Family: Musaceae
Origin: Southeast Asia

Description:
The banana plant is a fast growing herbaceous perenial, or can be used as an annual in norther climates. Bananas can also be grown sucessfully as houseplants and are limited only to the size of the area you are growing them in. Bananas can range from 3 foot tall (Super Dwarf) to over 25 feet tall (Saba)

Cultivation and care:
Most banana's do best in a full sun location, yet can handle some shade. If you are not as interested in fruit I have noticed many varieties do well in quite a bit of shade outdoors. Pick a protected location so the wind doesn't tear up your banana leaves although the wind is not likely to harm your plant or fruit production. Plant your banana in the rich soil, water and enjoy. Nothing will happen for a while because the first growth will occur under ground. After the banana has set its underground corm to its satisfaction, your tree will start to grow.

As the first stem starts to grow, another stem will appear close to the first stem. Then another, and another ...forever. For best management (especially for fruit) never allow more than three stems ...one large, one medium and one baby stem. Use a sharp knife to cut off all other stems. Cut somewhat below the soil line. You will have to cut off unneeded stems regularly Cutting stems pushes food to the main three stems which you hope will fruit. If you allow more stems, you end up with too much foliage and not enough food for fruiting. Even if you feed super heavily, you will end up with a very congested mass of stems and not much more fruit.

Water often and water deeply. Again, make sure there is good drainage too. Never let your bananas sit in a pool of water. Mulch your bananas thickly...say about 2-3 inches of mulch (for added moisture retention / not cold protection).

As the plant grows, the older leaves will yellow as new leaves appear. You can elect to do nothing and the yellow leaves will shrivel and become re-absorbed into the plant. If you do not like the appearance of yellow leaves, use a sharp knife to cut them off.

Indoors or out banans love heat and humidity. The best temperature range is 55F to 85F. Adding humidity is also encouraged. When the ground has warmed up plant your banana outdoors in a warm sunny location at the same level it was in the container. Bananas prefer a lighly acidic pH about 6-6.5.  Keep your banana moist, mulched and start your fertilizer program about 1-2 weeks after planting. If you live in a cooler climate and are growing your bananas as an annual its best to start them in a container with a high quality potting mix. When the first frost nears in the fall you can remove the small suckers and place them in containers, and then dig up your banana plant and place it in a cool dark area until spring. The banana will stay dormant for the winter.

Bananas are heavy feeders and if you want optimum growth and good fruit your fertilizer program is very important. Inside or out a banana growing in a container will benefit from a slow release fertilizer - feed them potassium and keep the nitrogen content low-ish.. Make sure to check the label for micronutrients. When applying the fertilizer to a containerized banana stay on the lighter side for bananas growing in shady locations, and a little heavier for those growing in full sun.

About a year after planting, your banana will form a flower. Indoors, your banana will be very attractive, but fruit is not likely unless you have a hothouse.

You will want to wash your stem and leaves from time to time to keep them dust free, which usually keeps the bugs away (like mites). Use a mild dish soap with water and a sponge. Be sure to clean the bottom sides of the leaves.