for cacti or palm trees, which are an excellent choice for container bananas. To prepare homemade soil, mix equal amounts of sand, perlite or vermiculite, and compost or manure. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0. To balance the pH, use sulfur to lower the pH. The banana tree prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil to produce tasty bananas.

Climate suitable for growing bananas in pots. Banana trees generally need warm subtropical or tropical climates to thrive. Bananas can tolerate extreme heat with a good amount of water. Bananas can withstand cold for a short period, but when the temperature drops below 14°C, the tree stops growing. In cool regions, as temperatures drop, the leaves turn yellow, and the fruit skin becomes gray. Container bananas can die at any time, so it is best to bring the containers inside in winter. The ideal temperatures for growing bananas in pots are 26°C to 30°C.

Banane, Bananes, Bush, Fruits, Feuille, Inflorescences

Humidity for potted bananas. The banana tree prefers humidity of more than 50%. To keep moisture around the plant, spray the plant and place it in a container filled with water on a layer of pebbles.

The right pot size. Bananas need a wide and deep container to grow. Choose a medium-sized container with a hole to grow bananas in containers. The ideal container size for bananas is 6 to 8 inches deep and 5 inches wide. Remember that the depth that will be made plays a crucial role because banana roots need a good place to grow. The container can be ceramic, plastic, metal, or a wooden pot. Using clay pots is highly recommended. Bananas can be transplanted after 1 to 3 years.

Irrigation. Bananas like moisture. Water regularly and deeply, but be careful not to overwater. Water every day in summer. In hot weather or with root attachment, it may even need to be watered twice a day. The soil for growing bananas must be kept consistently moist. Reduce watering in winter.

Fertilizer. Use fertilizers rich in magnesium, potassium, and nitrogen. Use water-soluble fertilizer or sprinkle granular fertilizer on the soil without touching the main stem. Fertilize the young plant, if well established, with nitrogen-rich fertilizer to help it grow faster. Once your potted banana tree is mature enough to produce fruit, fertilize it regularly with NPK fertilizer.

Pests and diseases. Bananas are quite resistant to diseases, even if the leaves turn brown and dry on the edges, all this means you are watering too much, and if the leaves turn yellow, the banana tree lacks nutrients. Some pests that could infect the banana tree are aphids, banana weevils, and coconut scale. These pests can be easily repelled with organic pesticides.

Thank you for reading this article; we are sure that now you will be able to grow the banana tree you have been dreaming of having at home.

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