Bananas

Taxonomic Name: Musa species and hybrids

Banana Family

Large Herbaceous Plant

Banana plants tolerate winter outdoors in Florida and the West Indies, but in our much more challenging climate, they need the warmth and humidity found only in a home greenhouse or solarium. Even in ideal indoor conditions, banana plants rarely set fruit. Rather, it is the tropical look produced by their huge leaves that is their chief asset.

How to Care for Your Plant:

LIGHT: Bright sunlight is necessary--in a southern or western window.

WATERING: Make sure the soil surface dries between waterings, but water thoroughly very soon thereafter. At least a little water should come out of the pot's bottom drainage holes, but the plant should not stand in saucer water for more than thirty minutes.

FEEDING: Use an all purpose houseplant fertilizer every third watering when the plant is actively growing. Cut back on feeding when the plant appears dormant.

POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Banana plant leaves may develop brown tips or edges if the humidity is too low. Provide extra atmospheric moisture by using a water-filled gravel tray or a room humidifier.