How to Grow Banana Trees in Texas Step 1. This may seem like a lot, but … When the fruit is green but plumped up, it is cut off the stalk and placed in a cool, dry space. Pay close attention to potassium levels. Banana trees are one of the common trees that come to mind when dreaming of the tropics, but did you know that it is not really a tree? These are very hungry and thirsty plants and you may find it difficult to keep up with the feeding and watering requirements when growing them in pots. Banana plants should also be fertilized. Whatever your reasoning for having a banana tree, you will need to maintain the leaves. Since banana trees are tropical and originate in rain forests, they need a lot of water and plenty of moisture in the air. In summer, a banana plant – especially if outside or in a container – may need water at least every other day. The best method of propagation is division. How to Replant Blown-Down Evergreen Trees, The Banana Tree: Banana Plant Growing Instructions and Care, Home and Garden Ideas: How to Care for Banana Trees in Winter. Remove the rest of the stem in a few weeks, leaving the replacement sucker intact. Fruit colors can be yellow, pink, green, or red. Barbara Gillette is a Master Gardener, Herbalist, beekeeper, and journalist with decades of experience propagating and growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and ornamentals. When temperatures drop, growth slows down, and very cold temperatures cause plants to die back. While the fruit of many species is full of seeds and inedible, cultivars have been created over time that eliminate the large seeds and made the fruit palatable. Mix soil for the banana tree planting using a 5-to-1 ratio of well-draining soil to perlite. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Winterize a small banana tree by digging it up, potting it and bringing it indoors. Taking Care of a Banana Tree Inside Banana plant houseplants require frequent feeding, especially during their active growth in warm weather. Avoid over-watering which can cause root rot. To strike a balance, provide about 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water each week. Don't take this to mean that you let the plant just dry out, it just means that between watering every couple of weeks and our normal winter rains your plant should survive just fine. Banana plants also do best in soils with pH levels between 5.5 and 7.0. During winter, water only once a week. Protect the tree from extremely cold temps by covering it with plastic sheeting. Soil. Since banana trees are tropical and originate in rain forests, they need a lot of water and plenty of moisture in the air. Still, due to its size, it is commonly thought of as a tree. Spread out the roots in the hole and set the banana tree in it. Test the soil to check for dryness by pushing your finger about 1/2 inch deep into the soil. On banana plantations in the tropic the plants must be pruned to the ground after fruiting. Not all forms are edible; some may be tasty but have large seeds making the ratio of edible fruit to seeds very small and not worth the effort. Water the banana tree after planting and every two to three days thereafter. Test the soil to check for dryness by pushing your finger about 1/2 inch deep into the soil. Shovel the remaining soil around the banana tree. After it has been growing for 6 to 8 months, leave one sucker. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. When grown indoors, banana trees grow in full sun or dappled shade. There are a few easy steps to follow in order to properly prune your banana tree. Make sure to plant your banana trees in full sun. , may survive outside as low as Zone 5 if mulched well. However, you need to protect the banana plant from getting too hot to prevent scorching. Water the banana tree after planting and every two to three days thereafter. They thrive at … Slightly acidic soil (5.5 to 6.5 pH) is preferred. A banana likes plenty of water and will not tolerate drought. This will replace the main stem in the next growing season. Banana trees need 12 hours of bright sun a day. Step 2. Salt is not tolerated. Provide a sun shade if you see sun damage on the leaves. Planting: Place your Basjoo Banana plant in a warm, sunny spot that has good protection from high winds. Most types of bananas plants prefer full sun. Cut trees down to the ground with pruning shears to winterize them. In winter, when plants are semi-dormant, you may only need to water once a week or less. Cover the pruned tree with mulch to protect the roots from cold. In fact, indoor banana trees require bright light for about 12 hours or so for most varieties. The seeds of bananas are not fertile. These plants thrive in warmer temperatures (up to 85 F). While some of these trees will give you fruit, some people use them just as decoration. A banana tree will typically need about 12 hours of sunlight per day. Replant when all danger of frost has passed.