Not sure how to care for a potted banana tree? It is one of the plants that can give an exotic touch to your home, in addition you can enjoy bananas. Yes, as you have read.
However, in a pot, it needs some care that is sometimes overlooked. For this reason, on this occasion, we are going to give you the keys to everything a potted banana tree will need to be well cared for.
Location
Source: Soler Nurseries and Ornamental Plants
When caring for a potted banana tree, the first thing to consider is definitely where you are going to place it. In fact, it can be put both inside the house and outside. Now okay:
If you place it inside the house, we recommend placing it in an area where there is a lot of light, if it is direct it is even better. The banana tree needs a lot of light; place it in a place where it receives as much light as possible.
If you put it outside the house, can you guess where we recommend? Yes, in full sun. If you see that the summer is too hot, then you can put it in partial shade.
Even so, the banana tree thrives best in full sun, so keep that in mind when it comes to having the ideal location.
Temperature
In addition to location, temperature is also important. We are talking about a tropical, exotic plant, and therefore the temperatures must be warm. Indeed, it is requested that there always be a minimum temperature of 21 degrees. Its ideal varies from 21 to 26 degrees, but the truth is that it tolerates higher temperatures.
Now the same does not happen with the cold. It does not tolerate temperatures dropping below 21 degrees, let alone frost. What to do at that time? If your winters are cold but the summers are not, we advise you to take it outside summer and winter, either to protect it in the garden with a fence or a greenhouse, or to put it at home.
Of course, be very careful with drafts as well as heating or air conditioning, as he doesn’t like either.
To land
To care for a potted banana tree, the substrate you use is one of the most important needs it has. As well as the pot itself.
Let’s start with the latter. You need to provide the banana tree with a large pot. Taller than wide if possible. And it is that the banana trees in pots can easily reach up to two meters, so they will need space.
You will need to transplant it when you see that the pot is getting too small. This is done mainly in spring or fall.
As for the substrate, it is a bit selective about it. It must be given a sandy soil. Also, it likes it to be very loose and drained, so we recommend mixing it with mulch or compost, perlite and sand. Of course, check that the pH is neutral or a little acidic. If you put another type of soil, the most likely is that the plant will get sick.
Irrigation
Irrigation is one of the most important needs that you must meet to the letter. As a tropical plant, it needs water. A lot. Due to its large leaves, the plant consumes a large amount of water and must be constantly replenished to prevent it from becoming ill.
Therefore, in winter you may only need to water it once a week (as long as you keep the soil moist), but in summer it is best to water it daily or even twice. per day if it is too hot.
Now, don’t confuse irrigation and wetting the earth with flooding. Care must be taken not to overwater. It loves water, yes, but if you put too much on it, the roots will rot. This is why the ground must be as drained as possible, to avoid accumulations of water. This includes removing the saucer from under the pot so that no water remains.
Humidity
Apart from watering, it also requires some humidity as the leaves need to be hydrated. So having a humidifier, or even spraying it daily, can help keep the leaves healthy.
If you start to notice them becoming wrinkled or browning, that indicates there is a moisture problem.
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Source: Ama Factory
As you have seen, potted banana substrate is usually very nutritious. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t afford it. But it won’t be the usual way for your other plants.
We explain ourselves. The normal thing is that it is said that in spring and summer it must be paid every 15 or 30 days. But in the case of the potted banana tree, it is not done that way.
You have to pay it, yes, but you only have to do it twice a year. The first should be done with organic fertilizer (the best is worm humus). It must be applied at the end of winter, or before winter, because it serves to nourish the plant and cover its nutritional needs. This way you ensure that the plant is healthy enough so that when the good weather arrives, the plant wakes up and begins its development.
On the other hand, the next fertilizer that you should give him will be before the summer and a mineral fertilizer so that he can strengthen himself and have plenty of energy to develop (and if possible add bananas to it).
Size
Pruning is one part of caring for a lighter potted banana tree. Yes, the plant will grow, and therefore it will lose some leaves. Therefore, it is important that you remove them to prevent them from being a source of infection by pests and diseases.
Plagues and diseases
Aphids, mealybugs and red spider mites are among the pests that have a weakness for banana trees. It must therefore be kept well maintained and, above all, observed at all times. In this plant, prevention is better than treatment when it already has a pest.
In the case of diseases, the main ones are related to lack of sun and excessive watering.
Multiplication
Finally, we come to the reproduction of the banana tree. And in this aspect, the truth is that it is not easy at all. To begin with, banana trees cannot produce seeds that germinate. In other words, the seeds are not viable and they are worth nothing to you.
The only way to reproduce it is by propagation.
Now that you know how to take care of a potted banana tree, would you dare to have a tall plant with huge leaves that can give you delicious bananas?