Care Sheet - Musa “Banana” / Ensete “False Banana”
Musa - “Banana” / Ensete - “False Banana”
Light: Potted banana plants need full sun, with six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day ideally. Place in a south facing window to give it as much light as you can, placing outdoors during the summer is ideal.
Water: Musa need lots of water to keep their large leaves well hydrated. Keep the soil in the container constantly moist, and do not let it dry out more than a few inches below the surface. Despite loving moisture, do not let the plant sit in standing water in the pot's saucer, as that can cause the roots to rot.
Environment: Musa should be planted in a rich, well-draining soil. You can also add a layer of organic mulch over the top of the soil to help it retain moisture and provide additional nutrients for the plant. Winds, cold temperatures and frost can all damage your banana so be sure to never keep it near a drafty window or doorway.
Toxicity: Reported to be non-toxic
Of Note:
- During the summer growing season, you may feed the banana weekly with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer according to the directions on the package.
*When planting in a pot without a drainage hole, avoid over watering by estimating 25% of the container’s overall volume, with appropriate drainage materials incorporated when planting.