I wasn’t super on board with the banana thing until just recently (are they not the oddest texture, ever?) but ever since I got on board, I can’t NOT have one in my morning smoothie! While I love running to the grocery store to restock on all of my necessary items, I’d love to have bananas accessible all year round! Of course, unless you live in a tropical environment, this is nearly impossible! But, what if I told you you could recreate the tropical environment indoors? Seriously!
Naturally, if you grow a banana in a pot, you will need to choose a dwarf variety. Dwarf banana trees can get to be between 6 and 12 feet tall. Plan accordingly! Pick a variety similar to the Dwarf Red (pictured below), Dwarf Cavendish, or Dwarf Brazilian. These are the varieties that do best when growing in containers! I like to purchase my dwarf banana trees from Plant Express. Click this link for more information!
It will take FOREVER to actually get fruit from a banana tree homegrown from bulb. Purchase one from a local nursery instead, they’ll be more mature, and you’ll see the fruits of your labor much sooner! Plant your tree in a rich organic soil that has tons of natural compost. Keep PH levels around 7 at all times.
Plant your banana in a medium sized container with plenty of adequate drainage. Keep your container in an area of full light. You will have to replace the container as the plant grows bigger, but this will guarantee sweeter fruits! Keep humidity levels above 50%.
As mentioned previously, bananas are a tropical fruit that love an area of full light. Make sure you stick your container in an area that gets at LEAST 6 hours of sunlight per day. You won’t have success with less amount of light!
Bananas should be watered once weekly, but depending on the amount of sunlight, yours may very. Test soil with your finger; if it’s dry below 1 inch, it’s a good idea to water!
Banana trees grow at an insane rate, so fertilizer is needed to accommodate the rapid growth! Fertilize with a 15: 5:30 ratio once monthly.
Over the years, you will need to cut back the branches of your banana tree so it continues to produce fresh, quality fruits. Use this article to help you determine when the trimming back is necessary.
When yellow, these fruits are ready for harvest!
Interested in learning more about container gardening indoors? Read these articles:
12 Plants You Can Grow Indoors This Winter
8 Hacks for Growing Fruit Trees Indoors
How to Create a Mason Jar Herb Garden
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