Growing bananas in pots is very easy and accessible to everyone. And the result is spectacular, because even if we do not get large harvests, we have an ornamental shrub with large leaves that spreads tropical air everywhere. Learn how to plant and care for them in this step-by-step article.

Bananas, banana trees, banana plantation

Regardless of whether you live in a tropical climate, you can grow and care for your own potted bananas. If you start growing the regular variety, the banana tree can reach a height of 10 to 15 meters, but if you have a dwarf banana, it will not grow more than 3 meters high.

Banana plant varieties for growing in pots.
These dwarf banana species only grow to 1.5 m to 3 m tall. (4 to 12 feet) tall and suitable for container growing. You can also grow these banana varieties indoors.

red dwarf


Dwarf Cavendish
Brazilian Dwarf
Jamaican Dwarf
Rajapuri
Hybrid Williams
Grand Nain
Dwarf “Lady Finger”
If you want to grow ornamental bananas, check out these varieties:

enset ventrikosum
Musa sikkimensis “Red Tiger”
artistic muse
Soil requirements for growing bananas in pots.
Banana, Bananas, Shrub, Fruit, Leaf, Inflorescences
Banana plants need sandy soil, well-drained, very fertile and rich in organic matter.
Enrich the soil with organic or natural compost.
It is recommended to use high quality commercial pots instead of garden pots.
But don’t buy regular heavy pots, instead opt for cactus or palm plant pots, which are a good choice for container bananas.
To make homemade potting soil, mix equal amounts of sand, perlite or vermiculite and compost or manure.
The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0. To balance pH, use sulfur to lower pH.
The banana plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral to produce aromatic bananas.
Suitable climate for growing bananas in pots.
Banana, Bananas, Shrub, Fruit, Leaf, Inflorescence
Banana plants generally require warm subtropical or tropical climates to thrive. Banana plants can tolerate extreme heat with the right amount of water.
Bananas tolerate cold for a short period of time, but when the temperature drops below 14°C, the tree stops growing.
In cool regions, as temperatures drop, the leaves turn yellow and the fruit skin turns gray.
The banana tree in the pots can die at any time, in winter it is better to take the pots home.
The ideal temperatures for growing bananas in pots are 26°C to 30°C.
Humidity for potted bananas.
The banana tree prefers a humidity of more than 50%. To maintain humidity around the plant, mist the plant and place it in a container filled with water on a layer of pebbles.

The right pot size.

Bananas need a wide, deep container to grow.
Choose a medium-sized container with a hole for growing bananas in containers.
The ideal container size for bananas is 6 to 8 inches deep and 5 inches wide.
Remember that the depth to be created plays a crucial role because the banana roots need a good place to develop.
The container can be made of ceramic, plastic, metal or a wooden pot. The use of clay pots is strongly recommended.
Bananas can be transplanted after 1 to 3 years.
Irrigation.
Banana likes moisture. Water regularly and thoroughly, but be careful not to overwater.
Water every day in summer. In hot weather or root setting, watering may even need to be done twice daily. The soil for growing banana plants should be kept evenly moist. Reduce watering in winter.
Fertilizer.
Use fertilizers rich in magnesium, potassium and nitrogen.
Use a water-soluble fertilizer or sprinkle granular fertilizer on the soil without touching the main stem.
When the young plant is well established, feed it with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to help it grow faster.
Once your potted banana tree is mature enough to produce fruit, fertilize it regularly with NPK fertilizer: .


Plagues and diseases.
Bananas are fairly disease resistant. However, if the leaves turn brown and dry out at the edges, it all means that you are overwatering, and if the leaves turn yellow, the banana tree is lacking nutrients.
Some pests that could infect the banana plant are aphids, banana weevils and coconut mealybugs. These pests are easily controlled with organic pesticides.

Thank you for reading this article. We are sure that from now on you will be able to grow the banana tree that you have dreamed of having at home.