Banana
Musa spp.
(commonly Musa acuminata hybrids)
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Full sun
High; keep soil consistently moist
Easy to moderate
6–30 ft tall
Details
🪴 Plant Type
Fast‑growing perennial “herb” (not a true tree) with a pseudostem made of overlapping leaf bases
🌍 Native Region
Southeast Asia (tropical and subtropical regions)
📈 Growth Habit
Forms a clumping stand of pseudostems arising from underground rhizomes (“corms”). Produces new shoots (“suckers”) around the parent
📐 Size
Height: 6–30 ft (2–9 m), depending on variety
Spread: 4–8 ft (1.2–2.5 m) per pseudostem
🌸 Bloom Time
In its second year under ideal conditions: large, drooping inflorescences of yellow‑purple bracts; followed by clusters of fleshy “fingers” (bananas)
Care Requirements
☀️ Light
Full sun for at least 6–8 hours daily; some afternoon shade can protect foliage in very hot climates
💧 Water
Keep evenly moist but never waterlogged. Deep waterings 2–3× per week in hot weather. Mulch heavily around corms to retain moisture
🌍 Soil
Rich, deep, well‑draining loam or sandy loam. High in organic matter; pH 5.5–7.0
🌡️ Temperature
Ideal: 75–95°F (24–35°C). Sensitive to frost; keep above 50°F (10°C)
🧪 Fertilizer
Heavy feeder—apply a high‑nitrogen fertilizer (e.g., 8‑10‑8) every 4–6 weeks during active growth. Compost tea or well‑rotted manure also works well
Additional Information
🌱 Propagation Methods
Divide suckers (also called pups or “swords”) that are at least 3 ft tall and have their own roots. Plant at the same depth as the parent corm
🐛 Common Problems
Leaf shredding in wind—protect from strong gusts. Yellowing lower leaves: natural with age or overwatering. Pests: aphids, spider mites, banana weevils. Diseases: Panama disease (Fusarium wilt), black Sigatoka (leaf spot)
🌿 Companion Plants
Underplant with moisture‑loving, low shade growers such as: Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Taro (Colocasia esculenta), Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)
⚠️ Special Notes
Edible fruit on most varieties—but tropical cultivars fruit best in warm, humid zones. Large leaves can be used as eco‑friendly wrapping or mulch. Remove spent pseudostems after fruiting to allow new suckers to mature