Growing Bananas! Part 1 of 2

The Banana comes from the genus Musa. It is available in both large and dwarf varieties. Banana plants can be easily obtained from many sources today. Florists, grocery stores and discount stores often carry Banana plants in addition to many mail order and Internet vendors. All Bananas require lots of water and light to thrive. Brown leaves usually indicate that the plant is lacking in either water or light.

The dwarf varieties are easily grown in containers indoors. Growing Bananas inside presents a special challenge to the grower. Under these conditions it is rare that they will fruit or flower, although not impossible. Most Bananas require two years of being in the exact spot, grown under the exact same conditions before they begin to flower.

Once you decide to try your hand at any of the Musa family purchase a very large pot. Bananas will grow quickly. I have found that using a large pot to start with eliminates the constant need for repotting. The longer the time between moves the better luck you will have of getting fruit. Set the plant in a spot where it will have plenty of room for growth, warmth and receive adequate light.

I prefer to use peat moss as the growing medium for my Banana plants. I feel that peat moss is a better growing medium than most commercial potting soils for Bananas. These are the only plants I would recommend strictly peat moss for growing. I do add a handful of compost from time to time.

When I first decided to grow a Banana I had a greenhouse. I put the Banana in my greenhouse in a large pot with a grow light aimed right at it, which is left on continually. The plant seems to be thriving. It also seems to enjoy the extended hours of light. When I first brought the plant home it was a sickly looking little stick with tons of brown leaves. This condition seemed to continue for a number of weeks until I decided to add the additional light. After that, it seemed to grow by leaps and bounds.

After I moved, I no longer had a greenhouse so the Banana had to come indoors. I put a grow light on it along with positioning it so that it received as much natural sunlight as possible without drafts. The plant has done very well for me under these conditions. You too should be able to grow a Banana indoors.

Go To Page: 1 2

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic